Sluggish performance and now the SES light flashing
01-17-2007, 09:17 AM
#1
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Sluggish performance and now the SES light flashing
And the first breakdown ensues... 
Lately, when i hammer the throttle on the 01 SSEi, it has been a bit slower than normal, and it feels a little sluggish. Kind of a light but noticable, rythmic "chug" if you will as the car accelerates.
This morning, on private property of course, I tries it again to see if it would have the same problem. it was a little slower, but this time I let off the throttle and the SES light flashed on and off for about a minute, then went away.
Should I go to autozone and see if any codes are stored? I wonder if the cat is clogged, or maybe something is up with the tranny.
On a side note, sometimes in traffic, the transmission will start shifting hard instead of soft, like it has a shift kit in it. When the car is restarted it goes away. I don't know if this is related or not.
Thanks all
Lately, when i hammer the throttle on the 01 SSEi, it has been a bit slower than normal, and it feels a little sluggish. Kind of a light but noticable, rythmic "chug" if you will as the car accelerates.
This morning, on private property of course, I tries it again to see if it would have the same problem. it was a little slower, but this time I let off the throttle and the SES light flashed on and off for about a minute, then went away.
Should I go to autozone and see if any codes are stored? I wonder if the cat is clogged, or maybe something is up with the tranny.
On a side note, sometimes in traffic, the transmission will start shifting hard instead of soft, like it has a shift kit in it. When the car is restarted it goes away. I don't know if this is related or not.
Thanks all
01-17-2007, 09:34 AM
#2
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Can you put your year and model in your signature by editing your profile? It'll help us help you in the future.
Start with plugs and wires. You're misfiring. Let'* see how that goes, then we'll look into the trans issue if it'* still there.
Start with plugs and wires. You're misfiring. Let'* see how that goes, then we'll look into the trans issue if it'* still there.
01-17-2007, 09:54 AM
#4
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There'* a procedure in Techinfo to check them. Wouldn't hurt. I'd expect corrosion on the secondary posts to be more likely than a bad coil. If you have corrosion, clean with scotch-brite and use dielectric grease before reassembly.
Flashing SES is random multiple misfires.
Flashing SES is random multiple misfires.
01-17-2007, 10:35 AM
#5
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I don't know about the flashing SES light, but it'* possible that this is the cause for your firm shifting
First things first though, get your car scanned for codes.
That will help us pinpoint the problem more eaisly.
First things first though, get your car scanned for codes.
That will help us pinpoint the problem more eaisly.
Firm Transmission Shifts, Shudder/Chuggle, Transmission Wont Downshift on Deceleration, Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated, DTC P0742 Set (Perform Diagnostics and Replace TCC PWM Solenoid) #02-07-30-039D - (10/21/2003)
Firm Transmission Shifts, Shudder/Chuggle, Transmission Won't Downshift On Deceleration, Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated, DTC P0742 Set (Perform Diagnostics and Replace TCC PWM Solenoid)
2003 Buick Century, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal, Rendezvous
1999-2002 Cadillac Eldorado
1999-2003 Cadillac DeVille, Seville
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Venture
1999 Oldsmobile Aurora
2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2003 Oldsmobile Alero, Silhouette
2003 Pontiac Aztek, Bonneville, Grand Am, Montana, Sunfire
2003-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 4T65E Transaxle (RPOs MN3, MN7, M15, M76), 4T40E/4T45E Transaxle (RPOs MN4 or MN5) or 4T80E Transaxle (RPO MH1)
with PWM Solenoid Manufacturing Julian Dates Between 219 and 3048
This bulletin is being revised to add model years and models. This bulletin cancels Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-031 and replaces Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-039C. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-031 and 02-07-30-039C (Section 07-Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the transmission shifts hard, a shudder/chuggle is felt on deceleration or the Service Engine Soon (SES) light is illuminated.
A technician may find DTC P0742 set.
Customers with 4T80E transaxles may also comment on a "bump" feeling at approximately 61-68 km/h (38-42 mph) when they lift and then tip into the throttle. There may also be a concern of whine noise in 3rd or 4th gear with or without the Service Engine Soon light/message displayed and with DTC P0742 set.
Correction
DO NOT REPLACE THE VALVE BODY AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Important
This test is not applicable to the 4T80E transmission. Instead, replace the TCC PWM solenoid on vehicles with a 4T80E transmission using published procedures for the vehicle being serviced.
Perform one of the following diagnostics:
* Test drive the vehicle with the Tech 2® installed, Monitor Transmission Release Pressure. The Status will be YES until TCC applies and then the display will read NO. If during acceleration the status remains NO and the upshifts are harsh and during deceleration the vehicle shudders during downshifts, suspect the TCC PWM solenoid.
