AT "Sneeks" into Manual Mode. Help?

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:29 pm

As info my car is a 93fwd auto trans.

Sometimes my car will slip into what I call "unauthorized" manual mode. When it happens, it doesn't matter where I put the gear selector, D,3,2, or 1 the car only uses 2nd and 3rd gears. It's as if I pushed in the manual button and put the selector in 3rd but I have not. Sometimes it'll get knocked into that "mode" by a big bump in the road. I can "reset" the trans by turning the car off and then back on. When I do the power light on the dash blinks rapidly. I suppose it's telling me that something happened the last time the car was run. Mostly happens when it's cold outside.

Any ideas you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Heck, I was even thinking that if the Manual Mode could be permanetly disabled it might solve the problem. Advice?

Thanks in advance!

Post by **Legacy777** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:43 pm

pull the TCU codes. Instructions are on my site
http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/trans.html

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:04 pm

Sorry, I should have said I did that. Told me that one of the shift solenoids was shot. Transmission shop said they were fine and that they could not duplicate the problem. Any more advice?

Post by **Legacy777** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:32 pm

Did you clear the codes? Does the same code come back?

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:26 am

Yes and yes.

Post by **Legacy777** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 3:03 am

I would perform a continuity test on the wiring to make sure it's good. I'd also check the resistance on the solenoids just to verify they are within spec.

More then likely, something will be out of whack. That is why the TCU is throwing the code.

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:34 pm

OK, finally got the tran shop on the right path thanks to all the help here. Now we can't seem to find the set of three shift soleniods anywhere local. We can buy them as part of a "Master rebuild kit" but that's nearly 500 bucks. Anyone have a source for just the solenoids? Somewhere I can order from online maybe? Thanks again!

0perose · Post by **0perose** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:53 pm

might as well find a cheap used transmission

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:59 pm

For 500 bucks, yes I agree. I'm hoping I can buy just the solenoids.

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:00 pm

Nobody have a parts source? I'm dying here.

Post by **Legacy777** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:32 am

Try a transmission shop, or buy the parts directly from subaru

www.subarugenuineparts.com

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 5:29 pm

Well the good news is that they got the solenoids switched out. The bad news is that the problem persists. Now they suggest I need a new TCU. Whacho think?

Post by **Legacy777** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 3:52 am

I don't know....you could try a TCU....that might be the issue, or it could be wiring??

I've got my 90 FWD TCU if you're interested. I'd sell ya it cheap. PM or email me if you're interested.

ljasonb · Post by **ljasonb** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:25 pm

PM sent. Succesfully I hope.

Post by **Legacy777** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:34 pm

yup...got it. I'll check the part #'s this evening.

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AT "Sneeks" into Manual Mode. Help?

AT "Sneeks" into Manual Mode. Help?