1-2 shift - General signal failure - signal stays low

Effects: Transmission fault; big fat "F" on the dash. Limited gears available.

Seems to happen when I manually try to shift from 2 to 1....has happened in the recent past, though, while in Sport Mode on the freeway. Transmission otherwise shifts just fine.

Anyone experienced this? Any suggestions? Would a simple transmission fluid change help?

Thanks in advance,
Houm

 

A transmission fluid exchange would not hurt. But I think you have a stuck solenoid.

 

How painful of a repair is this? I don't think I would DIY this one; limited tools and time.

 

You could do it. It will be intimidating but once you do it you will never hesitate pulling a transmission valve body again. It is pretty easy work!

 

I was extremely anxious before changing the Valve Body on our Jetta - my first time ever doing this
Turned out fine! If you are careful and take your time, it's very doable

After all, a certain wise man often said . . . "How hard can it be?"

 

My main concern is not having access to a lift. It would be SOOO much easier if I could put the Rover up in the air.

So, are we looking at:

1. Remove valve body.
2. Drain fluid (cause some will spill and I should change it anyway).
3. Unstick Solenoid (or replace?)
4. Refill fluid.

....or is there more to it?

 

I did the Jetta on rhino ramps

Drain first, and more will spill as you go

And yes, a lift would be amazing

 

I'm building a 14" tall Pole Barn (in my county you can build a pole barn without a permit as long as not on a finished floor). Then slowly pour a concrete pad then sides. And then a Lift!!!!! Finally, a dream come true

 

I would probably drain the fluid first

Put the rig in extended mode, plenty of room. Have your new pan and filter of choice on hand with a GOOD gasket (the mental ones are better). And different bolts if needed, not sure if you still have the plastic pan. Not sure if you can unstick the solenoid but you may not have to. They have filter screens and can be cleaned. You *may* be able to remove solenoids without even dropping the valve body, but I doubt it. Never tried it. If you do drop it you want to valve body to main body seals. It is like three round ones and a double square one. Cheap. Dental pick can pull out the old ones. Stupid easy to install and doing those alone help shifting issues. If you are REALLY worried about it going well, you could get a new set of solenoid. About $350. Whatever you do, just be careful of the harness and stuff. A lot of that is sorta brittle but not crazy so, just don't pull hard on stuff - it is designed to be in that fluid under heat but it is all pretty old now.

 

Yeah yeah....I meant drain first.