I have an 01 Rubicon I use the ESP mode about 85% of the time. This last summer after riding a while it will not shift out of 3rd gear.

If I stop and select D1 or D2 and then back to ESP it works fine for a while and then wont shift out of 3rd again. It never has this problem going into or out of any other gear except 3rd. (I know they are not "gears") Cold everything is fine, just after riding for a while.

D1 and D2 work fine and it has the same problem in high or low. No codes, no flashing instument cluster.

I have a little over 7500 miles on it and over 800 hours with this being the first problem other than upper control arm bushings, shafts and seals.

Could it be the angle sensor?

Thanks for any help.

 

hey long time no chat, wow your still here! I would think it would have to be either the sensor of the motor, as the motor changes the swash plate much quicker during a manual gear change than it does in auto mode. If everythings ok when in D1 id say its the electric motor.... but thats just a guess

 

Thanks JRM, it makes sense. One time while riding in very cold weather it would slowly shift into 2nd if I held the down button in, but that was only for a few shifts then I had to stop and move the selector switch.

The indicator works and if the windings in the motor were burnt where the motor side while in third gear that would explain the trouble. I would almost bet it spends more time in 3rd than any other position.

 

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Thanks Honda Mechanic. Next time I get it out I will check and see if any codes have been stored. I don't recall ever seeing anything flashing.

 

Specta, just curious as to whether you have found anything out yet. Thanks, Dan.

 

Dan - nope not yet, I am not sure when the next time we take a ride will be, probably Jan 1st. I will replace the angle sensor before we go. Usually have to ride for a while before the problem occurs so I couldn't just replace it and ride around the block, needs to be real warm and have a few miles on it.

I will post the fix.

 

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Preload, do you achieve that by turning the sensor so you get a 4.7-5.3 volt reading between the yellow/red+ and the blue/green- wire?

I appreciate the advice.

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier but I am going to check the sensor with my scope-meter.