2003 shuddering tranny
10-19-2006, 02:47 PM
#12
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Thanks for the questions. Mileage is now around 104,000, last tune-up was last summer (believe they were AC Delco wires and AC iridium plugs...about $8/plug). Changed ALL plugs and wires. Have not yet tested fuel injectors and don't believe I ever changed fuel filters. Last tranny fluid/filter change was several weeks ago (nothing noticed in the pan) but just adjusted the filter seal (was not easy to seat). Right after the tranny service is when the low-speed under-load shuddering started. And not much before that the car used to give a single and solid thunk sound just after starting out for an afternoon drive (nearly immediately from leaving a park position). Doesn't sound like it'* exhaust related. Since I've personally been unable to repeat it since adjusting the tranny filter seal (had been able to repeat it before but now only my wife'* been able to do it), I'm debating whether it'* fuel/ignition related or something going on in the tranny. The initial thunk noise is a bit bothersome (not sure if that'* still present...haven't tested much since adjusting the filter seal 2 days ago). I'm mostly concerned about the shuddering sounding like I'm driving onto the shoulder of the road.
10-19-2006, 08:45 PM
#14
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Re: 2003 shuddering tranny
Originally Posted by drewdog
My 03 bonnie shudders at 70 or at about 2000 rpm. Anybudy ever find out what causes
Mr Fixitall, I'm not really sure about yours trouble. If you can rule out ignition then look towards transmission malfunction in light of the fact that the problem surfaced after a transmission service. : )
10-19-2006, 10:01 PM
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guys correct me if im wrong BUT i believe there is a TSB for the 02 and possible 03 Bonnevilles with a trans related issue simialr to what is being described....I know its posted somewhere....
10-19-2006, 10:25 PM
#16
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True Car Nut
This is the closest that I could find...
A/T - 4T65E Harsh Shifts/Shudders/Slips/DTC'* Set
File In Section: 07 - Transmission/Transaxle
Bulletin No.: 0O-07-30-002B
Date: July, 2002
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Slips, Harsh Upshift or Garage Shifts, Launch Shudders, Flares, Erratic Shifts and Intermittent Concerns, DTC P1811 or P0748 Set (Replace Pressure Control Solenoid Valve Assembly)
Models:
1997-1999 Buick Riviera
1997-2002 Buick Park Avenue
1998-2002 Buick LeSabre
1999-2002 Buick Regal
2000-2002 Buick Century
2002 Buick Rendezvous
1997-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1997-2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1999-2002 Chevrolet Venture
2000-2002 Chevrolet Impala
1997-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1997-2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2001-2002 Oldsmobile Aurora (3.5L)
1997-2002 Pontiac Bonneville, Grand Prix
1999-2002 Pontiac Transport/Montana
2001-2002 Pontiac Aztek
with Hydra-Matic 4T65-E (RPOs MN3, MN7, M15, M76)
This bulletin is being revised to add additional models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-07-30-002A (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
Some owners of the above vehicles with a HydraMatic 4T65-E transaxle may comment on harsh upshifts or harsh garage shifts, soft shifts, shudders on hard acceleration, or shifts erratic. These conditions may appear intermittently or set a DTC P1811 or P0748. During diagnosis, a low or high line pressure (actual versus desired) may be observed.
Cause
The above condition may be due to any one of the following which may affect line pressure output:
^ Sediment inside the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve, causing the PC solenoid valve to mechanically bind.
^ Sediment in the valve body, causing the torque signal regulator valve to stick.
^ Incorrect transaxle oil level.
Correction
Important: Any of the above conditions may be intermittent, therefore, this test should be performed at least three times.
Refer to the Line Pressure Check Procedure in SI, along with the Line Pressure Specification Table shown, to determine if actual versus desired pressures are within the values specified. The Scan Tool is only able to control the PC solenoid valve in PARK and NEUTRAL with the vehicle stopped. This protects the clutches from extremely high or low pressures in DRIVE or REVERSE ranges.
Refer to the Line Pressure Specification Table. The pressures in the table assume a temperature of 70°C. The pressure will vary with a change in temperature.
If the actual versus desired pressures are not within the values specified, clean the valve body and replace the PC solenoid valve, if necessary.
Check the PC solenoid valve actual versus desired pressures to verify the new PC solenoid valve is responding correctly.
Refer to the Automatic Transaxle Section of the Service Manual for the proper repair procedure.
Line Pressure Check Procedure Tools Required
J 21867 Universal Pressure Gauge Set
Important: Before performing a line pressure check, verify that the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve is receiving the correct electrical signal from the PCM.
1. Install a Scan Tool.
Caution: Keep the brakes applied at all times in order to prevent unexpected vehicle motion. Personal injury may result it the vehicle moves unexpectedly.
2. Start the engine and set the parking brake.
3. Check for a stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
4. Repair the vehicle, if necessary.
5. Check the fluid level. Refer to the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.
6. Check the manual linkage for proper adjustment.
7. Turn the engine OFF. Remove the oil pressure test hole plug and install the J 21867.
8. Put the gear selector in PARK range and set the parking brake.
9. Start the engine and allow the engine to warm up at idle.
Notice: Total test running time should not be longer than two minutes, or else transmission damage could occur.
10. Access the PC solenoid valve control test on the Scan Tool.
11. Increase the PC solenoid as shown actual current from 0.0 to 1.0 amps in 0.1 amp increments. Allow the pressure to stabilize for five seconds after each pressure change. Read the corresponding line pressure on the J 21867.
