Allison 2000 "Check Trans" Light Diagnostic

[brokebus]

Bus: 2001 Bluebird TC2000 5.9 Cummins / Allison 2000 series.

So before I dive into the whole story, Im trying to read codes from the trans. It seems that I need Allison DOC software, a windows laptop, and some kind of j1939 connector. Which is all pricey. Has anyone dealt with this and can direct me in the best direction. I would appreciate it. Also, if it matters, the light is not currently on, but it should be saved on the TCM since i haven't reset anything?

The Story:
"Check trans" light came on while driving. I was stopped at a light, then on acceleration it felt like trans was slipping, then i notice the light was on. Pulled over ASAP (~2 miles) and notice the trans dip stick was popped open a bit and no fluid on the stick. Added 3.5 qt after letting it sit for like 1 hour. Start back up, no light on. Reverse was strong, then first gear felt like normal, 1 min later, light back on, no shifting into 2nd, so pull over immediately. put into neutral, then back in to gear it had nothing forward or reverse. Then it would pretty much restart this processes every time i turned it off for a bit.
Since then I bought the Bluefire 9 pin j1939 truck scanner but it didnt seem to pick up the trans code. I figured maybe since the trans light wasnt on, it couldn't read it. I had it towed to a property were Im not able to get out of first gear, so I drove it forward and reverse a bunch and left it run for like 30 mins lol. still no light but the trans felt okay. I tried again this time a bit more aggressive on throttle and longer range, but still only in 1st and R. No "Check Trans" light, but the ?"Restrict Range"? light came on for a brief second right as i was shifting to N then it was gone. The whole time i have the Bluefire reader and it didnt pick up anything. BTW Bluefire has lots of connection issues and poor customer/tech support, i returned. So now Im just looking for a way to scan my code so i can fix my rig. Again if anyone can help, or has the software that can be shared, or knows the best tool to purchase. i Would appreciate it.

Does any know if this would work?
https://www.ebay.com./itm/152427315711?ul_noapp=true

 

[Polarweasel]

Hey Brokebus... this post approved just now, other one deleted. First posts with links get held for moderation. Welcome to the forum!

 

[ABBus]

Can't help to identify the cause of your transmission issue, but a far a a diagnostic tool I use a chinese copy of the Nexiq, from eBay. Works perfectly, and comes with a lot of softwares.

 

[brokebus]

Can't help to identify the cause of your transmission issue, but a far a a diagnostic tool I use a chinese copy of the Nexiq, from eBay. Works perfectly, and comes with a lot of softwares.

Can you send me a link to the product you have? According to the manufacturers, the link to the scanner i posted (Nexas/Nexlink) does not support Allison Trans.

 

[ABBus]

Can you send me a link to the product you have? According to the manufacturers, the link to the scanner i posted (Nexas/Nexlink) does not support Allison Trans.

https://www.obd2eshop.com/wholesale/nexiq-2-usb-link-software-without-bluetooth.html

 

[brokebus]

https://www.obd2eshop.com/wholesale/nexiq-2-usb-link-software-without-bluetooth.html

Thank you so much, That was the cheapest i saw, and i just ordered it!
and its cheaper than the quote to have a guy come scan it.
Thanks again, Ill update the thread on my progress

 

[ABBus]

You'll get the Allison Doc software with the device. If not, PM me.

 

[RolesvilleMarina]

What you describe is Limp mode. You will have enough to move it only in 1st and reverse. This is normal when the TCM detects an issue.

The Shift inhibit light has nothing to do with your trouble code, that will be the check trans light. Shift inhibit light is the TCM telling your transmission not to shift into the desired range requested... this most often happens when you are rolling forward or back ward just a bit, but too fast for the TCM to allow the shift into either primary gear (1 or R)

Added 3.5 qt?

Fluid capacity of the 2000 series is 14.5 initial fill and around about 10.5 quarts so 3.5 is not very much

It sounds like you have run it dry somehow.

If the transmission fluid is very low for a long period of time, the clutches will burn up from not being able to lock up properly, and the torque converter will likely fail due to improper fluid pressure.

I can't help much more than this from here.. you are on the right track in realizing your only option now is getting the correct scan tool.

but I worry more your internals with the low fluid

 

[brokebus]

What you describe is Limp mode. You will have enough to move it only in 1st and reverse. This is normal when the TCM detects an issue.

The Shift inhibit light has nothing to do with your trouble code, that will be the check trans light. Shift inhibit light is the TCM telling your transmission not to shift into the desired range requested... this most often happens when you are rolling forward or back ward just a bit, but too fast for the TCM to allow the shift into either primary gear (1 or R)

Added 3.5 qt?

Fluid capacity of the 2000 series is 14.5 initial fill and around about 10.5 quarts so 3.5 is not very much

It sounds like you have run it dry somehow.

If the transmission fluid is very low for a long period of time, the clutches will burn up from not being able to lock up properly, and the torque converter will likely fail due to improper fluid pressure.

I can't help much more than this from here.. you are on the right track in realizing your only option now is getting the correct scan tool.

but I worry more your internals with the low fluid

Yes its in limp mode or is was. I cant get the light on again. But 3.5 qt seemed to put fluid on the stick? I am also concerned about internals. I notice the underside of the bus over the rear of the trans before it connects to driveshaft is wet. Thinking some seal might have leaked slowly, got spun everywhere. its pretty caked down there. i never notice any physical drips under but recently been on the go. Im looking to change the filters now and i can figure out if i have a deep or shallow pan. i believe its deep but would you know how to tell? Ive just ordered the scanner so I will update when it arrives.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Peter2020]

Your bus transmission doesnot engage, most likely pump doesnot work properly or somewhere leaking pressure, can you see anywhere leaking transmission fluid?

 

[brokebus]

I notice the underside of the bus over the rear of the trans before it connects to driveshaft is wet. Thinking some seal might have leaked slowly, got spun everywhere. its pretty caked down there. i never notice any physical drips under but recently been on the go

 

[ewo1]

Yes its in limp mode or is was. I cant get the light on again. But 3.5 qt seemed to put fluid on the stick? I am also concerned about internals. I notice the underside of the bus over the rear of the trans before it connects to driveshaft is wet. Thinking some seal might have leaked slowly, got spun everywhere. its pretty caked down there. i never notice any physical drips under but recently been on the go. Im looking to change the filters now and i can figure out if i have a deep or shallow pan. i believe its deep but would you know how to tell? Ive just ordered the scanner so I will update when it arrives.
Thanks for the help!

Here is some more help...
Allison 2000 technical service information from ATSG!

http://shop.ukrtrans.biz/wp-content/uploads/catalogs/ALLISON.pdf

Allison 1000/2000 valve body identification

1000/2000/2400 Solenoid Identification

and here is the Allison JA3663en In-chassis maintenance manual for the 2000 tranny

 

[brokebus]

Here is some more help...
Allison 2000 technical service information from ATSG!

http://shop.ukrtrans.biz/wp-content/uploads/catalogs/ALLISON.pdf

Allison 1000/2000 valve body identification

1000/2000/2400 Solenoid Identification

and here is the Allison JA3663en In-chassis maintenance manual for the 2000 tranny

Thanks for this. I think i was able to find which filter i need.

 

[ewo1]

Thanks for this. I think i was able to find which filter i need.

Your very welcome, glad I can help out!