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Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:40 pm
by spacelucky17
Bing wrote:If moneys an issue right now I'd just do the shift kit, it will buy you some time to save up the funds to get it fixed. I know Haro did the shift kit to one of his cars with the PCS problem and it helped considerably.

Just my 2 cents here.
So what does this shift kit do and how much would it run to get it done? I am having the same problem with mine. Any idea how much time that would buy me?

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:12 pm
by Archon
Many times the Trans Tune will free up the solenoid enough to help the shifts for a while. Try it and see if it helps.

The shift kit shortens up the shift time, keeping the PCM from increasing the line pressure to compensate. This article explains it well.
http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/Ha ... P1811.html

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:44 am
by bonnieandclyde
i will try the trans tune first. but i wanted to ask you how long did it take you to do the shift kit and how much did it cost you for that project? and was it fairly easy to do? do you have to be a mechanic? thanks

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:23 am
by Bing
It only took me a few hours, and it was the first time I had done anything like it. All I did was follow the directions in the link.
I posted earlier with a link on what I did, the prices are in that link.
You basically get the same thing if you get a Trans-go shift kit, it just costs you more money.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:22 pm
by bonnieandclyde
the only thing that scares me is that my mechanic did a tranny fluid drain and filter change on his 02 ford aerostar van and he said he lost overdrive by doing this. he told me that on higher miled vehicles that it happens sometimes. im not sure that it is with our trannys. i was just saying that is what he told me.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:26 pm
by 00Beast
This is one of the biggest misconceptions with cars.

Essentially, if you do a fluid change or flush and the trans goes, it was going to go, the new, fresh fluid just pushed the failing transmission over the edge...

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:36 pm
by Bonneville92V688
That, and the A4LD in the Aerobarns isn't a reliable transmission in the first place. I flushed the transmission in my Volvo when I put it in, and I've had zero problems with it.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:45 am
by bonnieandclyde
oh ok, well that puts my mind at ease. :) i am still going to try the trans tune and then i will do the shift kit.
thanks guys

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 1:36 pm
by fritcr
I know I'm new here but I have had several bonnies and grand prix's. I did the trans tune and shift kit from ZZpro in my 98 Grand Prix over 2 years ago and it is still going strong. Zero problems after doing that. It had the PCS problem. I have since sold the car to my 18 daughter and now just bought a bonnie. Just signed up for the is board today. Lots and lots of good info here. I got this trans tune idea from the Grand Prix forums. I never expected it to last and was saving to fix the tranny but then it never acted up again.
In fact...I also did this to my wifes 01 Montana and it fixed it too for about a year now.
Rob

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:45 am
by bonnieandclyde
when i get ready to do the shift kit, i was wondering what ATF i should use? im not sure what is in my tranny now. im assuming dexron 3. should i try to find that or could i mix with dexron 6? is it compatible?

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:27 pm
by 00Beast
I'm sure it is 3, just use Dextron 3 compatible, Valvoline Max Life is highly recommended. Dex 6 is much thinner than 3, and while i haven't seen any failures in these cars, its sure not doing any good in the Allison transmissions in the trucks...

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:32 pm
by Ryan from Ohio
You wouldnt advise the Dex 6?

Our new Bonnie is showing signs of that PCS, shifts hard into gears at times. The TCC is also starting to stick.

All within 270 miles on the car since we bought it.

Ya!

:banghead:

Anyone want a 2000 SLE with under 114K on it cheap? If so hit me up!

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:54 pm
by 00Beast
Ryan from Ohio wrote:You wouldnt advise the Dex 6?
Correct.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:00 pm
by bonnieandclyde
your right. probably the max life is the best to use. i believe it is all synthetic fluid.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 6:11 am
by Ryan from Ohio
Im going to try the home brew shift kit this weekend if all parts arrive in time.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:43 am
by bonnieandclyde
let us know how the home shift kit does for you.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:45 pm
by Ryan from Ohio
Will do. however the issues we gave are just starting and are not that bad.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:38 pm
by Red Rocket
I was just coming on here to post about the same issue and am so glad I came across this post. Mine was only doing it occasionally before but it seems to be happening a bit more frequently now.

It also sounds like the engine runs/revs at a higher pitch once the car starts shifting hard. Is this a common issue when the PCS is bad?

I live in an apartment and don't have the tools or space to fix it myself so I will need to take it to a shop. Could anyone give me an estimate on what I should be expecting to pay?

Sorry for hijacking but I figured it didn't make sense to start a new thread.

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:50 pm
by Bing
You don't have any friends or relatives that are close by with a garage and tools?

Re: TRANSMISSION PROBLEM???

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:34 pm
by Red Rocket
Bing wrote:You don't have any friends or relatives that are close by with a garage and tools?
Nope. I'm fairly new to the area and young so I don't know anyone with a garage or tools.