Ralph

I usually don't mess with automatics, but in this case I just couldn't resist.

Anyhow, the car is a '91 FC with automatic transmission. I removed the engine to put in another car. After I got the engine out, I loaded the car back onto my trailer. Now, I want to roll it off my trailer so I can put an engine in it and get it running.

Problem is, I can't get the transmission to allow the car to roll. I can get the gear selector out of Park and into any of the other positions, but the car remains in Park and won't roll off the trailer. I connected the battery so it would have power, but to no avail.

When I turn on the key, the word "HOLD" flashes in the center of the instrument panel.

The Factory Service Manual tells how to test all the components but never describes how the system works so as to give me a clue about how to override it.

Do any of you know how to override the "HOLD" function or whatever it is called? I'm really pissed and confused right now.

My Junx

not sure if it will help, but you could trt unplugging the auto tranny computer. It is in the passanger foot well on the right side wall behind the plastic trim. pull the trip piece off, and you will see the computer against teh wall, it will say (blah, blah, blah, EAT, blah, blah) on it just unplug the wire cluster from the lower edge of it and try to move the car then. This way the tranny won't be getting any bogus signals from the computer telling it the engin is missing. If it doesn't help just plug it back in.
cant hurt to try.

NZConvertible

The HOLD function simply holds the trans in whatever gear you select while driving. It doesn't hold the car stationary.

This is not an electrical problem; the Park function is purely mechanical. If the car can't roll with the trans in neutral I'd think you have a serious mechanical problem somewhere. Either the selector is broken/disconnected and isn't actually moving the trans out of Park, or the driveline is jammed somewhere.

Ralph

I'm not understanding this. If it merely holds the car in the gear you have currently selected, then:

1. Why does the car need this, since the gear selector already has detents to hold it in place?

2. When driving an automatic FC, do you just have to tolerate the flashing "HOLD" lights in the middle of the instrument panel whenever the car is on?

This doesn't make sense to me.

Ralph

Posted by 88Rotary in the other thread:

the hold light means that the hold switch is depressed but it not the reason why it will not allow you not to shift from park, all that button is for is to lock the converter and not let it allow the trans to downshift or stall up that high good for wet driving or snow. however just take up the cover and you should se a selonoid just pull or push it to release the shifter. or just take the shift linkage loose please make sure your park brake is on. good luck

Ralph

My reply to 88Rotary in other thread:

Thanks for the reply. The shift lever moves through its entire range.

Right now, without an engine in place, the transmission is being held aloft by some wires bolted to the firewall above the transmission/bellhousing and running down to and through the transmission/engine mounting bolt holes. Is it possible that I have the transmission suspended too high and that the solenoid you refer to is being depressed/crushed by the shifter mechanism being pressed against the top of the tunnel? Is the solenoid in such a place that that could happen?

I'm at work right now so I can't check it out just yet.

BTW, it looks like I managed to start two identical threads when I originally posted this inquiry. I suppose I should ask for responses in the other thread to keep them consolidated.

Thanks again.

NZConvertible

Selecting a gear using the shifter only stops the trans from shifting higher than that gear. It doesn't hold it in that gear. Turning on the hold function gives full manual control over the trans.

The HOLD light indicates the hold function is switched on. If it's flashing I believe the electronic control unit is indicating an error, probably from something not being plugged in.

Ralph

Thanks guys. I think I'm catching on. The HOLD function keeps the automatic transmission from downshifting, thereby avoiding a sudden burst of rear wheel torque in the event the car slows while on icy pavement.

Therefore the HOLD function is not what is keeping my transmission in PARK.

I'll check on the linkage, etc, to see if my problem lies there.

Zer0 Cylinder

take the driveshaft out.

Ralph

I'll do that when I get home from work. I'll solve the mystery later.