So the tranny light came just after I had reversed out of the driveway and went forward 50 yards, then it stalled. I started it up and backed up to driveway, stalled again, restarted and forward into the driveway.
Shifting from fwd to rev to fwd was hard and clunky. weather 45 degrees
any ideas on cause?

 

The DTC(s) are logged in the TCM so read the codes?

 

 

Engine Code P0727

The powertrain control module is not receiving a usable engine speed (RPM) signal from the engine speed sensor/circuit, so it can’t reliably determine engine speed. This can cause no-start, stalling, harsh/erratic shifting, or the transmission going into fail-safe mode, and is commonly related to a failed sensor, damaged wiring/connectors, poor grounds, or a PCM/TCM communication issue.

 

The internal to the transmission final output shaft speed sensor is used as the engine ECU and transmission ECU regulate each other ( cross talk wire not in this issue / discussion / resolution ) . Once the 2 get an erroneous signal they go nuts effecting in the end the engine ( think in terms of unloading the engine for transmission speed bands shift )

The on the trans body connector can get dirty and corrupt the outbound speed signal . To remove the connector ( trans rear car's left side , no jacking required ) the connector is different referred to in the airlines as a Duech connector ( ZF manufacture is German with roots in the great zeppelins )

The connector must be moved car's aft about 1 / 8 inch to unlock and only then spun connector top to car's left about 1 / 2 turn , notice in someone's great pic the use of tie wraps in place of adjustable pliers ( won't fit space )

The speed sensor can be read at this connector removal point if you wish and someone did find his transmission ECU long ribbon connector ajar under the glove box ( TRW or Bosch manufacture off top of head )

 

Had the same thing on my 96,,, find that round plug the the driver side tranny,,, turn the outer ring counter clockwise and remove the plug make sure everything is clean no corrosion on either side of the connector,,, have some electronic spray cleaner on hand,, spray both ends of the connection,,,,, have some dielectric grease,, dielectric only,,, on hand Goop that stuff on there,,, do not spare it,,, you want it oozing out when you reconnect it,,,,, that connector has no seal and water gets inside easily,,,, it will give a fault and cause the engine to die.,,,,,