I had a problem a couple days ago where first gear just disappeared. I changed my filer, fluid, and put a new vacuum modulator on it, and first seems to come and go as it wants. Any ideas on what the problem here could be? Its a 93 SE Bonneville, with a 4T60-E tranny

Please elaborate.

Comes and goes meaning the car free revs at times or it starts in second gear?
Are there consistencies as to when it'll work, cold/hot having been drive/not?

When i first get in it in the mornings, everything is fine. It seems only after ive been driving it a few minutes and everythings warmed up that first doesnt want to work. It always happens like coming up to a stop sign or red light, when it shifts down it wont go to first. Then when i go to take off and it stays in 2nd then switches to 3rd and 4th normally. After taking off in 2nd the *.E.* light comes on. I tried the jumper trick to get the codes when the Service Engine Soon light comes on and it came up with a 36 and a 56. One points to a shift solenoid, the other to the computer. I just got that info this morning. Transmission shop says they will replace the solenoids for $400 + tax :( and says that should cure it.

With the soleniod as being one of the codes and the other being the 56 or 58 (which is always there) I'd think the trans shop is on the money with the trans soleniod. Although a soleniod in the newer trans 4t65, would cause two gears to be off.

So your thinking 2 gears should be acting up instead of just first? I got another transmission that i think will fit it off a motor out of a 95 monte, cant remember if its a 3.1 or 3.4, but from what ive saw both would work. I might save my self the money and do a swap, and possibly pull this tranny apart and see if i cant replace a couple solenoids and keep it around for another bad day lol

That'* where I'm not 100% sure. On the newer 4T65E trans (basically an updated version of your trans) there are two soleniods the gearing works like this. (not necessarily correct, but gives you the idea of how it takes two soleniods)


Sol A Sol B
1st ON Off
2nd On On
3rd Off Off
4th Off On

At any given time, if one soleniod is stuck on or off, it'* going to effect two gears. This is knowledge from the 4T65E, but I think it applies to yours as well. Might be a good question to ask the trans guy before paying to have a soleniod replaced.

Thanks for the info, ill definitely ask about that before i get anything done to it.