Trans won't shift

[iamalienru]

I am traveling from Las Vegas to the Oregon coast in my 1998 American eagle. All was fine pulled over for a stop when I started back up my trans wouldn't go into drive or reverse. There are no fault codes on the trans key board. I did notice that my idle rpm is 1k most likely not allowing the trans to shift. Does any have any idea why the idle would jump from 700 to 1000. I appreciate any information you might have

 

[B52Bombardier1]

If you have an OBD2 code reader, you might be able to see the fault codes. Though I'm not sure a 1998 vehicle such as yours had to be OBD2 compliant back then.

How's the fluid level on the dipstick?

Rick

 

[iamalienru]

Fluid is good tran temp never rose. Don't have a code reader. I guess I will have to have it towed back to Reno nv as nobody here in Susanville work on them 100 mile tow good thing I have the right insurance. Going backwards the next town north of here is about 300 miles to find someone who deals with this. Thank you all for your input.

 

[B52Bombardier1]

How many miles on the transmission? Ever been rebuilt? Do you tow a lot? Fluid and filter changed as required by the owners manual?

Rick

 

[iamalienru]

Pretty sure it's not the trans it is doing what it is suppose to do. Low mileage on trans fluid good by low mileage under 100k . I do tow my Chevy Colorado when I travel. Trans temp always good.

 

[Rich W.]

Im a little curious. First, what transmission does it have? Allison 3000 series? Probably MD3060. It may not be the fluid but are you saying the fluid has nearly 100k miles on it? Using TES 295 spec fluid gives you the high maintenance intervals, otherwise its 25k miles and one year. Even with TES 295 and Allisons published 300k interval its also states 48 months.

 

[iamalienru]

The trans has been serviced. I keep the coach pretty well maintained. I know that 1k rpm is to high to allow the trans to shift. Looking at it further I am pretty sure I am missing a spring to the linkage as the are suppose to be 2 an I only 1 that is rusted. Now that it's Monday and places are open I should be able to get the spring and find out if in fact this is the problem. Everyones help has been a life saver pictures and thoughts invaluable. I will update today as I go through this process

 

[Rich W.]

yes the 1000 RPM issue is interesting. Did you have it towed anywhere yet?

 

[iamalienru]

Yes is has been towed to susanville ca but nobody work on them here so they are towing it to Reno nv this morning to a shop. Good thing the insurance covers it

 

[Rich W.]

My recommendation in the Reno area would be Velocity Truck Center in Sparks.

 

[iamalienru]

Ok thanks for the info I will check them out

 

[iamalienru]

Update my coach was towed to Reno to a shop called Nevada auto diagnostic which was recommended as shop who dealt with Rvs and my type of problem. I called in advance and they said yes no problem. Well when I got there and my coach was dropped there. They had no clue what to do or what I was even doing there it was a horrible experience. I end up putting the drive line myself and was able to get the rpms down to 800 then drove it to Cummings. There were rvs at this shop and they may know some things but their customer service is non existent. Any it was a sloppy linkage on the throttle assembly that was causing the higher rpms they fixed it and even let me plug into 50 amp. I am back on the road

 

[Rich W.]

Glad you are on the road. Im not surprised at all about your experience. These roadside assistance insurance companies just want to tow you the shortest distance possible but they are clueless about actual mechanics so they will go through a dozen shops if they have to, starting with the closest one.

They dont care about what you are going through and these small shops all enthusiastically accept the job and state that they can fix anything because they want the business and its no skin of their whatevers if they cant fix it. And no surprise about Cummins either. They may have the expertise but not an ounce of concern. I’m surprised they even agreed to help.

I will say the folks at Velocity do seem to truly care, they will try to put you at the front of the line if you are on the road, they have qualified techs, and can fix about any chassis issue you might have. Also their labor rates are about 40% less than Cummins shops.

Glad it was something simple and that you are back on the road. Hope it wasn't too unpleasant. I always learn from these stories so thanks for sharing.

 

[iamalienru]

I did call Velocity they felt Cummings would be my best bet. I was really surprised with the folks at this particular Cummings. They made a really bad situation bearable. And they got me right in. I was pleased with them

 

[Rich W.]

Glad to hear that. It also sounds like the two outfits are communicating and working together.