If you have ECS, then you have an SL. Add your car and location in user CP.

Check to make sure the fluid level is correct. HOT in NEUTRAL. Observe fluid color and smell.

These cars are also sensitive to the trans fluid. Wrong stuff= headaches.

Post what you find and we'll go from there.

Also poke around in the FWD drivetrain- Auto trans section for other hints and clues.

-SP

 

hi speedy25, thank you for responding so quickly. really appreciate it.
I didn't get a chance to check the FWD Train and probably won't be able to check it until this weekend cause of my schedule and the fact that it gets dark hella early now. i was however able to check the level of fluid and it is correct and the color is still good. for future reference what is a good trans fluid for my car? i did a little bit of research while i was on my lunch break and read that it's a common issue. something about the ECU frying? anyways would love to hear your suggestions. this is my first mitsubishi i've ever owned and besides the obvious issues i love my car. so the engine is new to me and locations of everything. so forgive my noobness lol.

 

I use pure synthetic in all 3 of my ATX DD cars without issue. Opinions may vary. Using the wrong type is a real problem, which it appears you have already discovered yourself. I have a TCU from a 94 if you wanna give it a try as it is a Known Good Part. Shipping both ways might be an issue for you though, IDK. Lemme know. GL
Lincoln

 

would the 94 vr4 tcu work for a automatic 93 sl?

 

what do you mean by not shifting? at all? or it hesitates and when it does shift it slams gears?

 

it doesnt shift at all. I've tried dropping the car into first and second then putting it into drive but no shifting. it just stays in third. the reverse works fine.

 

KaipStar, your transmission is in fail safe (limp mode). Only has third gear going forward (sluggish acceleration), neutral and reverse. Most likely your TCU (transmission control unit) has failed. They usually burn up one or more capacitors.

I recently went thru same thing with my ’93. Exact same symptoms and rebuilt TCU corrected problem.

 

so not the ecu but the tcu needs to be replaced? im glad to know someone that had this issue and can help me through it

 

My old ES just did this to the new owner. Known good tcu has been bought by him and is on the way, when he lets me know it works I'll update as another confirmed limp mode = tcu issue.

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The TCU's I have are from SL ATX cars. 1 95 and 1 94 same part number MD756032.
Lincoln

 

OOOOH cool beans. yeah i wouldn't mind giving it a shot. PM me and we'll talk :bigok:

 

Not to confuse you, but the TCU is not the only thing that can cause the "Limp" mode. Wiring, connectors, pulse sensors, etc. can cause this issue. Probably why it is such a big issue with these transmissions as it can be a number of things. The last time I saw this issue it turned out to be one of the pulse generator sensors. My point, I guess, is that it is repairable. Find your particular gremlin, kick it's ass, and all will be well....

 

As thomasson5 said there can be other causes for limp mode. But leaking capacitors in 1g cars is common and were replaced with better capacitors in later model TCU’s. If by chance you smelt a faint burnt smell in car prior to trans not shifting, it would be confirmation that a leaking capacitor burnt in TCU.

Another note, if you get working TCU to try. You can remove carpeted panel on passenger side of console (two tcu connectors are on that side), after unplugging connectors there is enough wire length to plug in test tcu and drive to confirm trans works. I mention because removing tcu and bracket it’s mounted on is somewhat pain in a$$. What I don’t know is if ’94 or ’95 unit will work, maybe others on here might.

Also since this seems to be your DD, I would recommend you drive as little as possible and take it easy accelerating from stops until it is repaired. Remember you are starting in third which puts load on clutches, bands in trans and torque converter.

 

Hi everyone. I just want to say thanks for all the help. Sorry I been MIA for a while been crazy with work and been sick. I bought a used tcu and installed it this morning. Took the car out for a test drive and she's got her power back. Shifting great and really smooth. The 95 model does work in a 93. Just invade anyone has the same issue I do. Have an awesome weekend everyone. Time to go burn some rubber xP

 

Just in case someone has this issue in the future: check your ground cables and battery voltage. In my old car I had this problem and it was caused by bad ground cables off the battery.

 

Did the used TCU have the same number on the box as the original one?

I have read that TCU's need to be the same. You may have disproved that, so I'm asking for detail.

Glad you were able to get a fix quickly instead of a long drawn out "I dont know what to do next" thread.

-SP

 

no the numbers on the box were different. the one that was in the car was a 755 and the one i bought was a 756.

 

Thats perfect! I need to learn too, plus this separates fact from fiction. Now we know either number will work.

-SP