86 auto trans only shifts manually
 

My auto tansmission has to be shifted manually,from first all the way to drive.
It starts off in high gear or drive. The problem comes and goes.One week it will shift on it's own then the next time I have to shift it. One person said it could be an internal leek, another said a solinoid. I wish some had the same problem and figured it out.I'm automatic transmission illiterate. It could be something stupid yet someone could tell me I need a new transmission.Anybody out there know what causes this?
Thanks,Budd
fluid is up,and it doesn't slip.

Does it only do it or most noticeable when lights or acessiores are on?

Shift solenoids. I do not have time right now to explain. Do a search on solenoids. PM me later and I have a diagram

no difference with things on or off.
where are the solinoids, inside the tranny?
where is the modulator?
Anyone?

Drop the pan on the tranny and you will see them on the valve body.

I have the same problem with my 87 PU, did you ever find out what the problem was?

Here is the diagram.. you can test the solenoids with a volt meter...cant remember what they supposed to read..think it is 12 to 15 ohms? One will not read anything if it is bad.


http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/w.../solenoids.jpg

I got the manual if you need more but i'm no tranny expert. I had the same problem with first gear. Afer exausted research and buying the manual i was able to fix mine. Just drop the pan and filter ( go ahead and replace the filter while you are in there). Test the solenoids and replace if needed....

thanks for the reply and picture. I don't know if I'll be doing all that to it.Maybe I'll give it a try.I'm still driving it that way,I think 6 or 8 months or more! Anyway,thanks again.I don't get on here to often,but I will keep you all informed. See Ya,Budd,Tampa,Fl.

I was just redoing the stereo on my 4runner and accidentally disconnected to wires going from the computer to the solenoids so my tranny wasnt shifting either. Just a thought that it could be electrical, have you run any codes yet?