I was driving today and it suddenly felt like the transmission couldn't decide what gear it wanted and it kind of shuddered and then the transmission arrow and check engine light came on. I was able to continue but I had to stop at a light and when I went to go it was like it was in third gear and didn't want to get going. I was able to get around the turn I was at and pull into a parking lot. I then noticed that the switch for economy, sport and winter mode was blinking. I got the car towed home and put my OBD reader on it and it showed wrong gear ratio. I cleared the code and it didn't come back but I haven't driven the car around yet.

Does any one have any idea what is going on?

 

Sounds like the transmission went into limp mode where it essentially goes into winter mode and starts in 3nd gear.

A few quick things to try: Do the "shifter row" (park to lo to park 20x fast) to see if you can clean up the contacts on the PNP switch. Check the transmission fluid level and check its color by wiping on a white paper towel. reddish/brown is good, black is bad...

 

I wrote the wrong thing. The code was "wrong gear ratio". The fluid is full and the color is good. I'll try the PNP thing.

 

I did try the shifter row thing and then drove the car with no problem. Is there any way to tell for sure if this is the PNP switch? I don't mind replacing it if that is the problem but I would like to be sure before I do it. How hard of a project is it to replace the switch.

 

 

Probably the PNP switch. Be CAREFUL, when you unplug the switch, the car CAN ROLL AWAY.

 

One question. How long should this project take? I was going to do it today but ran out of time before I could even start.

 

I got a chance to do this project today and it took about 2.5 hours. It actually took me a little longer because after I finished I started the car and got a check engine light and checked the code. It showed "245 waste gate solenoid low". I checked and I had not fully pressed in one connector. All good now.

 

So after a week of driving I checked the trans fluid and there was none on the dip stick, sinking feeling. I added a half quart and still none so I added the other half and still none but then I noticed fluid running out from under the car. I checked and when I had put everything back together after the neutral safety switch I did not get the dipstick tube seated and it was hanging off the engine. I put it back where it should be and checked and the fluid is ok.

 

Update. After two months of driving with the new neutral safety switch if I am in slow stop and go traffic my car still goes into limp home mode and the arrow/check engine light comes on. When I pull the codes it still says wrong gear selected. After I clear the code it goes back to normaL
Does anyone have any ideas of what is going on? Under normal driving everything acts fine. I have started keeping my OBD reader in the car so I can clear the code when it happens but I am not confident enough to feel comfortable with my wife driving the car.

 

Check to make sure the transmission control module is seated properly. Better yet, pull it, check the contacts, and re-seat it.