Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

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ronnie1995
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Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by ronnie1995 »

Hello there,
I've noticed in the past few weeks that when I am parking up a flashing S light comes on the dash (the same one that comes on when in sports mode), toda when i reversed out of the drivewa and stuck it in drive the flashing S light came on and it wasnt accelerating, no matter how much i put m foot on the throttle.
I reversed back into the drivewa, switched the engine off and left it for about a minute and started it and drove off as normal and it was fine.

Does anone know what this means?

Thanks in advance
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Cavalier342
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Cavalier342 »

Yep. Your selector switch has packed in.

The selector switch can be removed, taken apart and cleaned inside, that helps sometimes, but it may be that you need a replacement. Happens sooner or later to all autos.

The flashing S is a fault code, which means there's a fault with the gearbox, hence it's going into winter mode (3rd gear) which is why you are getting slow acceleration. I might have covered the selector switch in another post, I can't remember if that's so. If not, I can talk you step by step on how to remove it. Also, when your selector switch develops the fault, your reverse lights won't work as they run off the same system. Check that to confirm.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
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himselfunknown
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by himselfunknown »

It could be the fluid needs changing. I had this issue with my old auto, and an hour and £15 later I'd got it sorted. If this doesn't sort it, then dabble with selectors and switches.

If all else fails, I've got two af20's for sale ;)
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Cavalier342
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Cavalier342 »

himselfunknown wrote: If all else fails, I've got two af20's for sale ;)

I forgot about that, I may have to contact you at some point about one, I might do with a spare.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
ronnie1995
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Posts: 127
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:48 pm

Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by ronnie1995 »

Hi there, Put the oil into it this evening and it has been driving perfectly, seems like the problem is solved. Will find out when I go to use it in the morning.
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Cavalier342
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Cavalier342 »

Try it when it's cold outside, i.e. around freezing temperature, then after you start it, select all the way down to 1, if the light stays off, you may well have sorted it.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
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Robsey
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Robsey »

You can verify the nature of the "S" flashing ight, by doing a paper clip test as follows: -

To get the "S" light to flash out the fault codes, short pin A to pin C on the diagnostic plug, turn on the ignition - engine not running.

17 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage Low)
21 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage High)
22 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage Low)
23 Coolant Temperature Switch (Voltage High)
25 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage High)
26 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage Low)
27 Connection Solenoid 2-3/Solenoid TCC
28 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage High)
29 TCC Solenoid (Voltage Low)
31 No Engine RPM Signal
32 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Voltage Low)
33 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Current High)
36 TCC Solenoid (Voltage High)
38 No Transmission Input RPM Signal
39 No Transmission Output RPM Signal
41 Gear Error Hydraulic Fault (usually an internal transmission mechanical failure - forward clutch ?)
42 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Short Circuit)
47 Down Shift Protection
48 Battery (Voltage Low)
49 Battery (Voltage High)
56 Selector Switch (Incorrect Signal)
65 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
66 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage Low/High)
67 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
75 Transmission Switch (Voltage Low)
76 Engine TPS Load (Signal Incorrect)
77 Kickdown Switch (Voltage Low)
78 AT Shift Time (Too Long)

The most common faults are those mentioned above -
a) Insufficent or contaminated auto-box fluid,
or more commonly
b) Dirty / sticking / frozen selector switch.
ronnie1995
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by ronnie1995 »

Hi there,
Does the auto box have an oil filter?
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planetc
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by planetc »

ronnie1995 wrote:Hi there,
Does the auto box have an oil filter?
I believe there is a filter inside the lower pan, but it's been a few years so I could be wrong.
"No the temperature gauge doesn't work........
we've driven 150 miles today........
the heater went cold last Thursday........
they check the level when it's serviced don't they?"
ronnie1995
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by ronnie1995 »

Robsey wrote:You can verify the nature of the "S" flashing ight, by doing a paper clip test as follows: -

To get the "S" light to flash out the fault codes, short pin A to pin C on the diagnostic plug, turn on the ignition - engine not running.

