Okay, so I have replaced the S1 solenoid in the transmission as some of you guys have read. Now the transmission is still not shifting into 1st or 2nd gears. I hooked up the scanner and reset the code, and it worked!!!......for about 5 minutes. The trans. shifted properly into 1st and 2nd gear, but when it got into 4rth, the CEL and the up arrow came back on. So, everything checks out okay in the transmission, both electrically and physically, now I'm thinking I might have a bad TCM...Does this TCM control shift points, and operate the solenoids S! and S2?

 

Yep...

 

Also, if I find a used tcm, can I interchange years? (i.e. will a 95 model tcm with the same trans. work? Or a 94 etc.?)

 

I can't give you an answer on that, maybe some smarter will jump in but if not you could try calling a dealer or salvage yard and maybe get someone willing to check on interchangeability for you. Might have to call more than one or even drop in.

 

Or look at the numbers on your tcm and match them up to what's in the yard.

 

Another update...I decided to wait on the tcm. I cleaned the pnp switch instead...it's free to do. So, I got it cleaned up(man was it dirty!!), the contacts were all black, so I was definitely not getting good signals from the shifter. After I got it all put back in, I aligned the arm on the pnp with the raised casting mark on the outside of the housing and shifted the gear shifter in the cabin to neutral. Got it all hooked back up, and now the car won't start. The hazard lights flash continuously every time I connect the battery, so I think it threw another code in the computer. On the bright side of things, the back up lights work perfectly, it's just that the car won't start now. Do you guys think it's a code in the computer that is preventing the car from starting?

 

You tripped the security system. Lock & unlock the drivers door and you should be good to go.

 

If you hook it back up and the lock and unlock doesn't work also try the ignition once you've locked the doors. I seem to remember tripping my alarm and it keep going until I either worked the door lock with the key and or the ignition.

 

It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The up arrow turned off!!! It's still in limp mode, but I'll clear the codes tomorrow. Thank you so much!!!

 

Got the codes reset, and now it says shift solenoid B malfunction...originally I got a shift solenoid A malf...this car is confused. I think I am done with it. Thanks for helping me out guys, but I am throwing in the towel.

 

Throwing in the "working on it myself" towel or the "owning an 850" towel ??

 

Both. I know how to change the trans. and all, but the car is just not worth it. If it was a mustang, or corvette or something, I would rebuild it.