Switch pitch quit working?

Discussion in 'The "Juice Box"' started by AlaskaBuick, May 29, 2005.

  1. AlaskaBuick

    AlaskaBuick Well-Known Member

    Just started having problems with my stitch pitch. I have it wired into a timer box that is in line with my brake light switch.

    The problem started entermidantly and then just went to low stall and will not got to high stall. At first I thought it was the wiring or my delay box, so by passed and ran a direct + wire to the tranny. Nothing, no change.

    I suspect that the problem is with a selinoid in the Tranny. Is this hard to swap out? Is this a common problem?

    Thanks Guys..
     
  2. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    I had this same problem a few years ago with my SP trans. It was the solenoid dying and is located on the front pump which means the trans had to come out. I elected to Have Jim Burek at PAE build me a new solenoid with relocation kit which relocates it to trans pan. Now, if it goes out in the future it will be an easy fix! HTH.
     
  3. AlaskaBuick

    AlaskaBuick Well-Known Member

    thanks

    Evan,

    Thanks for the info. Jim is sending me a relocation kit.

    Dennis
     
  4. flipp121

    flipp121 Member

    Hi I know this is an old thread and I do own an oldsmobile (but I like buicks to), I was wondering if anyone can help me? I have a th300 jetaway trans with switch pitch and i think my switch pitch is dead too. I hard wired it to a switch (the horizontal connector on the trans) and when i flick the switch nothing happens? I live in canada and parts are harder to find for these old cars, is this problem fixeable? If so how?
    Thanks much,
    Mark

    As of right now she is a 2 speed with a 2.78 rear end and a 2 barrel 330, not a whole lot of go (0-60 in 15 seconds) anyhelp would be really appreciated.
     
  5. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    Flipp 121- Sounds like you could have possibly the same problem as in this original thread. Have you run a voltage check at switch with a multimeter to see if the switch is energized and working? With switch on, it should pull voltage. I'd try the simple things first in troubleshooting your problem. Too many times I've overlooked those simple things and have caused myself lots of time, trouble, and heartache. Check wiring too at connector at trans body and at switch. You could replace the toggle and see if that helps. You could also have a dead solenoid but I hope that's not your problem as that is more involved. Keep us posted and let us know. Lots of talented folks here that can help in the process.

    AlaskaBuick.... glad that it worked out for you! Glad I could steer you in the right direction!




     
  6. flipp121

    flipp121 Member

    Hey, yes I tested my switch with a test light and it is working fine, as my kickdown and my stator switch are one piece on my olds (no plunger) if the kickdown is getting voltage then the stator is as well, I also ran a hard wired switch to the switch pitch terminal on the trans and nothing happens. I also checked my tranny fluid and it is at a perfect level albeit a tiny bit crispy but not to bad. I suppose its the solenoid then? I have to take the torque converter off to get at it or do i have to pull the whole pump?
    Thanks
    Mark
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Drop the pan first. There may be a problem with the wiring inside the pan. Apply 12 volts to the wire leading to the solenoid, and see if it will click. The solenoid is mounted on the front pump. You have to pull the pump to get to it.
     
  8. flipp121

    flipp121 Member

    Okay larry i'll do that but i find it unlikely that, that is the problem?
     
  9. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member


    If you look at where the wires go through the transmission case, you'll see there are internal wires that lead from the inside of the plug to the respective solenoids. Don't be surprised if the insulation on those wires has cracked in several places. The heat can damage the wiring. It's not unlikely. It could very well be. It's simpler than dropping the trans, and disassembling things. Always check the simple stuff first. I had a downshift solenoid that wasn't working because of a wiring problem inside the pan. Your problem may just be that simple.
     
  10. flipp121

    flipp121 Member

    Awsome larry, I will certainly give that a shot, if the wiring is shot I suppose i will need to pull the trans anyways to replace the wires/rehook them up. The reason i ask is that i am considering going to a th350 for that extra gear, but if i can get my switch pitch working i think i will be satisfied with the acceleration so as to not have to go through all that. What in is your opinion? Would i be better off with a th350 or a sp300 (2 speed)?
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I like the switch pitch, even the ST300. It's an awesome transmission. I love mentioning it to people at cruises and shows, and having them look at me sideways because they have no idea what a switch pitch is. Then when you tell them, some still don't believe. I would try to get yours working. The extra stall can mke up for the lack of one gear.
     
  12. flipp121

    flipp121 Member

    Beauty, yeah I would like to keep it as stock/original as possible.
     
  13. jamyers

    jamyers 2 gallons of fun

    Evans, any pics or other info on this solenoid relocation?
     
  14. Evans Ward

    Evans Ward Well-Known Member

    Sorry, didn't take any pics when I went this route several yrs ago. I can say it has worked flawlessly since with no concerns whatsoever. Contact Jim at PAE and he can tell you more on it.
     

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