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96 Seville STS stuck in 2nd gear


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Hi, I have only recently joined this forum and must say how good it is, I live in Bristol, UK and access to info on American cars is not always easy to come by, especially detailed technical info.

I have recently purchased a 96 Seville STS Northstar from a local car auction, it didn't take long to work out why it was there!!

Someone had obviously had problems and didn't know how to put them right. I really like the car so have decided to struggle on and fix it but first would like some advise on what could be causing the problem.

The transmission works fine in park, reverse, and neutral but when drive is engaged the car will only drive in one gear under all conditions, I believe it is 2nd but it could be 3rd. if any other forward gear is selected using the shifter it doesn't make any difference, the car still carries on in the same gear. At 40mph the engine is revving at approx 3,600rpm. I have checked the transmission fluid which looks quite clean and is at the correct level. The car has done 57,000 miles.

I have looked at many other postings on this forum and done the on board diagnostics, there are some 20 fault codes showing as history but only one current, the number is PZ 2255. Does that have any bearing on the problem or could anyone shed any light on what could be wrong?

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You have 2 shift solenoids, that are known to go bad and the transmission won't shift above 2nd. As a matter of fact the bracket or solenoid was redesigned to stop them from cracking. They don't set codes. Here is a photo of their location from when I did my ISS speed sensor, Mike

TrannyFilterChange010.jpg

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Replacing those shift solenoids is not hard but its not easy either. You need to remove the lower control body. I would replace the control body gaskets, ask the dealer for all gaskets that you will run into, the solenoids, and the two filters. There are check balls that need to be put back in their correct locations. I have posted schematics of where the balls go. While you are there doing that job there is a drain for the side pan to drain the fluid, when you do that job, Ill post its location. Do a search under shift solenoids for lots of info.

Post all of your codes, some codes can cause problems and then appear as a History code..

CheckBallLocation.jpg

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Post all of your codes, some codes can cause problems and then appear as a History code..

Mike,

Thanks for the Info and photo, are these solenoids located inside the gearbox and are they accessible without removing the gearbox?

Here is a list of the other fault codes in the order they came up on the display, they all had the word HISTORY shown after them except the code PZ 2255 which had the word CURRENT.

POC 603

POC 1574

POC 1604

POC 1626

IP 2152

IP 2064

IP 2016

IP 2750

AC 1350

AC 2255

AC 2096

AC 2016

AC 2153

AC 2064

NO SDM CODES

TC0072

TC 0077

NO RSS CODES

PZ 2042

PZ 2096

PZ 2016

PZ 2152

PZ 2255 CURRENT

NO IRC CODES

NO RFA CODES

NO CCP CODES

PCM?

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You have 2 shift solenoids, that are known to go bad and the transmission won't shift above 2nd. As a matter of fact the bracket or solenoid was redesigned to stop them from cracking. They don't set codes. Here is a photo of their location from when I did my ISS speed sensor, Mike

TrannyFilterChange010.jpg

Mike , I just noticed in this post you said "won't shift above 2nd", I don't know if it makes any difference but the car won't shift into any forward gear except 2nd. When drive is selected it pulls away in 2nd and just stays in that gear no matter what the load or speed conditions are.

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Let me look at your other codes, maybe you have multiple things going on. MAKE SURE you have your traction control ON, otherwise you start in second.

I was under the impression that the default was no shifting above second gear not second gear starts and no shift. Someone else will chime in on this

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Let me look at your other codes, maybe you have multiple things going on. MAKE SURE you have your traction control ON, otherwise you start in second.

I was under the impression that the default was no shifting above second gear not second gear starts and no shift. Someone else will chime in on this

Just been out in the car to see if traction control on / off makes any difference and sadly no it doesn't, the only forward gear I get is second regardless.

With all those historical fault codes showing I wonder if there is anything that hasn't gone wrong at some time!!

Just a thought, at the end of the fault code sequence the letters PCM were displayed with a question mark after, thus PCM? I believe PCM to stand for Powertrain Control Module. Could the question mark be highlighting a possible fault there?

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Let me look at your other codes, maybe you have multiple things going on. MAKE SURE you have your traction control ON, otherwise you start in second.

I was under the impression that the default was no shifting above second gear not second gear starts and no shift. Someone else will chime in on this

Just been out in the car to see if traction control on / off makes any difference and sadly no it doesn't, the only forward gear I get is second regardless.

With all those historical fault codes showing I wonder if there is anything that hasn't gone wrong at some time!!

