Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

[JBMark33]

Can't guarantee it, but it has for many others, including my son's '99 Grand Prix. The shifts are firmer than normal, which is the purpose of the shift kit, but no more harsh, banging shifts.

Alright, I am going to look into this. Can you explain what the PCS controls and how the shift kit can "over ride" or mask the PCS issue?

[01bonneSC]

Have you considered installing a shift kit to see if that takes care of the harsh shift?

I have considered it, but will it completely mask the PCS issue? (assuming that's what's going on).

It covers it up, but doesnt FIX it. Im just gonna run mine with the harshshifts for about another month then have a rebuilt/reman'd trans put in. And of course a shift kit installed.

[spidey3479]

If you have the $$ go ahead and get the tranny rebuilt and put in new shift kit and enjoy the piece of mind, and the kick in the pants from the shifts.

[Archon]

The short, quick, close enough answer is that by increasing the line pressure, and shortening the shift times, the shift kit make the PCMs adjustment of the line pressure via the PCS to shorten the shifts unnecessary. So, it does a little more than just mask the PCS problem...it sorta takes it right out of the equation.

I agree that if you can afford a rebuild, go that route, and get weak and defective parts replaced. Unless you are planning a total or performance rebuild, I'd suggest that sooner, rather than later. The rough shifts are tough on the hard parts of the tranny, and you may be replacing more of them if you wait. If you need to save up, or just want a less expensive solution, try the shift kit.

[JBMark33]

Yeah, so I looked up the TSB on my 2000 and the TSB is for replacing the pressure control solenoid.

My mechanic wants $65.00 to hook up his Tech2 scanner to look and see what kind of pressure the transmission is putting out.

OR

I could attempt to install a shift kit to see if that will take care of the issue.

I wouldn't mind putting shift kit in.. but I am a little bit nervous of it. First, would the "bang" into gear be more or less intense? Next, as of right now, I am more worried about my engine mounts and such getting harmed due to the hard shifting. I am going to dig a little farther into this whole shift kit idea. I am in college and I lost my full time summer job, and as of right now I can only get 16 - 24 hours a week of work. So, I am kind of on a limited budget and didn't want to have to put a transmission rebuild on my credit card :sad5: . I would much rather install a shift kit and be done with it.

Archon, as you say, the shift kit will take the PCS out of the equation... does that mean that the PCS is only installed on our vehicles to make the shifts nice, easy, and enjoyable for a family sedan?

I guess I am mostly wondering how rough the shifts will be with a shift kit, compared to my PCS "bang."

[Archon]

Another "short answer". The PCM checks to see how long it takes the transmission to shift. If it is too long, it tells the PCS to increase pressure to make the shifts shorter. If it can't do it to the PCM's satisfaction, it commands maximum pressure from the PCS, and that is when you get your banging shifts.

With the shift kit, the shifts will be shorter, and "firm"...not harsh. It won't be anything near as harsh as you have now.

[JBMark33]

I was quoted at $450 for getting the PCS replaced. I may look into making a custom Shift Kit from PDXGTP and see if that helps first. Still undecided. I would like to get it fixed the right way, but don't necessarily feel like putting it on my credit card.

[JBMark33]

Pan looks much better!






Shift Modulator opened up


Just pulling up on the piston, opens up the cylinder where the spacers go





Here are my spaces for my custom shift kit. The specs are: OD=3/8", ID=1/4", length 1 @ 1/2" and 3 @3/4"


3/4" spacer goes here


3/4" here


1/2" spacer here


and 3/4" spacer here


Shift kit installed, just needs the shift modulator cover to be installed with the gasket


Yucky again!!


The shifts are firmer, of course I notice them more on a WOT run, whereas shifting under 3K, I can't feel the shifts necessarily, but I do feel it shift into gear quicker. Everyone, please pray that this custom made shift kit fixes my PCS issue.

[01bonneSC]

sooo many pics but no explanation of what u did....

[JBMark33]

I was in a hurry. lol

I can add explanations and I could even do a write-up on installing/custom making a shift kit.

Edit -- A few comments added, if you would like more explanation, feel free to ask questions.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Bringing this back from the dead...

How has driving it the past 3 months been? Has the kit ameliorated the problem?

[JBMark33]

The car runs better than ever!

I would definitely suggest this before paying anywhere from $500 - $1500 for separating the engine/transmission and fixing the PCS.

Note: My code scanner would not see the long adapt. shift code.

Also, I will probably install a shift kit on this car the day I bought If I knew then, what I know now just because it drives sooo much better now. The shifts aren't rough, just nice and firm.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Good to hear! This is my next mod after the ported LIM.

[JBMark33]

You will really enjoy the PLIM...

[Mystical-Myst]

Hey I was wondering if you have the link to the sight or where exactly it is you bought the shift kit from. I have the same problem with my Bonneville and the hard shifting when it gets warmed up and, seeing as how my work is going slow and I am only working about two days a week I am thinking of putting this shift kit in to avoid a 2000 dollar transmission rebuild job. Any info would be appreciated. Thx.

[JBMark33]

I went to the hardware store and had copper tubing cut to specified lengths, that you see above. The copper tubing had the right outer diameter and inner diameter that I was looking for.

Other shift kits are sold by ZZPerformance and Intense Racing.

[Mystical-Myst]

Haha oh yeah? Alright thats pretty sweet thanks a lot for the reply i'll have to give it a try. This is probably a stupid question but will this work on my 2000 Bonneville SSEi? It should have the same tranny as you have in your own car right?

[JBMark33]

Our transmissions are similar except you have some heavier duty components.

I believe the same specs for the spacers are the same for both 4T65E (mine) and 4T65E-HD (yours).

[Mystical-Myst]

Hey I dont mean to be a bother and drag this forum on but I have another question and hopefully a good answer. I was comparing these shift kits and I was wondering if anyone could give me a good point in the direction of which of the links would be best suited for the application of fixing the thumping in my transmission lol

http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ory_Code=T

http://www.intense-racing.com/Merchant2 ... ory_Code=T

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix ... &catid=105

Thank you very much. Love this site and how well people help out each other :D

[JBMark33]

The intense kit gives you options as far as the level of increase the shift kit will provide.

The Second link from intense also gives you a filter for the transmission.