12. Refer to the Line Pressure specification table. Compare the data to the table.
13. If pressure readings differ greatly from the table, refer to Incorrect Line Pressure.
14. Remove the J 21867.
15. Apply sealant, P/N 12345382 (in Canada, P/N 10953489), to the oil pressure test hole plug.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
16. Install the oil pressure test hole plug.
Tighten
Tighten the oil pressure test hole plug to 12 N.m (106 lb in).
File In Section: 07 - Transmission/Transaxle
Bulletin No.: 0O-07-30-002B
Date: July, 2002
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Slips, Harsh Upshift or Garage Shifts, Launch Shudders, Flares, Erratic Shifts and Intermittent Concerns, DTC P1811 or P0748 Set (Replace Pressure Control Solenoid Valve Assembly)
Models:
1997-1999 Buick Riviera
1997-2002 Buick Park Avenue
1998-2002 Buick LeSabre
1999-2002 Buick Regal
2000-2002 Buick Century
2002 Buick Rendezvous
1997-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
1997-2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1999-2002 Chevrolet Venture
2000-2002 Chevrolet Impala
1997-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1997-2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2001-2002 Oldsmobile Aurora (3.5L)
1997-2002 Pontiac Bonneville, Grand Prix
1999-2002 Pontiac Transport/Montana
2001-2002 Pontiac Aztek
with Hydra-Matic 4T65-E (RPOs MN3, MN7, M15, M76)
This bulletin is being revised to add additional models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-07-30-002A (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
Some owners of the above vehicles with a HydraMatic 4T65-E transaxle may comment on harsh upshifts or harsh garage shifts, soft shifts, shudders on hard acceleration, or shifts erratic. These conditions may appear intermittently or set a DTC P1811 or P0748. During diagnosis, a low or high line pressure (actual versus desired) may be observed.
Cause
The above condition may be due to any one of the following which may affect line pressure output:
^ Sediment inside the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve, causing the PC solenoid valve to mechanically bind.
^ Sediment in the valve body, causing the torque signal regulator valve to stick.
^ Incorrect transaxle oil level.
Correction
Important: Any of the above conditions may be intermittent, therefore, this test should be performed at least three times.
Refer to the Line Pressure Check Procedure in SI, along with the Line Pressure Specification Table shown, to determine if actual versus desired pressures are within the values specified. The Scan Tool is only able to control the PC solenoid valve in PARK and NEUTRAL with the vehicle stopped. This protects the clutches from extremely high or low pressures in DRIVE or REVERSE ranges.
Refer to the Line Pressure Specification Table. The pressures in the table assume a temperature of 70°C. The pressure will vary with a change in temperature.
If the actual versus desired pressures are not within the values specified, clean the valve body and replace the PC solenoid valve, if necessary.
Check the PC solenoid valve actual versus desired pressures to verify the new PC solenoid valve is responding correctly.
Refer to the Automatic Transaxle Section of the Service Manual for the proper repair procedure.
Line Pressure Check Procedure Tools Required
J 21867 Universal Pressure Gauge Set
Important: Before performing a line pressure check, verify that the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve is receiving the correct electrical signal from the PCM.
1. Install a Scan Tool.
Caution: Keep the brakes applied at all times in order to prevent unexpected vehicle motion. Personal injury may result it the vehicle moves unexpectedly.
2. Start the engine and set the parking brake.
3. Check for a stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
4. Repair the vehicle, if necessary.
5. Check the fluid level. Refer to the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.
6. Check the manual linkage for proper adjustment.
7. Turn the engine OFF. Remove the oil pressure test hole plug and install the J 21867.
8. Put the gear selector in PARK range and set the parking brake.
9. Start the engine and allow the engine to warm up at idle.
Notice: Total test running time should not be longer than two minutes, or else transmission damage could occur.
10. Access the PC solenoid valve control test on the Scan Tool.
11. Increase the PC solenoid as shown actual current from 0.0 to 1.0 amps in 0.1 amp increments. Allow the pressure to stabilize for five seconds after each pressure change. Read the corresponding line pressure on the J 21867.
12. Refer to the Line Pressure specification table. Compare the data to the table.
13. If pressure readings differ greatly from the table, refer to Incorrect Line Pressure.
14. Remove the J 21867.
15. Apply sealant, P/N 12345382 (in Canada, P/N 10953489), to the oil pressure test hole plug.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
16. Install the oil pressure test hole plug.
Tighten
Tighten the oil pressure test hole plug to 12 N.m (106 lb in).
10-20-2006, 04:03 PM
#17
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Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I was siding towards the TCC and the dealer was thinking valve body or a solenoid. Unfortunately both the dealer and I have been unable to simulate, so guess I'll have my wife drive me around to see if she can get it to act up again. Debating if I should sit in the front or the rear seat (trying to maintain a sense of humor).
10-20-2006, 04:07 PM
#18
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
I remember a transmission issue around when I first joined. Many were getting warranteed at dealers. I think it might have been a technical bulletin. Can't find it though.
Anyone remember what I'm talking about.. a valve body or TCC on the 00+'*
Anyone remember what I'm talking about.. a valve body or TCC on the 00+'*
10-20-2006, 04:42 PM
#19
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True Car Nut
Yes, I remember something about the valve body being an issue, also. I thought there was a TSB on it, but I couldn't find it. Something about a sticking solenoid, IIRC.
10-20-2006, 08:03 PM
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Just took the car for a spin and after 15-20 minutes of driving I finally noticed the shudder 3 times in a row (upon accelerating from a stop). Was in 1st gear and and the issue happened either close to top RPM in 1st or when shifting 1st to 2nd gear. The first time of these 3 times I also felt it slip a bit. My wife did mention that it seemed like it only malfunctioned once the car was warm (after driving 15-20 minutes driving and not when cold).