Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1st gear in 47RH Problem

[RHebert]

1st gear in 47RE?? Problem

My 96 with the 47RE?? won't take off in 1st gear. It won't downshift into 1st gear even if you drop the shift lever down into 1st gear position. Only after hitting the accelerator pedal severl times will if downshift and engage 1st gear. I hate to start moving in 2nd gear, not good. I checked to make sure the return spring wasn't broken, but it might not be tight enough. I'll check that tomorrow.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

The first thing I would do would be to put a diagnostic scanner on it to read the governor pressure data, to make sure it is not reading any pressure when sitting still. If it does, then you have a problem with the governor solenoid. The transmission is seeing vehicle speed(when there isn't any) and prevents a 2-1 shift. If it doesn't read any pressure when sitting still, then my bet would be on a problem with the valve body.

Joe

 

[RHebert]

Joe, what type of diagnostic scanner do you use or recommend? I've been thinking of getting one but don't know too much on the subject. Thanks... . Rodney

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Before answering, I must reveal I was a Snap-on guy, selling diagnostic equipment for about 5 years. I prefer their stuff still. I teach Automotive at a State College in NY (SUNY Canton College) and have access to many different scanners, including the OEM stuff. If you're going to buy one for personal use, get the Snap-on. They'll work on all Domestics (and the imports too if you buy the cartridges), and will connect to any OBDII vehicle (1996 and later) to give codes and a small data stream. They are easy to use and update. New ones sell for about $2200. 00. Used ones sell for $1000. 00-$1200. 00 and are widely available from the local Snap-on guy at those prices, usually. I still do training classes for Snap-on on their diagnostic equipment on a regular basis. One of the Dealers I do them for just did a big sales push on their latest/greatest Scanner/Scope (The Modis... nice tool but $7000. 00) and took a bunch of used scanners in. I bought three of them for $600. 00 each(I still deal in used equipment on occasion, mostly diagnostic and alignment stuff). They are updated to 2001, but can read codes and data on any OBDII car regardless of the year. PM me if you are interested in one.



Joe

 

[RHebert]

Problem fixed

I replaced the gov. pressure solenoid and while I had the pan off, naturally changed the oil and filter. I also changed the gov. pressure transducer while the pan was off. After that, I changed the TPS and truck is working like new.