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Posted on Mar 11, 2009
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Transmission not changing when lights are on

When I drive and press my brake the reverse light will illuminate and the car jerks once before it stops. But at night when the lights are on the transmission does not change out. But if you turn off the lights it drives fine.My problem is very similar. The symptom list is:

When I brake:

when I first start the car and shift into drive, the indicator for burnt out light bulbs glows on the dash board unless I start and shift without touching the brake using the shift override;

If moving, the transmission downshifts suddenly;

The reverse light on the dashboard glows in all situations;

The reverse lights and the license plate lights glow dimly - not sure if this is always true since it is hard to observe from the driver's seat.

Is this a computer problem?

  • 3 more comments 
  • rufcut Mar 11, 2009

    This solution does not explain why my back-up lights come on when I hit the brakes.

  • rufcut Mar 11, 2009

    This answer does not explain why my transmission downshifts when I hit the brakes. The symtoms started at the same time.

  • rufcut Mar 11, 2009

    "My suggestion is this, if you can drive your vehicle, drive it to AAMCO"

    Not to be snide, but I just paid for expert advice and you're telling me to take it to an expert.

    I'm looking for an explanation of why touching my brake cause all of the above symptoms. I'm trying to make a decision about whether to get my car repaired or but a new one. It's old, but it has been a great car.

  • rufcut Mar 11, 2009

    "There are two problems here that need solving."

    The problems started simultaneously.

    "Firstly the down shift and the judder or shift just befor you soft, they can be resolved by changing your transmission oil"

    I changed it three months ago.

    "The second problem with the lights etc is related to what is known as a gear selector switch, this needs to be replaced."

    That doesn't explain why the brakes light the reverse light.

  • rufcut Mar 11, 2009

    This makes sense. I'll have it checked. Thanks.

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  • Master 6,784 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009
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You will need to replace the shift solenoids on this transmission. the speed sensory unit is damaged as well.

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  • Expert 164 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009
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Hello There

There are two problems here that need solving.
Firstly the down shift and the judder or shift just befor you soft, they can be resolved by changing your transmission oil, if the problem has recently started then the transmission oil will resolve this.

The second problem with the lights etc is related to what is known as a gear selector switch, this needs to be replaced.

Hope this helps. Please don't forget to rate me.

Thanks

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  • Lexus Master 2,993 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009
Greg Bernett
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My suggestion is this, if you can drive your vehicle, drive it to AAMCO or another reputable transmission shop. I know for a fact that AAMCO will diagnos it for FREE. Free is always good and they are the transmission specialists!

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  • Expert 158 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009
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Hello, It sounds as if you may have a bulb in your tail lamps that may be shorted out on the inside the actual bulb itself .Check all you rear lights, this can cause your problem.Please rate my answer, Thank you.

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  • Lexus Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009
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U need to have the connector to the transmission at the trans case pulled off and inspected for corroded or loose pins and terminal ends, this sounds like a faulty ground circuit.

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