Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trans question

[jsutterby]

Having a problem with transmission lately, if cruising along under light throttle at about 55-60 mph it will kick out of lockup for a second and then lock up again. After looking through old threads, sounds like it might be throttle position sensor going bad. Just wanted to check with the guys who know, I trust you all more than almost any mechanics around!! Maybe cleaning with some contact cleaner will cure problem. Any input appreciated.

 

[Joe G.]

That's the thing to do alright. It should make a difference. Some guys have taken them apart to clean. There was a post about that last week with pictures.

 

[Extreme1]

Is the cruise control affected? If yes, it is the brake light switch, it needs to be adjusted.

 

[jsutterby]

Extreme1,



I haven't used the cruise for a while, so I am not sure if it is affected. I'll check it out. Where is the brake light switch located and how do you adjust it? Thanks so much.

 

[RJ2]

Was looking for the posts on cleaning the TPS with contact cleaner. Joe G do you remember what the topic was for the one with pictures? Thanks RJ

 

[shendren]

remember to pull the wires out of the harness that go to the tps. nothing else would fix my problem. same symptoms as yours.....

 

[DPyles]

jsutterby

Be sure to read the lable on the can of contact cleaner and make sure it is safe for plastics. Some are not and it will melt the plastic or make it soft and mushy

Not cool

 

[RJ2]

Is that what needs cleaning is the wires in the harness connector

 

[DPyles]

rj2

I think when they say pull the wires out of the harness I think they mean that the wires that go to the tps are sometimes affected by the wires running along with them in the same harness causing the trans to jump out of converter lock

You need to clean the tps itself that is what I had to do. You have to remove it from it's mounting and unplug the wires. Turn it over and spray the contact cleaner into the little gap where the sensor rotates.

with the cleaner in therer use a flat screwdriver to rotate the sensor several times adn repeat this process a couple of times or till the black gunk stops coming out. Take some compressed air and dry the thing out and replace it on it's mount.

I have had to do this twice since owning mine bout 8000 miles now

I think I may need a new sensor before long.

Good luck

 

[RJ2]

Does cleaning this require the recalibration with the VM?

 

[RJ2]

I got the manual out and I see I have been confusing the engine speed sensor and throttle position sensor . I take it I can just take the throttle position sensor off to clean without having to recalibrate anything. Also what kind of cleaner would be safe.