Missing 4th gear

[eksjay]

Have been missing fourth gear for a while, and I think a solenoid has died. How much would such a service cost? Is the tranny actually opened up or removed from the engine? Say it isn't so.

[kj69]

just the tranny sump cover /pan comes off then you can get access to the solenoids , you could easily do it yourself, numerous write ups on the net, get a service kit for it and do a service at the same time.

[eksjay]

Thanks kj69. 2 years ago, I spent a lot of money on the rear main seal and I do not want this work disturbed.

[eksjay]

Just had the mechanic look at it today, and he could not find any electrical faults through the diagnostics.

He asked if overdrive was only missing when the engine coming up to temp and, if overdrive becomes available later.

The answer was NO.

He believes there is some kind of temperature sensor in the tranny itself that is stopping the overdrive from activating. In other words, that sensor thinks the engine is not up to the required temperature - although, my gauge reads the standard 97-104 degree range all the time...

Does anyone know anything about this?

Is this just a faulty solenoid?

I have gears 1,2 and 3, but no overdrive.

[Damo72]

I had this exact problem, my solenoid for locking up the convertor was burnt out but replacing did not fix it, it was the valve body. I was lucky enough to have a spare auto so I just changed over the valve body and it has worked since then!! hope this helps, Cheers.

[kj69]

I had this exact problem, my solenoid for locking up the convertor was burnt out but replacing did not fix it, it was the valve body. I was lucky enough to have a spare auto so I just changed over the valve body and it has worked since then!! hope this helps, Cheers.

Much work in changing the valve body Damo ?

[eksjay]

So what would be the likely dollar damage from changing the valve. Would the solenoid needto change as well? I would have to leave it to a tranny sspecialist. Would they need to pull the tranny out to fix this? Is it a recondition situation?

[darksidecustoms]

I replaced my full set of solenoids recently for about $150 landed (eBay ex usa) as it was skipping from 1st into 3rd/4th. They are the same as Toyota A340. Mine was showing codes in the diagnostics for some time however even before it had the problem.
I don't believe there is a temp sensor in the transmission, but if there is a physical failure in the valve body then this may explain it.
Have you tried a simple fluid change?

[eksjay]

Thanks, and no I haven't tried a fluid change. I am trying to get as much info as possible from this forum so I can curtail costs and ensure I do not get charged unnecessary fees for work that is not required. The Steeler serviced the auto at the same time they were tending to a rear main seal job two years ago, not that I would use them again.. I will put the valve issue down to the vehicles age. But I am suddenly looking at major costs and it is becoming difficult to justify spending money on new tyres, a full exhaust system, and the tranny service when the combined cost exceeds the insured value. A difficult decision given that it remains a very roadworthy and offroadworthy car.

[Damo72]

My solenoid was burnt out, but I think the valve body not working properly caused this, no oil flow through the solenoid caused failure, it was easy to change, there is a tranny for sale on this forum in NSW for $80.00, keep on the lookout for bargins like this!!, I live to far away otherwise I would grab it!!, If you supply the valve body (or the whole spare transmission) a trans shop could change it easy, it can all be done from under the trans, no need to remove the gearbox.:)

[eksjay]

Thanks damo. I have my car booked in for this issue at a reputable tranny specialist. He understands the problem you described. He had a number of Chrysler vehicles in his workshop . A dodge journey and a kj were only two examples. He said that he only ever worked on XJs once they reached the magical 250k km, but the newer vehicles had broken trannies early on in their life. The journey was almost new.

I am almost tempted to do a full overhaul, because the thought of upgrading to another car scares me.

Thanks again for your input.

[eksjay]

Been quoted approx $1300 inc gst on a tranny service and replacement of the valve body and solenoid. This is stinging.

I guess this must be the going rate. ?!@#$

[WHHEMI]

Sounds a bit pricey to me, have you priced a second hand auto, as it would probably work out cheaper. Are you able to use simple hand tools, if so you could swap the trans over yourself.

[eksjay]

Nah, can't DIY this. So long as this really does fix the problem I will be okay. If I get another gear box problem after this then this car is gone. The better half and keeper of the purse sayeth so. I would have to agree that my tolerance would also be maxxed. May look at a JK U after that or even a cab Ute 4x4. I have done well with the XJ, and I have no complaints.

[eksjay]

My tranny has new solenoids and valve body. It drives like a new car. So if you lose overdrive and it has nothing to do with the engine coming up to temp, it is the valve body and solenoid.I changed all the solenoids as iI don't want them to start failing one at a time.

Once again fellow posters, thanks for the advice. I could have thrown the car away if looking at a recondition job.