Just a thought, at the end of the fault code sequence the letters PCM were displayed with a question mark after, thus PCM? I believe PCM to stand for Powertrain Control Module. Could the question mark be highlighting a possible fault there?

Ending with, PCM? is normal, its waiting for INPUT. At that point you can temporarily override certain parameters, erase codes that are set and totally F yourself up if you are not careful from that point on. Once you see that PCM? turn your key off.

I have not gotten a chance to look at your codes, you might go here and try to find the definitions, that is the first step here. I don't like the TC code you showed, however I could not find it. Try running and recording your codes once again and write them down carefully. I THINK TC in this case is traction control, but it could also be torque converter, but I could not find it anywhere. IF this is a traction control problem that might explain your second gear starts. Go here and see if you can find them.

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd2.html

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I just realized something. Your car is in Europe. The you might have export codes. I think Logan has them, I am not sure if there is a location on-line to get your codes, do you know?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I just realized something. Your car is in Europe. The you might have export codes. I think Logan has them, I am not sure if there is a location on-line to get your codes, do you know?

Yes, perhaps I should have said, the car started off being an export model to Japan, it was then recently bought and shipped to the UK, I tracked down the previous owner at the car auction and he bought it from an auction in Japan and had it shipped over to the UK. He registered it here but as it had a problem with the transmission he just left it on his driveway until he got sick of the sight of it, then took it to the auction where I bought it.

As well as the codes I have already posted, which I did write down carefully in order and double check, there are some other codes?? which appear on the dashboard once you turn on the ignition and they continue for some time even after starting the engine. These are codes such as EXP 36, EXP 46, and one or two others. When I turn on the traction control it reads TRACTION READY followed by EXP 91, when I turn off the traction control it reads TRACTION OFF followed by EXP 89.

I guess at this stage it may be starting to get a little too complicated but as I really like the car and would like to see it driving properly any help is much appreciated.

If Logan is reading this could you possibly chime in and shed some light on any of this please?

Thanks Mike for all your help so far, I will have a look at the link you posted and if you come up with anything else please let me know, by the way I did turn off the ignition when PCM? came up!! Phew, could have done more harm than good there by the sound of it.

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No you can't really do harm unless you start pushing buttons on your AC. I need to do a primer on the PCM inputs and overrides one of these days to illustrate the kinds of things that can be done.

I don't know if it was done from this menu, but we have a member in France that disabled his car playing with the personalization features and he needed to get it to the caddy dealer for them to reset it.

As far as it getting too complicated, don't worry, its not complicated yet, we are still in discovery. Be patient this thread will develop.

Ill ask Logan to peek in, he is good at the export model and probably has more on the shift solenoid symptoms, I never had a shift solenoid problem so my info is second hand at this point (not that I am hoping for FIRST HAND experience :lol:)

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Shift solenoids should throw a code. They do on the OBD 1 cars at least.

When mine went, the car would try to shift up, and couldn't, and then the rpm's would go up and it would throw a code. Clearing the codes would help at first, but the problem got worse and clearing the codes wouldn't clear the problem anymore.

WARNING: I'm a total car newbie, don't be surprised if I ask a stupid question! Just trying to learn.

Cheers!

5% discount code at RockAuto.com - click here for your discount!

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Shift solenoids should throw a code. They do on the OBD 1 cars at least.

When mine went, the car would try to shift up, and couldn't, and then the rpm's would go up and it would throw a code. Clearing the codes would help at first, but the problem got worse and clearing the codes wouldn't clear the problem anymore.

Someone will correct me but I don't believe shift solenoids set a code in either OBD 1 or 2

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Shift solenoids should throw a code. They do on the OBD 1 cars at least.

When mine went, the car would try to shift up, and couldn't, and then the rpm's would go up and it would throw a code. Clearing the codes would help at first, but the problem got worse and clearing the codes wouldn't clear the problem anymore.

Someone will correct me but I don't believe shift solenoids set a code in either OBD 1 or 2

OBD1:

P094 (E094) ............ Transaxle Shift "A" Solenoid Problem (Vehicle Speed Sensor)

P117 (E117) .................... Open/Short Solenoids/Solenoid Wiring (Transmission)

WARNING: I'm a total car newbie, don't be surprised if I ask a stupid question! Just trying to learn.

Cheers!

5% discount code at RockAuto.com - click here for your discount!

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Hi Guys,

Firstly best wishes for the New Year to everyone.

I have been away for a few days over New Years, will be back home and on my usual computer tomorrow.

