auto won't shift out of first gear?

[smokeythewhitewagon]

OK, its a 98 auto legacy, and I recently installed a new(er) engine from a manual. The car starts out in first just fine, but when it tries to shift into 2nd, the engine just free revs up and down like this :smt026 and then resumes first gear. Any ideas?

[02_Legacy]

Did you check the fluid level? That is the first thing that comes to my mind. Also make sure you plugged everything back in after the swap

[smokeythewhitewagon]

Yeah, fluid levels look good, and I'm pretty sure all the wires are connected properly.

[smokeythewhitewagon]

could someone narrow down my search and tell me which wires are specifically for the 4EAT? maybe post pics of where to look?

[Huffer]

Did you leave your auto TCU installed?

[smokeythewhitewagon]

not sure what TCU is... please forgive my noobity...

[smokeythewhitewagon]

is that a transmission cooling unit?

[Huffer]

TCU = transmission control unit

[smokeythewhitewagon]

:oops:

Thanks for all the suggestions. I found out what the problem was.

There is a grounding cable that bolts onto the top of the intake plenum. The bolt I used was slightly too long, so it didn't snug the cable connector down all the way. Shorter bolt... problem solved. She runs like a dream again!

I still want to change the ATF and install a ATF cooler, to ensure the 4EAT lasts a while longer. :smt023