Odd Transmission Behavior

[Manhattan]

2006; 197k, last fluid and filter at 180k
Yesterday morning headed out, truck was cold (well as cold as a truck can be in Atlanta in July) and...
- Backed out of the driveway, stopped, shifted to D, pushed the throttle... and went nowhere. Just revs
- I shifted to N then to D and started to go forward... in 2nd or 3rd gear.
- I stopped, shifted back to R, back to D - no delay that time - but still no first gear. Did that four of five times with the same results.
- Next, I shut the truck off, waited 60+ seconds and drove off - in first gear.
- Multiple stops, R to D to R to D, etc. and the trans worked perfectly.
- Today, no issues at all.

So, what are your theories?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Check fluid levels and color.

 

[2001LC]

Did issue clear up by itself or?
Anything found amiss?
Anything done to correct.

 

[Manhattan]

It did.
The guys ACC drove it, checked codes, drained and replaced the filter (not a flush). The codes showed a one-time fault on one solenoid. The diagnosis was "a tiny bit of something made its way through a solenoid... and it's all better now." (knocking on wood) That one event was the only hiccup - ACC couldn't replicate it and it's been behaving since.

 

[2001LC]

Thread 'Alert, Alert, Alert----- Transmission valve body wire housing block! --- Have you looked into yours? Capillary action drawing ATF in!'

Nov 23, 2025

This automatics transmission's (A/T), wire housing block on driver side (LH) of A/T. Which connects to solenoids & temp sensor(s) within A/T case on valve body. Is heavily coated inside with a gray/green GOO. What is this GOO?

Any guesses what thick appearing oil substance is?

Anyone have pictures or can comment on theirs, they care to share here?

Edited 12/14/25:

As you read through this thread. It will become apparent we've ATF capillary actuation issues with: Transmission wire, that come out of A/T case from inside transmission. It's the wire housing, that connects all valve body...

• 2001LC
• Replies: 62
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers