1998 Z24 Cavalier Shifting Problems
 

Hello All!

Be nice I'm new!

I have a 1998 Z24 with automatic 4 speed transmission that was given to my son for his first car but has shifting problems. I am not so up on all of the computer cars. The problem is it seems to shift into 2nd but that's it. If I down down shift manually it will go back into 1st. Found that out by accident! It will not shift through all manually other that it shifting into 2nd as mentioned above. I ahve not checked the fluid yet because this is the transmission that doesn't have a dipstick. It is also kinda hard from to get it up off the ground and keep it level to check.

Great forum for Chevrolet Vehicles!

Can someone give me some suggestions?

Thanks,
Hobbydad

I also wanted to add, I have a check engine light on and dash says ETS Off.

Thanks,
Hobbydad

You need to get the computer scanned. Without knowing what the code is, we can not really help you.

Got the code read tonight and it came back as throttle position sensor. I just think that's weird because it has a shifting problem.

Can someone explain what the throttle position sensor has to do with the transmission?

Thanks,
Hobbydad

The TPS is what is used to tell the computer to shift the transmission.

Ok! I will install a new one tomorrow and see how it works out!

Thanks,
Hobbydad

Ok, the guy at Advanced read the code as throttle position sensor. Installed new TPS and still the same problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Hobbydad

Do you have a volt meter? Codes do not always mean that specific part is bad they only tell you what is being effected. So if the signal to the TPS is not there or the output is not received at the PCM it would give you a TPS code.

Yes I have a voltmeter, what do I need to see?

Thanks!

I would consider taking the car by a transmission shop, most will give a free "check-up". It could just be low on fluid, I do not care much for the "sealed" transmissions like yours. To get the check engine light to go off the computer will need to be reset after installing the new TPS, Advance may be able to do that but it may require a "real" scanner. The ones that the auto parts stores use is a "beater" box that has very limited options.