Not quite.

Brown wire is always hot with ignition on. But, as there is no ground path, it is an incomplete circuit, and nothing happens. When conditions are 'right', the PCM grounds the circuit, giving it a complete circuit, and the solenoid activates. What I have in mind for you to do, is to bypass the PCM in the circuit, just to see what happens. When we know what happens, we will know which part isn't doing its job. It may be as simple as the solenoid is simply stuck.... but, don't hold your breath.

Yes, your method will work, but, a switch is a LOT easier, and safer. If you go that route, have SOMEONE ELSE hold the wires, and when you get to 45-50 MPH, THEN put the wires together. You don't need to be fartin' around with wires at the speed. I have no desire to kill you, or anyone else.....

That is the way the circuit is designed to work, so, no worries about blowing anything.

 

ok so just to be clear. Am I supposed to cut the brown wire at the PCM and add a wire on to the side that runs to the solenoid and run that wire into the cab to a switch and ground the switch or am I to splice into the brown wire with it still connected to the PCM and run that wire into the cab to a switch and ground the switch? with the switch on off get the speed up to 45-50 and then flip the switch to on and see what happens?

 

Just splice into it. The rest you got.

 

ok. well I spliced into it and hooked it up to a switch and grounded the switch to the neg. post on the battery and ran it to about 50 but it did not shift into overdrive. I guess it is mechanical.
could the valve body be bad some how?
can I remove the overdrive part of the transmission without removing the whole transmission?
I guess the next thing is the transmission shop.

 

Could try swapping in a new solenoid. (comes as a set, O/D, and TCC) Change the fluid/filter, and adjust the bands while you are in there.

 

Thanks for trying to help me figure it out. I've put in a new solenoid and changed the fluid and filter. I guess I'm gonna have to pay and arm and a leg and take it to a shop. might be just as well as to buy a good used transmission and put in it myself.
anyways, thanks again.

 

Wonder if there is a sticking valve in the trans..... might try dropping the valve body, and cleaning things out...... cheaper than rebuilding, or replacing.

 

you mean take the valve body apart and clean it? I can drop the valve body but how difficult is it to take it apart?

someone suggested that it might be the TPS (Throttle position sensor). what do u think?

 

TPS being bad will cause TCC to engage/disengage on a rather random basis. It won't disable it completely.

Valve body isn't too bad..... Take pictures though. Have a VERY clean environment to work in, and be careful to keep good notes of where things come from. LOTS of parts in there, including little check ***** that are very easy to lose...... Might consider picking up a transgo shift kit, or, the Sonnax sure cure shift kit. It will have instructions for what you wanna do, firm up shifts, and allow torque converter charge while trans is in park. (which also means you can check fluid level in park.)

 

Why do I spend so much time reading these if no one is going to post the solution. I understand sometimes it's not resolved for various reasons but please let us know that reason instead. I am hanging on a cliff here. lol


I hope you got it going to your satisfaction.