Everything was fine after I fueled up and drove for a while on the highway in the '82 CE.   

My check engine light came on and the transmission downshifted into third and would not engage into fourth/overdrive anymore going home.        I started to watch all the gauges and seem to be fine in working preamatures but the check engine light remaines on.    Again...   

So what shall I do??? 

FYI, From 2 years ago I have a new generator,  a rebuilt transmission with around 6K's miles and did a complete tune up last year.

Thanks. 

Iron822008-11-26 12:49:15

Have someone scan it for the trouble code first. That will give you a starting point.

i would recommend a frame-off at this point. That way you cover all the bases. Then if the light is still on... remove the bulb.

Do you know how to check your codes to see what the code(s) are?

I agee with trying to determine the code the computer is showing as a first step.  If you dont have a code scanner that will work on the computer connection under the ash tray, there is a trick to use a paper clip to have the computer flash the codes. Im not sure which terinals to jump since I have a scanner but Im sure someone will.  Phill probably knows off the top of his head which ones.

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Remove ashtray and locate 12 terminal connector underneath it.

Turn ignition “on” do not start engine.  The “Check Engine lamp”  (CEL) should be “on”

.Jumper terminal “A” and “B” with a paper clip.  The CEL should flash the number “12”  it will be one flash short pause two flashes.  Then there is a long pause and it will repeat twice more.

 

All this does is tell you the self test function is working.

 

After this routine is over with the CEL will flash the codes for any faults.  The same way.  Each fault will be repeated three times before going to the next fault.  So the book says.  When I did this on my CE I had only one fault so I have never seen it move to more than one fault.  Hope this helps

 

I have the codes in my Shop Manual if you find them and need me to look them up I’m home all weekend working around the house and hopefully on my CE.

Chances are it did NOT downshift from 4th. Your trans is not electronically controlled, as far as shifts are concerned. Lock up, a function of the torque converter however, IS controlled by the ECM. This means the ECM has canceled lock-up for some reason, and turned on the Check Eng. light. This would sorta feel like losing a gear, but it's really just not going into lock-up.
You do need to have it scanned, or pull the code(s) to determined what the ECM saw that required it to cancel the lock-up operation. It could be anything from a coolant temperature sensor issue, a brake switch, cruise control, speedo, or tach signal issue.
If you look into the ALDL connector, you'll see the terminals are lettered. I believe you need to jumper the "A" and "B" terminals(key OFF) to pull the codes. With the terminals jumpered, turn the key ON, (but don't start it up) then watch the Check Eng. light. It will flash the codes. Normally, it will start with a "12", which you would read as one long flash, then two shorter flashes. You can basically ignore the "12", as it has no real relevance to anything. It's just a check, as it is looking for a signal from the distributor/tach showing engine rpm, which of course it won't have if the engine is not running. It will repeat each code 3 times, then move to the next one, if any.
For instance, if it has a code 45, you'll see the light flash 4 long flashes, then 5 shorter flashes, then a short pause, then a repeat of 4 long/5 short, another pause, and then another repeat.
Or...you could go to an AutoZone, or similar place, and have them scan it for codes.
Find out what codes it has, then we can fix it.



dang...I should type faster, eh? Looks like I got beat! Adams' Apple2008-11-26 19:53:27

Our local Auto Zone will print the code and provide you with their decode standard info.  It may or may not be the same as in the shop manual.

Only takes a minute or two if they aren't busy.

Thanks for all the help.   I'll go down to Auto Zone later and see what they say.  I also need to get two air filters and two seals that go around the injectors.   See pictures.   

Pic 1