I have a 96 turbo wagon. I blew the trans. I just replaced it with a trans from a 94 turbo sedan. everything is plugged back in, replummed etc. I go to start it and everything on my dash is lit up and my brakelights dont work and the throttle does not rev the engine, it actually does nothing but sound like its choking out. What have i done???????

 

The '94 and '95 tranny's do not have a sensor or something that the '96 & '97 have. The newer tranny's actually have a extra hole or two in them with some kind of wires coming out of them. The dtc looks for those sensors, bla bla bla. You may have to get a newer tranny to work for you.

There is a chance that you simply have the adjustment off but you may want to try getting a DTC out of a '94 or '95 to see if that helps.

I can probably get you a tranny for $150, just not sure about shipping cost. Those things are heavy.

 

what is a dtc? I have the tcm from the 94 as well. also i have the sensor from the 96.

 

DTC is the computer for the tranny.

 

Found out the throttle was unresposive was because the throttle bracket was bent and it made the linkage pop off. the trans now engages in all gears, the problem is: when you first start it up, there's notrans or engine lights. when you start driving it holds first for a minute and then shifts. The trans light comes on at that point and then the trans shifts fine. I used the TCM (or DTC) from both the 94 and the 96 and got the same results. there is allso a slight tap coming from the trans. It seems to quiet down after a bit. Any ideas?

 

Not from me. Glad you got it moving.

 

I also just got the codes P0500 and P0735. I think the 735 is incorrect gear ratio or something. I'm trying to find the other one but no luck yet.

 

Use a code scanner from Autozone or O'Reilly, they loan them to you in the lot for FREE !
OBD Code P0500refers to
Basically this means that the vehicle's speed as read by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not working properly. Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0500
loss of anti-lock brakes the "anti-lock" or "brake" warning lamps on the dash may be lit the speedometer or odometer may not work properly (or at all) your vehicle's RPM limiter may be decreased the shifting of an automatic transmission may become erratic other symptoms may also be present
Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0500
A code P0500 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not reading (functioning) properly There is a broken/frayed wire leading to the vehicle speed sensor The vehicle's PCM is not correctly configured for the actual tire size on the vehicle
Possible Solutions

The simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back. Next, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the speed sensor. The location of the sensor depends on your vehicle. The sensor could be on the rear axle, transmission, or perhaps the wheel hub (brake) assembly. If the wiring and connectors are OK, then check the voltage at the speed sensor. Again, the exact procedure wil depend on your make and model of vehicle. If everything looks OK, replace the sensor.

 

OBD Code P0735refers to
This diagnosis monitors actual gear position by checking the torque converter slip ratio calculated by Transmission Control Module (TCM) as follows: Torque converter slip ratio = A x C/B A: Output shaft revolution signal from revolution sensor B: Engine speed signal from Engine Control Module (ECM) C: Gear ratio determined as gear position which TCM supposes If the actual gear position is higher than the position (5th) supposed by TCM, the slip ratio will be more than normal. In case the ratio exceeds the specified value, TCM judges this diagnosis malfunction.
Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0735
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light) - Incorrect transmission shifting
Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0735
- Low transmission fluid level - Dirty transmission fluid - Shift solenoids - Transmission mechanical problems - Transmission hydraulic control circuit The Error code is generally activated on detection of the following conditions: P0735 is detected when A/T cannot be shifted to the 5th gear position even if electrical circuit is good.
Great site for trouble code explanations:

P0735 Smart OBD Code Lookup

 

So first of all, thanks for all the info you guys have provided it has helped a bunch! Basically, like you guys are saying, the problem is there is a speed sensor on the 96's that the 94's don't have. Therefore, the trans doesn't know when to shift when its in econo mode or sport mode. It triggers what I assume to be a default trans setting that works and drives fine. What I am wondering is if there is a way to fake out the comp or connect to something similar that will at least let me get rid of the trans light and maybe allow me to use sport and econo mode. BTW my speedo works fine. Any one know any tricks?

 

Hey !! I know you know this one.

DTC is Diagnostic Trouble Codes

TCM is the Transmission Control Module, this is the one that's the computer.

I have enough trouble with these cars and their nomenclature as is!

 

There is a trick of connecting to the ABS wheel sensor to get the engine speed. You will need to do some searching for the info though and will find it on VS.

 

The 96-97 used abs speed sensor signal for speedo. The 93-95 had a speed sensor on the trans for speedo!