2nd gear, low-range start button solution?

[gotograss]

Hey team, I have a '94 HDJ81 VX w/ the 442. As you know, I'm lacking the 2nd gear low-range start switch. I've read the other threads I could find:
Low range manual gear selection
Seriously delayed 1st-2nd shift in low range only
but they are pretty old posts and they sort of dropped off before there were any solutions realized. I pulled the console to look for an unused pigtail (as suggested by half k cruiser) and didn't find one, unfortunately. Is it possible that there would be something under the dash? I seem to remember seeing a few stray pigtails back there last time. There was also a suggestion of installing a separate switch to the shifting solenoids from the TC but that is where the post ended. Does anyone have suggestions or ideas? I'm spending a lot of time in low-range these days and the 1st->2nd shift is traumatic! It seems like there have been several members with the same problem. Thanks for the help.

 

[IanB]

If you put the shifter in "2", does it not start in 2nd gear? Granted it won't shift up automatically, but it seems like a simple solution to your issue.

 

[gotograss]

No, it will just start in 1st and not go above 2nd if in "2". Thanks.

 

[IanB]

That's weird, my '93 w/ electronic A442 starts in 2nd if the shifter is in the "2" position.

 

[gotograss]

Unfortunately, not mine.

 

[Lumpskie]

Do you have the electronic or full hydraulic 442? I have an A442f and everything is hydraulic. (Maybe that's why you aren't finding a pigtail?) I have the Wholesale Automatics valve body on my trans and, in low gear, I can start in 1st, 2nd or 3rd... fully manual.

 

[gotograss]

It is an A442F...

 

[IanB]

It is an A442F...

Both the fully hydraulic and the electronically controlled versions are called A442F.

Does your '94 have the "ECT" button on the dash, and the O/D on/off button on the shifter? If yes, it's the electronic version. I'd expect a '94 to have the electronic version, same as mine. With the shifter in "2", it starts in 2nd gear, and won't shift up to 3rd unless the shifter is moved to "D".

 

[I Lean]

Both the fully hydraulic and the electronically controlled versions are called A442F.

Does your '94 have the "ECT" button on the dash, and the O/D on/off button on the shifter? If yes, it's the electronic version. I'd expect a '94 to have the electronic version, same as mine. With the shifter in "2", it starts in 2nd gear, and won't shift up to 3rd unless the shifter is moved to "D".

Based on your description, my '93 has the electronic version. It still shifts 1-2 if I have the selector in 2.

 

[ZackR]

Based on your description, my '93 has the electronic version. It still shifts 1-2 if I have the selector in 2.

My 94' is electronic and shifts from 1-2 if the selector is in 2.

 

[-Spike-]

Every '93 and up 80 series I've ever driven or wheeled with (and that's quite a few) has started in 1st gear regardless of the gear selected, unless equipped with the newer 343 transmission and a 2nd gear start button. I can't say for sure about 3fe '91-'92, but I think they are the same.

 

[IanB]

You guys are making me 2nd guess myself, I'll have to double check that mine works like I think it does...might be an HDJ81 specific thing that could be adapted to other trucks?

 

[jonheld]

Every '93 and up 80 series I've ever driven or wheeled with (and that's quite a few) has started in 1st gear regardless of the gear selected, unless equipped with the newer 343 transmission and a 2nd gear start button. I can't say for sure about 3fe '91-'92, but I think they are the same.

The A440F had 2nd gear start if the shifter was in 2. I used it all the time.

 

[-Spike-]

You guys are making me 2nd guess myself, I'll have to double check that mine works like I think it does...might be an HDJ81 specific thing that could be adapted to other trucks?

I've talked to a few 1fz people that swore their truck started in 2nd, until they tried it. I wouldn't be entirely surprised to find one that did start in second, but I'd put it down to something being wrong with it. FWIW I've never known/asked a diesel owner, might be different.

 

[-Spike-]

The A440F had 2nd gear start if the shifter was in 2. I used it all the time.

Not surprising on those antiques.

 

[Cruzerman]

I don't think there is a start in 2nd feature on the A440F. My '93 sure doesn't. Putting the selector on 2 only means it won't shift above 2nd. It still starts in 1st.

 

[ZackR]

I do agree that the 1-2 shift in low is pretty abrupt. For that reason I find myself either keeping it in 1 and going slower or waiting until a smooth spot so I can "control" the shift point by using the throttle.

 

[-Spike-]

I don't think there is a start in 2nd feature on the A440F. My '93 sure doesn't. Putting the selector on 2 only means it won't shift above 2nd. It still starts in 1st.

The A440F was only offered through '92. You probably have an A442F.

Toyota transmissions- Wikipedia

 

[Cruzerman]

Doh! More coffee needed....and better eyes...Yes. I meant the 442.

 

[gotograss]

In one of the threads I mentioned above, half k cruiser said:
"I used to have a link to a Jeep site where a guy installed switches onto his trans solenoids, then he could lock it into 1st or 2nd. The cherokee XJ has a 1-2 selector position rather than 1 and 2, so this was his solution to get around it."
I wonder if there is a way to do something similar. Or even trick the ECT into smoothing out where in the power band the shift from 1->2 happens. In my work, I sometimes spend entire days in low range so I'm hoping there is something to be done. Thanks all.