Questions and Answers

Eagle Vision Shifting Problems Q. Vince, I have a 1993 Eagle Vision TSI with 3.5 liter, 4 speed automatic and 112,000 miles and full power. The car is running okay, but transmission sometimes doesn't shift out of second gear from the very beginning of my drive.

Sometimes, and it's most times, the car is exhibit same problem while driving at speed, in this case, transmission drops to second gear. I can fix it, just if I'll stop and turn off/turn on engine (but not always with successful result). Sometimes I need to wait up to 10-20 min to get successful restart and sometimes, while I turn on my engine and transmission in a "D" (drive) gave me a push. Please give me your opinion and give me idea how I can fix my transmission.

Thanks for your help,
Michael

A. It sounds like the transmission is going into "Limp-In" mode. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) continuously checks for electrical problems and some hydraulic problems. Some circuits are tested continuously. Others are checked only under certain circumstances. All but 12 transaxle codes cause the transaxle to go into "Limp-In" mode. In Limp-in mode, the TCM, de-energizes the transmission control relay, and the solenoid pack. The position of the manual valve alone allows the three ranges that are available. No upshifts or downshifts are allowed.

• Park and Neutral
• Reverse
• Second Gear

Although engine performance is seriously degraded while in this mode, it allows the owner to drive the vehicle in for service.

When it goes into "Limp-in" mode the computer will store a trouble code. Turning off the car off and on will reset the TCM, provided it doesn't see the same malfunction. As soon as it sees it, it goes back into "Limp-in" mode.

You'll need a scan tool to access the codes, but the bright side is that if the computer saw a problem, chances are it's electrical and not mechanical.