10:45 Monday morning – we are at the shop, the part is here!!! – so just waiting for the service tech to finish whatever.  I have power and internet so “life” continues – Bob and Karl napping as usual.

 It is not quite as smoky this morning as last night but smoke is supposed to drop and thicken so I don’t expect much improvement here or on the way home.

 3:40 – Home!  Transmission fixed very quickly – wasn’t as much “stuff” in the way as anticipated, trans serviced with fresh fluid and filter (yep, Al 25K!) and trip home was easy.

 It is VERY smoky and ash falling but still good to be home – nice break in the anxiety.  Will leave the motorhome mostly loaded and ready to roll but I think we’ll be ok for the duration. 

Repair and service details:  The internal F Solenoid had an electrical short causing the transmission failure warning and not allowing Reverse after the failure warning.  The failure warning disappeared on engine shut down – reappeared after shifting into 2nd gear at approx 28-30 mph.  Once the failure warning was on, Reverse was not available and the “range inhibit” light came on if Reverse was attempted.  D1,D2,D3 all available.  Reverse was available on a fresh engine start.

 The wiring harness for the F Solenoid was also replaced.  The original harness looked fine, but a new harness had been ordered “in case” so all new parts was the decision.

 The pan was dropped and trans fluid drained to do the solenoid/harness replacement so fresh fluid as well as a new filter were installed (mileage = 26214).  The Allison tech recommended 25K change of trans fluid and filter and it turns out that this is a quick and easy service on this coach.

After service we took a 15 mile round trip test drive which included a short but moderately steep pull up Evaro Hill.  No bells, whistles or warnings and shifting was smooth and normal.  Trans fluid was at the proper level on return.