Questions and Answers

Plymouth Voyager Shift Hesitation Q. Dear Vincent, I was wondering if you could shed some light on this for me. I have a 1996 Plymouth Voyager. 3.0 liter V-6, automatic transmission with 175,000 miles. It is the second transmission. Once in a while, I have a hesitation in the transmission. I believe the solenoid needs to be replaced.

Could you send me to a page where I can get the info on how to do it? Also, one time a transmission shop adjusted a cable and it seemed to operate better. Where would this cable be? The only cable I see is the one on the shift linkage. Any help, about the cable or solenoid, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jerry

A. First, here is how the solenoids and switches work.

CIRCUIT OPERATION:
The Solenoid and Pressure Switch assembly located on the transmission, is used to control the shifting of the transmission. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) provides the ground path for the various solenoids and pressure switches depending on operating conditions. This assembly is also case grounded to the transmission.

The following circuits are controlled by the TCM for the Solenoid and Pressure Switch assembly

• T20 - Low/Reverse solenoid
• T19 - 2/4 solenoid
• T60 - Overdrive solenoid
• T59 - Underdrive pressure switch
• T50 - Low/Reverse pressure switch
• T47 - 2/4 pressure switch
• T9 - Overdrive pressure switch

The solenoid assembly sits on the side of the transmission and is easy enough to replace. Here's how.

Figure 1.

1. Remove input speed sensor. Figure 1.
2. Remove sound cover located under input speed sensor opening.
3. Remove solenoid assembly attaching screws and solenoid assembly. Figure 2.
4. Reverse procedure to install.

Figure 2

I think it far more likely either the Throttle Valve Cable or Throttle Rod is out of adjustment. Here is how to adjust them.

THROTTLE CABLE:

1. Perform adjustment with engine at operating temperature, then loosen cable mounting bracket lock screw, Fig. 3.
2. Position bracket with both alignment tabs touching transaxle cast surface, then tighten to specifications.
3. Release cross-lock on the cable assembly by pulling cross-lock upward. Cable must be free to slide completely toward engine to ensure proper adjustment.
4. Move transaxle throttle control lever fully clockwise against its internal stop, then press cross-lock downward into locked position.
5. Test cable operation by moving transaxle throttle lever forward, then slowly release it to ensure full return.

THROTTLE ROD:

1. Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature, then loosen adjustment swivel lock screw. Swivel must be free to slide along flat end of throttle rod.
2. Hold transaxle throttle lever firmly toward engine against internal stop and tighten swivel lock screw to specifications.

Before spending a couple of hundred dollars on a solenoid assembly, it might be worth the money to have it checked by the Dealer or transmission shop first.

I assume you tried replacing the transmission filter and fluid first.