Would it be beneficial for me to clear all the fault codes then drive the car for a few miles to see what codes come back, thus highlighting the problem?

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Hi Guys,

Firstly best wishes for the New Year to everyone.

I have been away for a few days over New Years, will be back home and on my usual computer tomorrow.

Would it be beneficial for me to clear all the fault codes then drive the car for a few miles to see what codes come back, thus highlighting the problem?

Yes you can do that.. Happy New Year

I directed Logan here, he should stop by shortly

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Shift solenoids should throw a code. They do on the OBD 1 cars at least.

When mine went, the car would try to shift up, and couldn't, and then the rpm's would go up and it would throw a code. Clearing the codes would help at first, but the problem got worse and clearing the codes wouldn't clear the problem anymore.

Someone will correct me but I don't believe shift solenoids set a code in either OBD 1 or 2

OBD1:

P094 (E094) ............ Transaxle Shift "A" Solenoid Problem (Vehicle Speed Sensor)

P117 (E117) .................... Open/Short Solenoids/Solenoid Wiring (Transmission)

I still stand by my belief that IF a shift solenoid cracks, it will not set a code, the electronics WILL be sending a signal to it, but it will not do its thing... The E094 is for a VSS and the E117 is sensing a problem with the wiring, but no code is set by a defective A or B shift solenoid. Many have had bad A or B solenoids and have no codes. I am sure that Logan will give his thoughts on this..

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Hi Guys,

Firstly best wishes for the New Year to everyone.

I have been away for a few days over New Years, will be back home and on my usual computer tomorrow.

Would it be beneficial for me to clear all the fault codes then drive the car for a few miles to see what codes come back, thus highlighting the problem?

Yes you can do that.. Happy New Year

I directed Logan here, he should stop by shortly

Thanks Mike,

Could you explain how I clear the codes using the vehicles onboard system?

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The easiest way is to disconnect the negative battery cable.

I will try to find the PCM? method and post it.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Shift solenoids should throw a code. They do on the OBD 1 cars at least.

When mine went, the car would try to shift up, and couldn't, and then the rpm's would go up and it would throw a code. Clearing the codes would help at first, but the problem got worse and clearing the codes wouldn't clear the problem anymore.

Someone will correct me but I don't believe shift solenoids set a code in either OBD 1 or 2

OBD1:

P094 (E094) ............ Transaxle Shift "A" Solenoid Problem (Vehicle Speed Sensor)

P117 (E117) .................... Open/Short Solenoids/Solenoid Wiring (Transmission)

I still stand by my belief that IF a shift solenoid cracks, it will not set a code, the electronics WILL be sending a signal to it, but it will not do its thing... The E094 is for a VSS and the E117 is sensing a problem with the wiring, but no code is set by a defective A or B shift solenoid. Many have had bad A or B solenoids and have no codes. I am sure that Logan will give his thoughts on this..

I had a hairline crack in my solenoids. The first place wanted a 1200 dollar rebuild. I towed it to a trusted tranny shop and the mechanic at first said nothing was wrong with it, but then he found the hairline crack after I asked him to take a second look at it. I was throwing a P094. That was my experience, maybe it doesn't show codes in some cases.

The way I clear codes with my on dash computer:

hold both Off and Warmer until it displays the codes. When PCM? Appears, hit Up for Yes. Hit down for No until "PCM Clear Codes?" appears. Hit Up for Yes. It will clear your codes and show a message. Exit the system with the reset button on the left side of the dash, or turn the key off.

WARNING: I'm a total car newbie, don't be surprised if I ask a stupid question! Just trying to learn.

Cheers!

5% discount code at RockAuto.com - click here for your discount!

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Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for that, I have looks at the threads and think its fair to say that it's the solenoids.

The Car has gone back to the auction and sold at a loss, I spoke to someone there who said he knew the original vendor and there was someone locally who could fix the problem by cleaning out / replacing the filters for £200 ($300) as he thought it was a common fault on these cars.

At the time I was not prepared to take the chance and spend $300 only to find out that wasn't the problem and then have to fit new solenoids as well.

If the car re appears at the auction, chances are it will be even cheaper as all the dealers there know whats wrong with it and I will buy it back and replace the solenoids myself.

Thanks again for taking the time and trouble to help.

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Well good luck you are welcome.

By the way where are you located, your writing style in this last post makes me think you might not be from the US.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Well good luck you are welcome.

By the way where are you located, your writing style in this last post makes me think you might not be from the US.

Mike, on my first posting I said I was from Bristol, UK, perhaps you missed it. I am in England.

Best Wishes.

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