* With the Tech 2® installed in the vehicle, start the engine. Build the vehicle on the Tech 2®. Apply and firmly hold the service brake. Place the transaxle in D4 and command Drive 3 with the Tech 2®. If the engine stumbles and/or stalls, suspect the TCC PWM solenoid.
Replace the TCC PWM solenoid using published procedures for the vehicle being serviced.
Firm Transmission Shifts, Shudder/Chuggle, Transmission Won't Downshift On Deceleration, Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated, DTC P0742 Set (Perform Diagnostics and Replace TCC PWM Solenoid)
2003 Buick Century, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal, Rendezvous
1999-2002 Cadillac Eldorado
1999-2003 Cadillac DeVille, Seville
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Venture
1999 Oldsmobile Aurora
2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2003 Oldsmobile Alero, Silhouette
2003 Pontiac Aztek, Bonneville, Grand Am, Montana, Sunfire
2003-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 4T65E Transaxle (RPOs MN3, MN7, M15, M76), 4T40E/4T45E Transaxle (RPOs MN4 or MN5) or 4T80E Transaxle (RPO MH1)
with PWM Solenoid Manufacturing Julian Dates Between 219 and 3048
This bulletin is being revised to add model years and models. This bulletin cancels Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-031 and replaces Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-039C. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-031 and 02-07-30-039C (Section 07-Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the transmission shifts hard, a shudder/chuggle is felt on deceleration or the Service Engine Soon (SES) light is illuminated.
A technician may find DTC P0742 set.
Customers with 4T80E transaxles may also comment on a "bump" feeling at approximately 61-68 km/h (38-42 mph) when they lift and then tip into the throttle. There may also be a concern of whine noise in 3rd or 4th gear with or without the Service Engine Soon light/message displayed and with DTC P0742 set.
Correction
DO NOT REPLACE THE VALVE BODY AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Important
This test is not applicable to the 4T80E transmission. Instead, replace the TCC PWM solenoid on vehicles with a 4T80E transmission using published procedures for the vehicle being serviced.
Perform one of the following diagnostics:
* Test drive the vehicle with the Tech 2® installed, Monitor Transmission Release Pressure. The Status will be YES until TCC applies and then the display will read NO. If during acceleration the status remains NO and the upshifts are harsh and during deceleration the vehicle shudders during downshifts, suspect the TCC PWM solenoid.
* With the Tech 2® installed in the vehicle, start the engine. Build the vehicle on the Tech 2®. Apply and firmly hold the service brake. Place the transaxle in D4 and command Drive 3 with the Tech 2®. If the engine stumbles and/or stalls, suspect the TCC PWM solenoid.
Replace the TCC PWM solenoid using published procedures for the vehicle being serviced.
01-17-2007, 10:35 AM
#6
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Thanks for the info all. I didn't see the Techinfo article. I just checked it out, and I also have the low RPM overdrive symptom. I thought it was the tranny getting confused or worse, but it looks like it may be the coils. I hope it'* ignition related, and not the tranny. I also hope it'* not the LIM as I did a search on SES in the 2000-2005 forum and this came up
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...&highlight=ses
sounds similar to mine, except I have not stalled or had the problem again, so Im hoping it'* not that either.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...&highlight=ses
sounds similar to mine, except I have not stalled or had the problem again, so Im hoping it'* not that either.
01-17-2007, 11:16 AM
#7
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As Bill mentioned, the flashing SES is indicative of a catalyst damaging misfire. "Random Multiple Misfires" (I think code P0330) is the most common code set. Start with the plugs and wires, as a poorly running engine will cause shifting problems. Then you can check things like vacuum fittings paying close attention to the multi connector on top of the suerpcharger, and the T-fitting under the supercharger snout. Still not there? Clean the battery connections, especially where the grounding strap connects to the body of the car.
01-17-2007, 12:19 PM
#8
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Did some more online research, especially on "catalyst damagin misfire". So far all symtpoms point to that...blinking SES while the engine was under load and misfiring. Then it goes away. Manufacturers are not required to store that code unless it happens twice, so hopefully when I go to autozone there is something in the computer.
I just went out and started the car, and everyhting was ok. Started/idled fine, no SES light. I am at work so I have a 20 mile trip home. As long as I stay out of heavy acceleration, it should be fine.
Whats the worst that could happen? New cat? sucky, but not in the same league as blowing the engine or something like that.
I just went out and started the car, and everyhting was ok. Started/idled fine, no SES light. I am at work so I have a 20 mile trip home. As long as I stay out of heavy acceleration, it should be fine.
Whats the worst that could happen? New cat? sucky, but not in the same league as blowing the engine or something like that.
01-17-2007, 12:57 PM
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I believe that "catalyst damaging misfire" means that there is a misfire that could damage the converter, not a misfire caused from the converter. The converter is a by-product of the original problem. (the misfire)
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