Need to replace Torque Converter Lockup Solenoid

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 28 Sep 2007, 10:16

Ugh. Mechanic has not really started yet, only took some minor things out, he says next week some time. I am in need of a car for my fiance to drive (though I don't want her to flog it in it's current state), so he said he can button it up pretty quick and I can take it today. Two questions

1) Should I schedule with the Volvo dealer (or transmission place) and ask them to do the solenoid test (I read you can test the actual solenoids in the PDF but it requirs the Volvo Scan Tool) and ask them to test it? See what they quote me? =(

2) Can damage be done to it by my fiance driving it as it? Should I have her put it into neutral when coming to stop and go to 1st, 3rd, and drive in order, or just leave it in drive and let the car beat up on itself? Is damage being done or is it just sounding/feeling worse than it is? =( Have not had a chance to drive it with the 'new' pnp in there... but mechanic said it was the same.

Advice appreciated.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 02 Oct 2007, 06:18

Oy - The Volvo dealer basically stated (after not getting any codes, which I was already checking for) that replacing the solenoids was trouble/waste of money/just going to bite 'us' in the end, and just not interested in doing it. After a little more talking, it's $1250 to replace the tranny if I supply my own, with of course no gaurentee. I found a tranny deal locally that I am going to move on I think (70k, with torque converter, $250 shipped to my location). Want to see how much my local guy wants to put it in... =)

Now I wonder if I can send back the solenoids I bought from fcpgroton, according to their return policy, it may be either 'up to' 20% restocking fee, or 'NO'. =(

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Oct 2007, 15:06

The worst you can do is ask and hear "no." If that happens, put it up for sale here or eBay.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 02 Oct 2007, 19:12

FCP came through, can send back no problems.

Volvo wanted 1250 for tranny install, and I to supply my own.

I found a good one with 70k and torque converter, 250 shipped to my mechanics door, and he said 600 to swap them...

So I'm going to do it, save this Volvo from the yard...

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 04 Oct 2007, 09:35

Wow. FINALLY got some codes after driving around with the new PNP... getting flashing up arrow and cel light, gone after clearing codes, but never had them before (started as soon as I started the car)

Getting A1 - 114 and 213

and A2 - 411

This means

114 - Program selector open circuit or short circuit to supply
213 - Throttle position (TPS) signal too high

411 - TP sensor signal

?? Should I just replace my TPS before replacing the tranny? I mean, if the TPS is shot/being a jerk, it would confuse the tranny/tell it incorrect shifting time/points? Is this correct? Lastly, 114 worries me, 114 in A1 (Transmission).

Best steps to diagnose? Going to research TPS (and this is what the dealer who sold me the car said his volvo guy told him)...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 04 Oct 2007, 11:54

Since both the transmission and the engine controllers are griping about the TPS I would for sure check it and its wiring. I think the 114 code refers to the Sport/Econ selector.

...Lee

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 04 Oct 2007, 12:45

I agree, but not seeing it in the repair database... ?

Time to buy a haynes manual? How much is a TPS? Easy to replace if I read correctly (little black box on underside of throttle cable/throttle body housing)

p3

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 05 Oct 2007, 13:22

Well no one told me but I found out by reading the pdf, you can actually run the advanced diagnostics using the OBD1 interface on my 95!!

So I ran some tests individually (S1, S2, and SL) and all sounded fine

However, when I let the car do the 6 reps and 3 cycles of about 10 issues, the S1, S2, and SL, which run first, did not respond correctly, and towards the end of the test, I was getting little puffs of white smoke coming from the car (hood up, looked like low/tranny or possibly head gasket area). Car has not been burning any coolant performs well, oil looks good, etc, I do not believe it is blown head gasket, but related to my tranny issue

I thought I read a thread of some one having tranny issues and getting smoke from it, slipping tranny/torque converter I bet... what should I do/test?

No cel or flashing up arrow.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 08 Oct 2007, 13:21

When I tested S1, S2, and SL, the seemed to respond okay, when doing the single cycle, individual component tests.

When I ran the 'battery' of 10 components (does 6 tests, 3 cycles), towards the end I was getting little puffs of white smoke from down load (no known or expected head gasket issues), and I was not getting S1 it seemed to respond readily, though I had lost count of which component it was testing, but I wasn't getting responses all the way around like I should have been...

I had to terminate the test as the smoke was getting more constant... probably from the trans. Not good. Car still drives 'fine' (put over 300 miles on it since). I think it's solenoids or TPS.

TPS is on order from FCP Groton.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Oct 2007, 15:24

Puffs of white smoke while doing what is primarily an electrical test is usually a bad thing but it may actually help. Can you narrow the source of the smoke down any more? The general area you describe is in the vicinity of the electrical connector to the transmission. If there is problem in the connector it will cause all kinds of problems.

...Lee