97 Transmission issue

[Erichume1968]

I'm looking at a 97 SHO and it has an issue with the transmission. It seems that 1st gear doesnt kick in right. You have to rev it up in order for it to start moving. Once it hits 2nd gear it works flawless. No slipping at all.
Reverse seems to have the same issue. Any ideas on what could be the problem or a possible fix ? Thanks !

 

[rubydist]

Perhaps someone can move this to the correct forum.

The first thing to do is to pull codes, to see what the pcm is complaining about. It might be one of several issues, some of which (like a bad shift solenoid) can be fixed without removing the trans from the car, and others of which (like a worn out clutch) will require a complete rebuild.

So, unless you can get a code reader to tell you otherwise, you should expect to do a complete rebuild.

 

[Erichume1968]

Thank you for your reply. I have a scanner but its not throwing any codes. It moves and shifts flawless from 2 up but 1st really has an issue, Im kind of wondering myself if its not a shift solenoid.

 

[rubydist]

Well, you can change the shift solenoid for not much money and without pulling the trans from the car. Its not a lot of fun, but I've done it. The solenoids are under the cover on the drivers end of the transmission.

If you go down that road, also buy and install a new epc solenoid while you have the cover off.

And when you reinstall the cover, make sure that you haven't accidentally pinched one of the solenoid control wires under the cover.