Transmission trouble

[Dr_Kyle]

I've been having some problems with my transmission lately. It doesn't grab gears after shifts anymore, it just sort of eases into them. Even worse is when I am under medium to hard throttle, sometimes the car seems to "fall out" of the gear I'm in (no, it's NOT just downshifting). It falls out then pops back in. I have no idea what the problem is, but it feels expensive. :( I plan to take it in next week to get it checked out anyway, but I just wanted to know if anybody had any ideas?

I won't lie, I'm not easy on the transmission, so it wouldn't suprise me if I've worn something out already. I drive cars harder than most people, but I don't tear it apart or anything.

[Dr_Kyle]

Could it be that my transmission fluid is just burnt and needs to be replaced?

[swordfencer]

Maybe the gears are worn, or there is a bad vacuum line somewhere?

[IrateSpeed6]

I don't know if you've checked your fluid yet, or if you know where the test plug is, but it sounds like low line pressure, have you thought about having the tranny fluid flushed and re-filled?

[cyoonak]

speaking of checking your tranny fluid, how do you do that in our cars? I wanted to do that today, and couldn't figure it out. first car in a while that i've seen without the "trans fluid" dipstick. Thanks!

[adorai]

you have to take off the passenger side front tire, remove the fender lining, and look for a screw cap type thing. Should be right there in plain sight. While the car is on and in park, take it off. If the fluid comes out slowly but more than a dribble, you have just the right amount. Dribble or less is not enough, spray is too much.

[IrateSpeed6]

whoa, hold on there, there's no need to take off the tire or the fender lining to get at the test plug

just take off the plastic shroud under the front bumper, it should just take two "wing nut" screws and slide right out, the test plug is on the front of the tranny...

[Dr_Kyle]

I will check that first before I take it to a shop then. The car needs to be running when I check it though? If I decide to change the fluid, is it hard to do or will I need special tools? I can't imagine it being much harder than changing the oil and I can do that just fine.

[IrateSpeed6]

It is harder than changing the oil. It is similar to having your coolant system flushed. The tranny fluid, if you try to empty it yourself... you'll get about 60% of the fluid out; flushed, you'll get about 90-95% of the fluid out. And filling it, forget it... Pontiac didn't put a dip stick on the tranny on purpose. The fluid is "supposed" to last forever and they didn't want half-wits putting engine oil in it by mistake...

[Dr_Kyle]

I guess I'll have to drop a bit of $$ and get the fluid changed then. I just hope that it fixes the problem so I don't have to pay more $$$ later.

[CyberRad]

I've changed mine a few times. If you want to do this I have a few tips. Never use cork gasgets:nono: (sp?) just use the one you have now cause I was told it was reuseable or if you want buy a new one from GM only but that will cost you around $50, Do not over torque the bolts:nono: use an inches torque wrench and set it at 124 inches per pound and that will save you some time. I've noticed a plug on the side of my transmission you might want to use that to drain most of the fluid (I'll try that next time) then drop the pan. This is a real pain in the ass to do. If you do this good luck:thumbs: and also replace the oil with 7 quarts of Dexron 3.

[Dr_Kyle]

Tahnks for the tips man, I think I'm just gonna have the dealership do it though cause this sounds like it may take two hours if I were to do it and I just don't have that much time anymore. Thanks again though!

- Kyle

[adorai]

yeah, actually gm dealers should have a tranny flush machine that will get 99% of the old fluid out. it is expensive, but well worth it for the extended tranny life. I am gonna have mine done before the weather changes i think.

[CyberRad]

I think, don't quote me on this, they were trying to charge me 130 or 140 for the trans flush and filter change.

[IrateSpeed6]

Originally posted by CyberRad
I think, don't quote me on this, they were trying to charge me 130 or 140 for the trans flush and filter change.
Meh, not too bad, I wonder how much they would charge to swap out a torque converter... :D