I have a 1995 Olds 88 with the 3800 series II V6. A while ago the transmission went into "limp mode" (starts in second or third and not upshift consistently). It would do this on and off and even went a whole month without doing it. I got it checked out and it was supposedly a shift solenoid which I had replaced. It's been fine for four months now, but yesterday it went into "limp mode" again. I am wondering if it is a similar electronic issue or an actual transmission problem. I have been told that this model year has a problematic electrical system. Does anyone have any advice or experience with similiar problems? The other issue is that I am away at school without access to tools, etc. Would it be advisable to drive this on the interstate for about 400 miles? Any help is appreciated.

Hi mmw1138,

Welcome to TOC.


"Supposedly" but it lasted "for four months"?

Have you talked to the shop that did the diagnosis/repair?


Without knowing the nature of the problem?

Norm

When the problem happened the car's computer said there was there was a problem with the shift solenoid and replacing the solenoid fixed the problem. This makes me wonder if this is a new problem unrelated to the solenoid.

Since my initial post the car suddenly went back to normal...hopefully it will stay that way until I go home and the time and resources to work on it.