[89 Camper]

Have a BTS transmission. About eight months ago, more or less, the OD light started flickering then came on steady. Need van and am tired of BTS not responding.

The problem is the transmission starts out in fourth gear and stays in fourth gear. The lockup torque converter does not lock up. It stays in fourth gear unless I downshift with the shift leaver.

In addition, fuel mileage has gone from 16 to 12 mpg.

I found transmission fluid in the right electrical connector, the one for the solenoids. Wiped and dried out the best I could but it did not help.

Have called BTS and sent emails. Now I am asking for help on this site. This is one of the few times I could not find the problem or similar problem on this site. Have tried the search option but cannot find this particular problem. Have found OD light flickering but transmission is usually in limp mode or the torque converter is messed up.

Talked to local dealership. Advised the o-ring for the solenoid may have been put in wrong, was nicked during installation, or defective. Advised he would have to drop pan and replace.

Advised he would need to check the solenoids and computer to isolate problem.

Has anyone had or seen this same problem?

 

[Mr_Roboto]

Unplug the wiring harness on the passenger side. This will disconnect the computer from the trans.

With the wiring unhooked, the trans SHOULD default to 2nd gear. If it does, then the problem is electronic in nature. If it does not, then the problem is mechanical in nature.

 

[89 Camper]

Sorry about the delay in responding. My computer has been in the shop. I have a laptop and it needed a new DC jack so the AC adaptor would work. Well, a new one was installed but it is the wrong size. My old plug will not work. Am now running on jumper cables to a plug that works. I have to solder the AC adaptor wires to the plug. Only problem is I cannot find my soldering iron. That's life.

Unpluged the electrical connector on passenger side.

Did not change problem. Transmission did NOT default to second. Transmission still stays in fourth unless I downshift with the shift lever.

Only reply shows this is a mechanical problem. However, the local shop thought the trans fluid may have shorted out the pins in the harness and it was an electrical problem.

Is there any way I can isolate the mechanical problem?

I watched BTS rebuild this transmission and I believe that they did an excellent job. But "stuff" happens. I would hate to have to take it back to them but I may have to. I have been fighting this trans problem for about one year. It is a good thing I do not need it to go to work.

 

[OkieGringo]

Check the position/alignment of the MLPS. There is a special tool that makes it easy to adjust. I found one on internet for about $45.00, there is a "Shade Tree Mechanic" way. It was posted by another member. Okiegringo

MLPS alignment

My Haynes manual said to put shift lever in Reverse and turn MLPS until reverse lights come on. It worked like a champ. It was a hair off of the alignment arrows but it shifts like a champ now.
by TDS member “e444”

 

[89 Camper]

Checked my alphabet soup list and did not find MLPS.

Is that the switch on the driver’s side of the transmission?

I did more research on anything related to trans problems.

There is a lever on the injector pump that may be causing this problem. But that is still electrical. The lever is “FIPL - Fuel Injection Pump Lever”

According to Mr. Roboto, my problem is mechanical as I removed the electrical connector on the passenger side of the transmission and the transmission did not default to second.

Will do some electrical connections checks when the temperature goes down. I cannot stand the heat as I am not a young whipper snapper. And today, it was about 93 degrees F plus the humidity. By the way, I am near DC.

Keep the suggestions coming. They are appreciated.

 

[icanfixall]

MLPS... Manual Lever Positioning Switch... Located on the shift lever on the drivers side of the trans. Some have called it the neutral safety switch but thats really old school. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif