It wouldn't go into low gear?

SANDYLAMBERT

MEMBER
2002 DODGE VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

My speedometer hand started swinging back and forth from 0 to 120 mph a few months ago. The trans didn't want to shift up when taking off. If I turned the motor off and restarted it would shift perfectly. The check engine light would come on, and then go off. The problem stopped. Yesterday, when I gave it gas to take off, it wouldn't go into low gear. Then I let off the accelerator and it would shift into gear. It would then slip out of gear and back in. The check engine light came on. I then noticed a whining noise when in gear. It is full of fluid and I don't see any metal shavings on stick nor burnt trans fluid. I am looking for an easy fix. Please HELP.
Thanks

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The likely cause of this is a speed sensor issue as the TCM uses these sensors to determine when to shift the transmission.

So if these sensors are not accurate they will effect the speedometer and the shifting of the unit.

However they will not cause a noise so you may have another issue.

I would suggest dropping the pan and look for metal are you will likely not see metal on the dipstick unless there is a lot of metal suspended in the fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

However, if there is not much metal or debris, I would suggest testing the speed sensor and using this guide will help with this even though this is a wheel speed sensor, it still operates the same way:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

Please see the info below and let me know if you have questions. Thanks

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