What's going on everybody, this is my first post on here. I have an 04 tl automatic, it has 205kmi on it. Just recently started experiencing shifting problems while I'm driving. It's always had a slight delay from P to R or P to D, I heard that's normal. Now when I first turn it on, it'll shift properly into whatever gear but when I go to take off driving it'll either not shift or shift really delayed and hard. It's even stalled out. I had code for the top output speed sensor, I changed that but the problem persisted. Did a drain and fill as well as changed cartridge filter, cleaned dual linear shift solenoid. Still persisted. I went to dealer to have it diagnosed, they said the dual linear shift solenoid on top of mount failed the test twice. I mean it did look pretty shot, and they said oil was still alittle dirty.

I ordered the solenoid, put it on (I did not change the three little pipes inside) and did another drain and fill. I reset the ECM, turned it on. Shifted properly into gear, went to take off and tranny was still malfunctioning. I pulled back into drive way to check for leaks anywhere, nothing. Take it back out on the road and for 20 seconds it was shifting beautifully, until I stopped at stop sign and it just revved when I pressed on gas. It was back. I took everything back off except solenoid, and I took out battery tray to inspect the single linear solenoid in front of tranny, and it looks worse than what the dual LS looked, way more corrosion and old timer look to it. I looked at the pressure switches and they look like they need to be done too, as well as other little solenoids and the front output sensor, and I'm almost positive the Neutral safety switch isnt looking to good either. But the oil looked way better even though it was brownish still.

I have the 3rd and 4th gear switches coming in the mail, I'm going to order the single linear solenoid this coming Monday along with neutral safety switch. I'm also going to do one more drain and fill and possibly change out the filter (even though I just did but might be nasty again). I'm hoping this fixes the problem because right now it's working a tad bit better than it did before solenoid exchange, but it's like something is still malfunctioning. I'm almost positive it's the switches and single linear solenoid. If not one more diagnostic, if it all fails I'll just bench the car until I can get tranny for it.

Just a quick question(s):
Would any of you recommend draining the fluid before doing that single linear solenoid change out? I'm not sure how much oil is gonna spill out, or if any will spill out at all?

I never got the code for dual linear solenoid, that came about when the dealer tested it out, and then I ended up finally getting that same code they got on my way home with it after it stalled for the last time.. In a round about way, can the pressure switches and single solenoid etc. be malfunctioning without causing a code? I swear it's like car wants to shift but something small, I feel, is preventing it from properly doing its job.

I appreciate any feedback, I'm an unlicensed mechanic in training (I know how to do basic stuff but this problem is deep lol) learning from a few people I know and from YouTube. I'm just assuming if one solenoid was shot, then solenoid B must be too. Especially with the look of it. But I could be wrong, hopefully I'm not. Thank you again for any feedback, I seen some threads about relatable issues but I figured Id give my specific problems.

 

since you live in canada, where did you get these solenoids from? i believe i need to change out the solenoids at the top under the intake because i have a slow 2-3 engagement. before it use to flare like crazy but the flaring stopped with actual oem pressure switches. anything transmission related expect not to have replies, theyre tired of talking about it. if your car makes a whining sound as it speeds up then your transmission is done.

 

​​​​​​Heyy I live in New York state, I bought the solenoids off of Rock auto. It says they're oem. And yeah I figured everyone was sick of tranny talk lol thank you tho for reply and info

 

take out trans filter and see if it's come apart. IF it has, clean banjo bolts out and stick in a new filter and try. Did you check any of the screens for debris? Check the magnetic drain plug and see how much material is on it. Search for 3x3 trans fluid change on here for some good info on swapping fluid. I wouldn't do 3x3 just yet.

 

Yes sir, I changed cartridge filter it was kinda bad. Im on the 2nd of 3x3 oil change. The first time I took out plug it was caked pretty bad. But the second time was alot better. The screens in the 3 pipes to upper solenoid didn't have debris, they looked pretty good. I'm waiting till tonight to order solenoid B and the nuetral safety switch. The pressure switches should be here tomorrow or Tuesday. I'm gonna drain n fill one more time when I put switches on, I put to much fluid in the last time so I'm either taking some out or draining again. If all else fails I guess it's time for rebuild or new tranny

 

This was the first time I took plug out

 

Yikes!

 

I know right smhh does that look like it's over for her?

 

my bad, thought you lived up here because you used kms.

 

Ohhhh nope, by that I meant 205,000 miles

 

that's pretty bad, you can try throwing some money on it but my bet is a rebuild. Make sure you get the valve body kit upgrade.

 

Yeah Mann I think youre right, I just changed out both pressure switches and the linear solenoid C on the front side and I'm still having issues. It's fine until the oil heats up and it starts not wanting to shift. Also, I changed out the neutral safety switch and now I'm having blinking D light. I'm assuming that the old one was shot and not registering something was wrong. My oil dip stick consistency is always to high no matter if I put 3. 5 quarts or 2.5. It's weird. I guess I'll be taking out loan to fix that, I got my 13 ilx but still love the tl though
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I forgot to mention, im assuming the valve body kit is seperate from the rebuild kit? Thanks for feed back

 

I'd stop throwing money at it and get a rebuild. She's done.

 

You're right bro, it's toast. It's at shop rn. Was approved for $3000 loan but the total cost for remanufactured Tran w labor is $5439..my next three checks will be covering the remaining balance. I'll be picking her up on the 15th of Nov. Thank you guys for replies and time

 

That seems really high. I was quoted $3000 for my 05 when it went out.

 

It's probably a NY state thing. The cost for the reman Tran is 3200, the labor is like 1400, and taxes equal out to almost 400.

 

Either way, glad its getting fixed so you can enjoy the car again.

 

Yes sirrrr! It's worth it to me because the rest of the car is in good shape. The frame is still beautiful and i put other work into it as well. Was in the middle of ordering all the rear suspension components when the Tran started acting up.