I received the VLinker FS OBDII to USB connector this afternoon via Amazon One Day Delivery.
Unfortunately, I have some mixed results.
The P1000 code is still present, and will not allow for completion of the KOEO or KOER tests. So, no progress there. It did, however, give all the conditions needed for the KOEO test -- Depress and Release Brake, Give Steering Wheel half a turn and Cycle the OD Off button. No further codes for the OD button, so I am declaring that as working correctly.
A couple of other codes came up while scanning all the systems -- B1352 and B1358. Both of these codes refer to the Ignition switch. The Lock Cylinder is very worn on this truck, and the key can be removed from any position (still required to turn on the truck, but will still run when removed). It probably needs both a lock cylinder and an ignition switch, but those issues have been going on for much longer than the transmission issues.
I don't know if this truck is new enough to have "learning mode" for the transmission, but I tried to erase it through Forscan. I took the truck out and both reverse and drive worked as normal without turning OD off. Then I came to a stop sign. When I hit the gas to move, revs went over 2000, and there was a slight movement of the truck. Hit the button on the side of the gear selector, "OD off" lit up on the dash, and the truck ran normally. I drove for about another 10 minutes, and the truck shifted normally about 2 out of 6 times with the "OD Off" light off. So, some progress, but in no way solved.
The transmission was rebuilt about 3 years ago. The fluid has not been changed since, although the level appears fine. Could this simply need a flush and new filter? I am going to have the transmission shop take a look on Tuesday, but I don't want a rebuild if what it really needs is just a service, torque converter, or some other less costly option.
Thoughts?
Tom
PS one side note, a P0500 code for Vehicle Speed Sensor came up on one of my KOEO tests. I erased all the codes and it did not come up again. However, when I looked for the VSS (or Transmission Output Sensor), I found it, but there was no wire leading to the sensor, and no broken or missing wires or connectors that I could find. The truck must have run for years without the connector, but it still seems strange.