Archived Friend has auto transmission troubles - won't shift until 3k rpm??

[GO 4LO]

How my friend has described the problem (truck is 99 Cummins 4x4 w/ 90k):



So I got in my truck today and the Check engine light came on. Now it won't shift gears until I get up to about 3000 RPM's. Is my transmission toast, or is it a simple probnlem. Please tell me it is not the transmission, but rather something very simple to fix. I am stuck in San Francisco and gotta get home to Redwood City.





Can anybody help him out? I gave him Bill Kondolay's phone number, but figured I might get a faster diagnosis from one of you guys?

Chris

 

[John - K5AWO]

Kinda sounds like the TV cable has stuck wide open... which will make the transmission think you have the throttle floored.

 

[Po' Riggity]

What is the TV Cable?



I got under the truck last night, and saw a red vacuum line going to nowhere. Right below that I saw a black rubber boot covering up a gray vacuum line. Both of them were unplugged. Could that be the issue.



I tried to get the truck to read me the codes by turning on and off the ignition 3 times, but no dice. I just keep getting the odometer reading. Can someone help me out here?



Thanks

 

[Snow man]

I agree with John, sounds like the tv cable linkage(trans side) is rusted up solid. If the truck sat much in the grass,or is from the northern (salt) climatesthey will do that,its quite common. Have a friend get in the cab and press the throttle to the floor(engine off) and you lay under the truck with a flashlight,look up at the trans on drivers side right below the front band adjustment screws(3/4 lock nut,and T30 torx in center). You should see the linkage bracket go from front(idle-towards the rear of the truck(wide open). Reach up there and see if its hung towards the rear,try to press it forward,the linkage may just be rusted up,if so I'd remove both shifter bracket,and TYV bracket,clean them up good, lube the shaft coming out of the trans,and put them back on. There is alo a return spring that runs forward to a bracket,make sure its in place,and working. If both of them check out, you will need to do some diagnostics with pressure guages,possibly drop the pan,and or a a scanner.

 

[Po' Riggity]

It sat in San Francisco overnight for a few houirs. I rtellyt do not drive it much. I ride my bike more than anything else. I will try the TV cable tomorrow.



Dima