Shifting issue- completely lost

[Ryanc]

94 land cruiser would start in third gear from park unless I back up a foot or two. Changed solenoids (all four) problem went away for two days and is now back. Could the solenoid have failed already? My throttle cable is old and looks bad- could this be the issue? Don’t mind changing the cable was planning on it but weird how the issue stopped and then came back. Shifts completely normal and appropriate in all situations- other than from park to drive. Thank you

 

[voodu3]

I would check the shift lock solenoid and the neutral safety switch before I dropped the pan again. Will it shift manually? If you start out in 1st and then shift it to D does it shift normally?

 

[ppc]

There have been previous threads related to similar problems you could search for. As I recall the cause of the problem was related to corrosion in the neutral start/trans position switch mounted on the transmission or the electrical connector that sits above the starter.

 

[Ryanc]

I would check the shift lock solenoid and the neutral safety switch before I dropped the pan again. Will it shift manually? If you start out in 1st and then shift it to D does it shift normally?

Yes if I put in L then 2 then drive works fine until I put in park again. I will check the shift lock and neutral safety. Thank you

 

[Ryanc]

There have been previous threads related to similar problems you could search for. As I recall the cause of the problem was related to corrosion in the neutral start/trans position switch mounted on the transmission or the electrical connector that sits above the starter.

Thank you I will check those connections.

 

[Ryanc]

Quick question since I am new to this...was I supposed to put anything on the connections between the wire and solenoid like dielectric grease? Would the current / signal be impeded if tranny fluid was in the connection?

 

[ppc]

My "guess", that tranny fluid in the connectors is not going to make your issue return after the short number of days since you replaced the solenoids. As a general method of maintenance, over the long term, cleaning the connectors with a contact cleaner spray and using a small amount dielectric grease to help keep water out of the connection, eliminating corrosion, would be good practice. Dielectric grease is not a good conductor so more is not necessarily better.

One other potential thing to examine in the 93-94 models is the transmission control module that is mounted on the interior firewall above the area of your left foot. If the connector to that module is not firmly seated that could cause your problems.

 

[Ryanc]

My "guess", that tranny fluid in the connectors is not going to make your issue return after the short number of days since you replaced the solenoids. As a general method of maintenance, over the long term, cleaning the connectors with a contact cleaner spray and using a small amount dielectric grease to help keep water out of the connection, eliminating corrosion, would be good practice. Dielectric grease is not a good conductor so more is not necessarily better.

One other potential thing to examine in the 93-94 models is the transmission control module that is mounted on the interior firewall above the area of your left foot. If the connector to that module is not firmly seated that could cause your problems.

Thank you, I checked the other connectors, as suggested by other members, and no change in performance, I will check that location tonight. Thank you