2000 GC Trans Question

HI, I just finished the Spring Break drive to Florida and back
(4900kilometres) and had a small issue with the van not showing in PARK when
shifted to PARK. The square which normally illuminates around the P was dark
and when the key was re-inserted and turned to start it showed Reverse and
would not start (moving the lever to N allowed us to restart), this only
happened when the van was hot from driving the interstate and only in the
southern states. If I wiggled the shift lever when it was warm not hot then
it showed in PARK, wiggling the shifter when hot did nothing.
Is there a switch on the steering column or on the trans that would cause
the computer to think it was in R instead of P. Now that we are back in
Canada it showes P without any problem (mind you it is -3 right now not the
balmy mid 20's). This is something I would like to fix before summer and if
some one can help it is appreciated.
Just to be very clear this only happened when the van was hot from the long
drive, while driving through Florida it did not occur.
2000 GC 3.8L 4spd Auto Dual Zone Air, Towing Group (was not pulling a
trailer)

TIA

 

There is what's called the "range sensor" on the transmission. That is
an electical contact assembly that, via the open/closed states of it 4
or 5 switches, tells the computer what position it thinks the gear
selector is in (of course if it is telling the computer that it is in
Reverse, the computer will display 'R' and not allow you to start it -
so the computer is properly doing its job).

Either the linkage cable between the gear selector and the range sensor
is having problems (is it binding up at all? IOW - does the gear
selector move normally - i.e., not tight or abnormally stiff?) or the
range sensor is crapping out on you, in which case it would need
replacing. Probably bad range sensor.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Thanks for your quick reply, the gear selector moves fine, not abnormally
stiff or binding, except for this issue when hot I wouldn't have known this
part may be failing. Do you know if this sensor is easily accessible to
replace? I will price one out at the local dealer.

 

You're welcome. The transmission pan and valve body must be removed to
access and replace the range sensor

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

That's to bad, I was hoping it was as simple as opening the hood and being a
5 min fix, supposed to have good weather later this week.
Thanks again

 

Could be worse - at least you don't have to pull the tranny.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')