I posted a while back about a check engine light relating to a bad Shift Solenoid which was answered very well (Thanks Goat & Others).

I only recently ordered the solenoids and actually just replaced them yesterday. After installing them I noticed the light was still on. I pulled the ground from the battery for 5 mins and reconnected it, which reset the computer and now the light is off again.

Sounds good so far..

However I noticed, both last night and again this morning that the transmission has trouble finding 1st gear.

I think that I might have let it go for too long before fixing it and now it's used to not having 1st.

Basically, when I come to a stop it takes a second or two for the tranny to drop back into 1st, if I use the gas too soon it acts like it is in Neutral but will eventually catch. (same thing happens when I put it in Reverse).

I wanted to know if anyone has experienced this, if there is an easy fix, or if I am just due to visit a transmission shop and open my wallet.

Any suggestions or ideas would be appreicated.

 

Are you sure you have the ATF level correct?

 

I can double check it. After changing the Filter and installing the new Solenoids I added 2quarts of fluid, the fluid levels looked okay after I ran it for a few minutes, but they might have lowered after driving it in this morning.

Does this sound like something that could be caused by not having enough fluid?

 

Yes, low fluid could do that. You are probably about 2-3 quarts low if you only added 2 quarts after dropping the pan.

You need to check the level with the engine running, in park (and warmed up good) after shifting through all the gear selections.

 

I just re-checked the fluid and it was low, only covered about an inch on the dipstick.

I added another quart and took it for a quick spin around the parking lot, stopping and pulling out to test it. it seemed to be alot more responsive. I will keep an eye on it on my way home and check the fluid again after a run on the highway.

I will let you know how it goes.

Hey thanks again Dale, you've been a great help, and I really appreciate it!

-Kris

 

I get 5 qts when I drop my pan and change the filter. The owner's manual say it's like 2.2 qts or something but it is a typo, everyone takes at least 4. Like mt goat said, that's probably the issue your having with 1st gear.

 

Great, glad to help. Good luck

 

X2, it sounds like you need more fluid in there.
Remember: to get an accurate reading from the transmission dipstick, the engine
needs to be running and the transmission warmed up. It takes one pint of atf
to raise the level from the cool to hot mark.