2005 SE 4T65E question/suggestions?

[1oldman]

Just to beat a dead horse some more from a blind suidae trying to find another acorn.

The transmission takes spells of not wanting to shift out of first gear. You can speed up to 23 mph or more, take your foot off the gas, and it will shift into second. It just started last week and has increasingly become more frequent. It has become quite prevelant.

Is the best guess or the culprit the Pressure Control Solenoid? If not, what could it be? What would be the best guess on cost effective solution? Re-manufactured transmission? Another money pit vehicle? Is there another suggestion?

Also, there is no DIY solution. That one is out much to my dismay because of physical issues.

Any and all responses are welcome.

Thanks! - BC

[Roadrunner]

As a first check - after running it a while, wipe fluid off the dipstick on a clean rag and look for glitter.

[1oldman]

No glitter. Sometimes shifts just fine, sometimes won't come out of 1st unless you go at least 23 mph and let off the gas. When it does that you can expect the other shifts to be extremely hard, both up shifts and down shifts. This morning it started out not wanting to shift out of 1st, then after an hour at the gym, worked just like nothing was ever wrong.

- BC

[Sirius]

I know this sounds out there, but you might try cleaning your MAF sensor. I know, I know, what does the MAF sensor have to do with the transmission? Apparently a dirty or faulty MAF sensor can affect the line pressure in the transmission. My '03 wasn't doing exactly what yours is, but it was shifting hard into first after coasting. Cleaning the MAF sensor seems to have cured my problem. Get a can of MAF cleaner (~8), pull the sensor off (it sits on top of the throttle body, easily comes off with 2 screws), and give it a good spraying. Do not touch the tiny sensor wires with anything, just spray 'em. This may not cure your problem, but it's worth the $8 gamble I think.

[1oldman]

I know this sounds out there, but you might try cleaning your MAF sensor. I know, I know, what does the MAF sensor have to do with the transmission? Apparently a dirty or faulty MAF sensor can affect the line pressure in the transmission. My '03 wasn't doing exactly what yours is, but it was shifting hard into first after coasting. Cleaning the MAF sensor seems to have cured my problem. Get a can of MAF cleaner (~8), pull the sensor off (it sits on top of the throttle body, easily comes off with 2 screws), and give it a good spraying. Do not touch the tiny sensor wires with anything, just spray 'em. This may not cure your problem, but it's worth the $8 gamble I think.

I will. As soon as I do, I'll post what the results. I've cleaned a couple of MAFs before, but it's been a while since I did that, not to this car though. Thanks. - BC

[1oldman]

I know this sounds out there, but you might try cleaning your MAF sensor. I know, I know, what does the MAF sensor have to do with the transmission? Apparently a dirty or faulty MAF sensor can affect the line pressure in the transmission. My '03 wasn't doing exactly what yours is, but it was shifting hard into first after coasting. Cleaning the MAF sensor seems to have cured my problem. Get a can of MAF cleaner (~8), pull the sensor off (it sits on top of the throttle body, easily comes off with 2 screws), and give it a good spraying. Do not touch the tiny sensor wires with anything, just spray 'em. This may not cure your problem, but it's worth the $8 gamble I think.

Well, I used an entire can of CRC MAFS cleaner on the MAFS. Unfortunately, there was no change. I appreciate the suggestion though. If it had worked, you'd be a "hero". - BC

[redfury]

Could very well be the TPS. If that has a hitch in it or isn't outputting a smooth signal, the transmission may not get the input it needs to tell it to switch gears. Fortunately throttle position switches are fairly cheap, and lots of cars used the same one if you have a reason to find one at the JY.

[Sirius]

I know this sounds out there, but you might try cleaning your MAF sensor. I know, I know, what does the MAF sensor have to do with the transmission? Apparently a dirty or faulty MAF sensor can affect the line pressure in the transmission. My '03 wasn't doing exactly what yours is, but it was shifting hard into first after coasting. Cleaning the MAF sensor seems to have cured my problem. Get a can of MAF cleaner (~8), pull the sensor off (it sits on top of the throttle body, easily comes off with 2 screws), and give it a good spraying. Do not touch the tiny sensor wires with anything, just spray 'em. This may not cure your problem, but it's worth the $8 gamble I think.

Well, I used an entire can of CRC MAFS cleaner on the MAFS. Unfortunately, there was no change. I appreciate the suggestion though. If it had worked, you'd be a "hero". - BC

It was a stretch, but worth a try. You might want to check to make sure your MAFS is actually working. The link below can help with this. It won't cost you anything but a little time and shouldn't be too difficult.

http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/Ha ... P1811.html

[96 SSEi]

have you scanned for codes? I would change the fluid and check for debris and see if new fluid/filter improves performance before throwing parts at it.

[1oldman]

have you scanned for codes? I would change the fluid and check for debris and see if new fluid/filter improves performance before throwing parts at it.

The pan has been off twice since I bought it. We just put 58K miles on it since we bought it 08/2013. Dropped the pan to install a Transgo Shift kit several years ago. Used Dextron 6 fluid and Lucas.
The transmission seems to shifting better after driving it for a day. I may just replace the MAFS and TPS. I found a Dorman MAFS for $54.98 plus sales tax delivered. - BC

[spoiledred94]

My 01 has the hesitation / slip going into second and into third. Changing the ATF using two bottles of Lucas stop slip made a big difference. I noticed when I drove it cold the slipping was mostly nonexistent. 15 min later the slip was very evident. I hope to install a ATF cooler. I think what is happening, BC, is that the frictions are worn and slipping instead of hooking up. So the Trans increases the fluid pressure to make the shift happen and then I get thunk into gear