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Topic: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear

in Forum: C4 Driveline Components


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1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (1/7)
 12/10/23 10:11am
Robert Figueroa
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Pensacola, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1994 coupe, 4 speed automatic - electric shift


Joined: 12/10/2023
Posts: 5

Just the other day noticed that my kick down / passing gear was not working. I have found many posts but just not one that addresses my specific problem. For background, per my build codes, have an M30 automatic 4 speed electronic transmission (AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED, 4L60E,ELECTRONIC). Is it possible that the problem is associated with one of the shift solenoids or could the problem be associated with other components / adjustments? Thanks Bob 

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Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (2/7)
 12/10/23 6:41pm
Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.


Joined: 3/18/2009
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No kick-down/passing gear at any speed? Or only at hiway speeds? Sounds like a "failsafe" mode, indicating the system has a code set. You need to scan, or have the vehicle scanned to see what code(s) it has, and go from there. Being a '94, it will not be an OBDII system, so you will need the earlier OBD capable scanner to pull codes.

Another way to pull codes is by jumpering two terminals in your ADLC(Assembly line Data Link Connector). Jump terminals A&B(key off), then turn key on, and watch the Check engine/service engine) light. It will flash the codes. As an example, code 12 will appear as 1 long flash, and 2 short flashes. Each code will flash 3 times, then the next code(if any more are present) will flash. Once all codes have been shown, it will cycle thru them again. Once you find out what codes you have, we can do a proper diagnosis.

 



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Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (3/7)
 12/11/23 1:31am
Robert Figueroa
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Pensacola, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1994 coupe, 4 speed automatic - electric shift


Joined: 12/10/2023
Posts: 5

Thanks.  Will do. Bob

Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (4/7)
 12/11/23 8:46am
Robert Figueroa
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Pensacola, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1994 coupe, 4 speed automatic - electric shift


Joined: 12/10/2023
Posts: 5

Pulled my codes and got an 81 'Transmission Shift Solenoid B open or shorted". Talked to local transmission shop and was told that mostly is the problem - he is checking it out.  Thanks for the response.   Bob

Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (5/7)
 12/11/23 6:32pm
Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.


Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246

Would definitely explain the problem you are having. I would suggest checking the external harness/wiring where it goes into the trans first, to make sure there are no bare/nicked wires around the connector. The wiring GM used then(and now too) is prone to the insulation failing. This can cause wires to short in that area. If all looks well there, then I would go after the solenoids. In my experience, it's best to replace BOTH of the shift solenoids at the same time, since you are there. Both the "A"(1-2 shift) and "B"(2-3) solenoids are the same solenoids. The harness connectors are likely to be brittle, and may break as you disconnect them. They will still work fine, as long as they are plugged back into the new solenoids all the way. Be aware that one of the solenoids has a spring loaded valve behind it, and it might pop out unexpectedly, so keep a hold of them as you remove the clips that hold them in, and remove them slowly. Not a hard job at all to do, really. Couple of hours labor, even jacking it up, using jack stands, and pulling the pan.. This is all assuming you are going to do this yourself. If your trans shop is doing it, then they should already know all of this! 😄

Shift solenoids should run around $30 or less(each).



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(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (6/7)
 12/13/23 8:37am
Phat98
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Crystal Springs, MS - USA

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1973 Mille Miglia Red LS5 1981 Claret Red 1982 White 1985 Silver Metallic 1988 Yellow 1993 Torch Red ZR-1 1994 Torch Red Coupe LT1 1996 Dark Purple Metallic LT4 2000 Torch Red 2001 Light Pewter 2003 Z06 Millennium Yellow 2009 Atomic Orange


Joined: 7/29/2011
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Adams' Apple said:

Being a '94, it will not be an OBDII system, so you will need the earlier OBD capable scanner to pull codes.

Another way to pull codes is by jumpering two terminals in your ADLC(Assembly line Data Link Connector). 

 

For the record, the '94 -'96 Corvettes all had the 16-pin OBD2 diagnostics connector and can be accessed with a Tech2. Finding a buddy with a Tech2 is the hard part (we have 2, 1 handheld and 1 laptop).




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1973 Mille Miglia Red LS5 - SOLD
1981 Dark Claret Metallic - SOLD
1982 White
94 Torch Red LT1
96 Dark Purple Metallic LT4
02 Black Convertible - SOLD
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Re: 1994 coupe no kick down passing gear (7/7)
 12/14/23 6:02am
Robert Figueroa
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Pensacola, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1994 coupe, 4 speed automatic - electric shift


Joined: 12/10/2023
Posts: 5

Thanks for the responses. Just FYI.  The problem was my B shift solenoid.  Had the A and B solenoids replaced and problem solved.  Thanks again Bob

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