auto tranny prob.

[raider3.4]

Some times my auto trans doesnt take off in first but in second, and I manualy have to do it but if i turn my car off then bck on it goes back to normal. any one else have this prob.

[TrixTeR]

sort of:

-My car always starts in 2nd no matter what (always skips over 1st).
-4th gear does not engage.

Added note: transgo can go to hell.

[BillyCobin]

Ok, my guess is that it is your 1-2 shift solenoid or it's wiring harness.

Here is what my book says about them:

"The 1-2 and 2-3 shift solenoids (also called A and B solenoids) are identical solenoid devices that control the movement of the 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves. The solenoids are normally open exhaust valves that work in four combinations to shift the transmission into different gears."

"The PCM energizes each solenoid by grounding it through an internal quad driver. This sends current through the coil winding in the solenoid and moves the internal plunger out of the exhaust position. When 'ON', the solenoid redirects fluid to move a shift valve."

"The manual valve can hydraulically override the shift solenoids. Only in the D4 are the shift solenoid states totally determining what gear the transmission is in. In the other manual valve positions, the transmission shifts hydraulically and the shift solenoid states 'catch up' when throttle position and vehicle speed fall into the correct ranges"

So, if you put it into D4 (overdrive), the transmission is controlled based on the electronic signals from the PCM. For some reason the signal isn't getting to the solenoid, the solenoid is clogged, or the solenoid is not working. If you put it into 1st gear manually it works, because you are controlling it hydraulically, independent of the solenoid.

If you really want to fix the problem, a solenoid is like $20 from a dealership, and a wire harness is probably about $30. Otherwise you can just live with it, doesn't sound like it is damaging anything.