hard shifting problem

[arej00dazed]

I’ve been working on replacing the head gasket on a ’99 Sunfire. This weekend we finally got it all back together and it fire up smoothly. But not without a few problems.

-check engine light - took it to advance, codes said that the MAP and Cam sesnors has low voltage
-traction control off light is on – that light comes on when parking brake is set. I’m hoping its just something seized up from sitting for so long. The brakes were grinding for a bit during the test trip. After a mile or so it eased up.
-shifts extremely hard, especially into first gear (automatic)

I’m not too worried about the sensors unless it turns out to be the wiring problem. Also not to worried about the traction control light. What really has me worried it the hard shift. The car has been sitting since last fall. Would a tranny flush/fill/new filter possibly solve this problem? Is having one of those sensor problems causing the hard shift? Would it be possible that the traction control light is somehow tied to the hard shifting?

Any help? Thanx!

 

[melsg5]

I believe the traction control light coming on is normal when the parking brake is set, how long have you owned this car, do you have the owners manual ? The shifting problem is probably related to your sensor codes.

This is copied from the 1999 owners manual


The warning light will come on when you set your
parking brake with the engine running, and it will
stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If
the system is turned on and the warning light stays
on after your parking brake is fully released, it
means there’s a problem with the system.

 

[arej00dazed]

I'm guessing it just because the car has been sitting for nearly a year and the brake components are seized. When I test drove it yesterday, the brakes were grinding pretty bad. after about a half mile or so, they seemed to loosen up, but the light stayed on. I'm more worried about the shifting. The sensors I already have a plan of approach, just waiting for time. If I can get everything else fixed, I'll take it in somewhere to fix the trac. light problem. I'll do disc brakes.......but **** drums!!! I've done (2) sets on (2) different vehicles and that was enough to tell me to pay someone to do it next time. The drum brakes on my ranger is still acting up. Granted, with the excpetion of the parking brake, they worked perfect until a mech. took it apart to fix the parking brake. Since then the drums has never been right.

 

[Flathed]

For the hard shifting problem, had the same problem, replaced the Throttle Position Sensor attached to the carb, 5 minute job. an easy test.

______________________________

 

[arej00dazed]

Turns out......I had the cam and map sensor plugs switched. Didn't think that was possible, all otheres were unique.

By the way, anyone know what the heat a/c blower motor ground is mounted?