2001 SLE hard shift
#1
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2001 SLE hard shift
I have been reading some very helpful tips on this site and would like to thank everyone for their insight and experience!!!
I have recently acquired a 2001 Bonneville SLE with 100K miles. After I purchased this vehicle and drove over 40 miles the transmission began to hard shift. Of course I did not diagnose this is a common issue during a test drive.
Bottom line, I just invested money in this car and would like to find a short term fix to avoid spending the $600-$1800 in fixing this issue without destroying what is left of the transmission.
I have noticed a couple of threads suggesting the use of Sea Foam products to help break loose any particulates that may be clogging the PCS and doing a fluid drain. Please let me know your experience with this method as it poses possibly the best short term alternative to replacing the PCS.
Thanks in advance!!
I have recently acquired a 2001 Bonneville SLE with 100K miles. After I purchased this vehicle and drove over 40 miles the transmission began to hard shift. Of course I did not diagnose this is a common issue during a test drive.
Bottom line, I just invested money in this car and would like to find a short term fix to avoid spending the $600-$1800 in fixing this issue without destroying what is left of the transmission.
I have noticed a couple of threads suggesting the use of Sea Foam products to help break loose any particulates that may be clogging the PCS and doing a fluid drain. Please let me know your experience with this method as it poses possibly the best short term alternative to replacing the PCS.
Thanks in advance!!
#2
First thing is check the marshmallow mount behind the radiator that holds the tranny in. Have someone put the car in drive (with e brake applied) and gently give the car some gas. If the motor looks like it wants to roll over on it'* back you have a bad mount. They are around $100, but some have used hockey pucks to fix it if you search for the threads.
Also, when mine went bad I noticed it shifted hard when slowly accelerating, but when you accelerate hard the torque from the motor doesn't let the mount relax and it shifts good.
Also, when mine went bad I noticed it shifted hard when slowly accelerating, but when you accelerate hard the torque from the motor doesn't let the mount relax and it shifts good.
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Thanks for the advice. I will check into this as a possible cause for the hard shift.
One thing I forgot to mention, the hard shift only occurs when the transmission is up to tempurature or I have driven the car recently. It also makes a winning noise after about 60 miles of continuous driving that increases in volume from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. Of course, no issues or noise once in drive.
One thing I forgot to mention, the hard shift only occurs when the transmission is up to tempurature or I have driven the car recently. It also makes a winning noise after about 60 miles of continuous driving that increases in volume from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. Of course, no issues or noise once in drive.
#4
When was the last filter change done on it (if you know).Also check the fluid level and condition. It should be a bright red and should NOT smell burnt. Other than that you could run some chemical through it or have it flushed, but that usually only delays the final failure.
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It is very likely this is a common problem with the Pressure Control Solenoid in the transmission. First thing to do is change the filter and fluid, but when you replace the fluid, add a can of Sea Foam Trans Tune.
If it is the PCS, it gets sticky when it gets dirty from normal residue from clutch wear. It is VERY likely there is nothing to worry about in the rest of the transmission.
When I had the problem, the fluid change with Trans Tune only lasted a month. I then added a shift kit for $90 plus fluid and the problem has been solved.
Search "shift kit" and get more info.
If it is the PCS, it gets sticky when it gets dirty from normal residue from clutch wear. It is VERY likely there is nothing to worry about in the rest of the transmission.
When I had the problem, the fluid change with Trans Tune only lasted a month. I then added a shift kit for $90 plus fluid and the problem has been solved.
Search "shift kit" and get more info.
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After driving the car again this morning, the symptoms are VERY repeatable. I knew just about when it would start acting up and presto.....
I checked the fluid, it does not smell burnt and while it still has a red tone I would not call it "bright" red. Sounds like a fluid change is in order. The guy I bought the car off said it was ready for its 100K service which would indicate the trans fluid. I am assuming this means it has never been changed. Hopefully this will delay the enevitable long enought to come up with the $600-$800. What stock transmission fluid does GM use?
Hawk.....I read that the Sea Foam is supposed to be used right before the change. Are you recomending using it after as well?
Also, maybe I don't understand but what benifit does the shift kit bring to the PCS issue? I would imagine it will make the tranny shift like a pro compared to stock but the issue with the PCS is that it allows max line pressure when max is not needed. The shift kit only changes the caracteristics of the shift, not the line pressure that is applied to the shift. Just trying to understand.
I checked the fluid, it does not smell burnt and while it still has a red tone I would not call it "bright" red. Sounds like a fluid change is in order. The guy I bought the car off said it was ready for its 100K service which would indicate the trans fluid. I am assuming this means it has never been changed. Hopefully this will delay the enevitable long enought to come up with the $600-$800. What stock transmission fluid does GM use?
Hawk.....I read that the Sea Foam is supposed to be used right before the change. Are you recomending using it after as well?
Also, maybe I don't understand but what benifit does the shift kit bring to the PCS issue? I would imagine it will make the tranny shift like a pro compared to stock but the issue with the PCS is that it allows max line pressure when max is not needed. The shift kit only changes the caracteristics of the shift, not the line pressure that is applied to the shift. Just trying to understand.
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Originally Posted by dissmn8
I am assuming this means it has never been changed.
Originally Posted by dissmn8
Hopefully this will delay the enevitable long enought to come up with the $600-$800.
Originally Posted by dissmn8
What stock transmission fluid does GM use?
Originally Posted by dissmn8
Hawk.....I read that the Sea Foam is supposed to be used right before the change. Are you recomending using it after as well?
Originally Posted by dissmn8
Also, maybe I don't understand but what benifit does the shift kit bring to the PCS issue? I would imagine it will make the tranny shift like a pro
Originally Posted by dissmn8
the issue with the PCS is that it allows max line pressure when max is not needed. The shift kit only changes the characteristics of the shift, not the line pressure that is applied to the shift. Just trying to understand.
The shift kit changes the springs in the accumulator in a way that has it take the burden off the PCS. Therefore the computer never sees a long shift (because the accumulator didn't allow it) and never causes a hard shift.
Be sure to utilize the "Search" feature. I have written this on many occasions in different posts. You will find a wealth of information with this feature, so don't be bashful.
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Thanks for helping me understand Hawk! I did a search for your past comments and found alot of usefull information contained within these threads.
I guess I will be buying some Sea Foam and Tranny fluid for a fun weekend. We will see how she reacts and take it from there.
Just out of curiosity, you posted on 6/25/07 that you just installed this Shifter Kit. How many miles since then and has the issue ever shown back up? Do you frequently drive for more than 40 minutes at one time? Thanks again!!
I guess I will be buying some Sea Foam and Tranny fluid for a fun weekend. We will see how she reacts and take it from there.
Just out of curiosity, you posted on 6/25/07 that you just installed this Shifter Kit. How many miles since then and has the issue ever shown back up? Do you frequently drive for more than 40 minutes at one time? Thanks again!!
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Originally Posted by dissmn8
Just out of curiosity, you posted on 6/25/07 that you just installed this Shifter Kit. How many miles since then and has the issue ever shown back up? Do you frequently drive for more than 40 minutes at one time? Thanks again!!