Any parts store should be able to read the codes for ya. (getting there might be interesting in first gear though....)

Drop the pan, see what ya got. You can check the governor sensor/solenoid, but, I think this is a common sypmtom of the output speed sensor failing..... on the 97 though, that sensor also drives the speedometer.....

Something else you could try would be disconnecting the eight pin connector on the drivers side, bought the middle of the trans.... take it for a drive. You will have to MANUALLY shift the gears though, as there will be zero automatic functions. If it shifts fine that way, replace the governor stuff.

 

I have access to a standard OBD II code reader...are you telling me that it should still be able to read transmission codes? or is it a special one... Speedo still works..engine runs amazing because i just did a full rebuild from the block up so im kinda bummed my transmission is giving me issues but its the name of the game with these trucks
when you say shift manually..you mean let off the gas so it can "un torque" it self allowing for a shift? Im just trying to do all the test i can before i drop the pan. Thanks again HeyYou! youve answered tons of my questions in the past and are a good reason i rebuilt my truck instead of selling it.

 

Happy to be of service.

You will have to physically move the shift lever into the gear you want, otherwise, it will simply stay in the gear it is currently in...... no need to let off the gas though.

Your code reader should get trans codes as well.

 

I guess im still slighly confused since mine is an automatic... by pulling the plug and doing this test while putting the lever in D..3...2..1 what am i looking for it to do. Will it stay in 1st the whole time like my current problem...or will it actually shift into 2nd..3rd..and so forth.

 

Pulling the plug disables the governor stuff. It will run full pressure all the time. When you start out (in first gear please), it will stay in first gear until you move the lever to 2, at which point, it *should* shift to second. Same deal for third. There won't be any upshift to 4th, and TCC will not engage. (they are disconnected after all....) So, don't drive it far, just enough to test.

 

got it..so after you've disabled the plug it litterly becomes a manuel and those are the gears instead of "towing" gears if it where to be plugged in. Thanks again and i will be giving it a test drive when im off work and updating this thread with my results. Im really hoping it works as discribed so that i know its something cheap and easy at that point

 

here is a pictures of said engine you gave me the confidence to tear into

this is also the easiest vehicle i have ever worked on. Its lifted so i literly sit indian style underneath when working on it. This picture was taken while i was standing INSIDE the engine bay as well.
It runs like new!!!well it better..new, plennum,heads,every gasket on it.. high flow oil pump...pretty much everything is new except the block. now to figure out this transmission! will post results in the next few hours of the "manual" shift experiement.

 

Just took it for a drive and it switched as you described. The power felt much differnet but i expected that since i was basically unplugging the trannsmission from the ECU from what i understand. Gonna get a code reader on it tomorrow but im leaning more and more toward the sensor solinoid that plagues this beast. Would towing something make this go out faster? My dad has been towing the family boat with it alot lately and the truck is already liftedn with 36" bfg's...i will say it has its own seperate tranny cooler though.

 

Just don't tow in overdrive....

If it shifted fine unplugged, replace the governor pressure sensor and solenoid. Get the borg warner heavy duty set. They are under a 100 bucks on EBAY. Make sure it will fit your year though, as they changed the pinouts on the connectors a couple times.

That engine looks CLEAN. But then, I suppose it should... it's new.

I love working on full size trucks. There is ROOM. Most unlike my astro van with the 4.3.....

 

Check your shift linkage
in addition to the other suggestions
check for broken or missing nylon bushings down by the tranny
as said above
on the early trans it must be a mechanical problem not electrical
Is your TV at WOT ?