17 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage Low)
21 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage High)
22 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage Low)
23 Coolant Temperature Switch (Voltage High)
25 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage High)
26 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage Low)
27 Connection Solenoid 2-3/Solenoid TCC
28 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage High)
29 TCC Solenoid (Voltage Low)
31 No Engine RPM Signal
32 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Voltage Low)
33 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Current High)
36 TCC Solenoid (Voltage High)
38 No Transmission Input RPM Signal
39 No Transmission Output RPM Signal
41 Gear Error Hydraulic Fault (usually an internal transmission mechanical failure - forward clutch ?)
42 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Short Circuit)
47 Down Shift Protection
48 Battery (Voltage Low)
49 Battery (Voltage High)
56 Selector Switch (Incorrect Signal)
65 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
66 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage Low/High)
67 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
75 Transmission Switch (Voltage Low)
76 Engine TPS Load (Signal Incorrect)
77 Kickdown Switch (Voltage Low)
78 AT Shift Time (Too Long)

The most common faults are those mentioned above -
a) Insufficent or contaminated auto-box fluid,
or more commonly
b) Dirty / sticking / frozen selector switch.

Hi there, Just did the diagnostic test for the gearbox and it came up with code 12. What does it mean?

Thanks
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Envoy CDX
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Envoy CDX »

ronnie1995 wrote:
Robsey wrote:You can verify the nature of the "S" flashing ight, by doing a paper clip test as follows: -

To get the "S" light to flash out the fault codes, short pin A to pin C on the diagnostic plug, turn on the ignition - engine not running.

17 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage Low)
21 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage High)
22 Throttle Position Sensor (Voltage Low)
23 Coolant Temperature Switch (Voltage High)
25 Solenoid 1-2/3-4 (Voltage High)
26 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage Low)
27 Connection Solenoid 2-3/Solenoid TCC
28 Solenoid 2-3 (Voltage High)
29 TCC Solenoid (Voltage Low)
31 No Engine RPM Signal
32 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Voltage Low)
33 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Current High)
36 TCC Solenoid (Voltage High)
38 No Transmission Input RPM Signal
39 No Transmission Output RPM Signal
41 Gear Error Hydraulic Fault (usually an internal transmission mechanical failure - forward clutch ?)
42 Pressure Regulator Solenoid (Short Circuit)
47 Down Shift Protection
48 Battery (Voltage Low)
49 Battery (Voltage High)
56 Selector Switch (Incorrect Signal)
65 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
66 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage Low/High)
67 AT Oil Temperature Sensor (Voltage High)
75 Transmission Switch (Voltage Low)
76 Engine TPS Load (Signal Incorrect)
77 Kickdown Switch (Voltage Low)
78 AT Shift Time (Too Long)

The most common faults are those mentioned above -
a) Insufficent or contaminated auto-box fluid,
or more commonly
b) Dirty / sticking / frozen selector switch.

Hi there, Just did the diagnostic test for the gearbox and it came up with code 12. What does it mean?

Thanks
No fault stored.

Does this fault occur when you first start driving? Or after a period of driving?
If its after driving, then you need to change your fluiid. I couldn't find anything documenting a filter that could be serviced when I looked into mine.
Had to suffice doing the fluid change in 3 stages.
Check the Rules!

Raw 8v Power! - Bad Cav, Naughty Cav... Cav want's to do 90!

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Jamesv6cav
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Re: Cavalier Auto Flashing S Light and Lacking power

Post by Jamesv6cav »

Hello there i have a 1995 v6 cavalier 2.5 auto. Have had the flashing s and limp mode for a while now. I have changed gear box oil and filter also regressed the selector switch. Just doesn't seem to want to go the light only starts to flash once moving. In d it doesn't change gear but 1 2 and 3 are all good. Is there any thing else I can try. Thanks in advance.
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