Expert: Roland Finston - 10/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a used minivan less than a year ago. Its barely over 100k miles. Previous owner said that they replaced or rebuilt (don't remember which) the tranny about 3 years ago. It wasn't driven that much so there isn't alot of wear and tear on the vehicle. I have been having issues with shifting (won't shift past 40 mph and the RPM's stay between 3 & 4 when driving 40 miles or over - seems as if its struggling to go faster- and no check engine light or any other warning signals are on. I disconnected the battery to "reset" the computer and now the van won't start without being jumped every time. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Sparkle,
The transmission is going into 'limp-in mode' which means it won't shift up beyond 2nd gear. It does that when its computer control module has noticed some fault with its operation. When it does so it also puts a code in its memory that when read out will tell you what it thinks is wrong. If there is an Autozone parts store in your area they will often do a code readout of the memory to find out the code number. Once you get the 4-digit number, ask what it means, what should be done, and for how much? Then write back and tell me what you learned.
On the engine starting, that sounds like your battery needs to be checked at the clamps which you removed, because they may not be tightly attached or because there may be too much corrosion/oxidation on the clamp/terminal interface and so you would want to clean the surfaces of those interfaces with steel wool or a metal-tine brush. If it still won't start then it may be that the battery itself needs to be charged or replaced; how old is it? Has the charging warning light come 'on' or have you noticed the voltmeter on the dash to be reading below half-scale lately which would say there is something wrong with the charging system?
There is also a fault code memory for engine problems (which could cause hard starting) and which will also be readout by the code reader approach, and also by means of the ignition key in this '96 model vehicle. Turn the key "on-off-on-off-on and leave on", doing that switching in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light, which remains 'on', to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to be sure of getting a repeatable set of flash counts. Then group the counts in pairs in the order of appearance to form the 2-digit engine fault codes. The last code will be 55 because that means 'end of readout'. Then write back and tell me what those are so in case there is a problem other than the battery we can address that as well.
So move forward on the fault code search as that is the most efficient way to find out what is wrong.
Roland

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QUESTION: I will definitely take it to AutoZone for that readout. But in the meantime I tried to do what you said about ignition and the car is not getting ANY signal. No lights, no radio, no auto locks, not even the vanity mirror.. Wondering why that would be. It seems to be completely dead. Works normal after its jumped, but if you turn off ignition it goes back to 'dead' mode.

Answer
Hi Sparkle,
The car will run without the battery if the engine is turning over reasonably. The alternator provides enough power to do that. So your battery is either totally dead or not connected cleanly and tightly to the cables. Do as I suggested to see if it is connections issues or a dead battery.
Roland