Shift Solenoid Replacement

[elmor]

How difficult is it to replace shift solenoids in my 05 LeSabre?

 

[02LTD]

The front subframe has to be dropped to gain access to the side cover of the transmission….from what I hear it’s not an easy job.
If you’re experiencing hard shifts then a TransGo shift improvement kit would be an easier alternative. It goes in from the bottom tranny pan and takes about an hour or so to install. Search P1811 and/or hard shifting right here on this forum for more information.

 

[HotZ28]

Triple Edge Performance

tripleedgeperformance.com

 

[elmor]

Triple Edge Performance

tripleedgeperformance.com

 

[elmor]

The front subframe has to be dropped to gain access to the side cover of the transmission….from what I hear it’s not an easy job. If you’re experiencing hard shifts then a TransGo shift improvement kit would be an easier alternative. It goes in from the bottom tranny pan and takes about an hour or so to install. Search P1811 and/or hard shifting right here on this forum for more information.

Triple Edge Performance

tripleedgeperformance.com

I have the Trans-Go kit. The reason I haven't installed it yet is that the trans doesn't always shift to low at a stop. Sometimes when I take off and put my foot in it a little the trans bangs like it's jumping in and out of gear. It doesn't do it till it reaches full temperature. Will the Trans-Go kit correct this? I love the car and it runs beautiful except for this. I've driven it for almost 2 years with only changing the oil in that time. Engine is great, body is great, interior is just about perfect. I think I stole it for $300. The guy got it in a trade and just didn't want it.

 

[Homer Jay]

Another item to check with the bang at takeoff, more than likely the front transmission mount is broken.
Search the site or Google for more info.

 

[02LTD]

I have the Trans-Go kit. The reason I haven't installed it yet is that the trans doesn't always shift to low at a stop. Sometimes when I take off and put my foot in it a little the trans bangs like it's jumping in and out of gear. It doesn't do it till it reaches full temperature. Will the Trans-Go kit correct this? I love the car and it runs beautiful except for this. I've driven it for almost 2 years with only changing the oil in that time. Engine is great, body is great, interior is just about perfect. I think I stole it for $300. The guy got it in a trade and just didn't want it

How many miles are on the car?
Has the MAF been changed or at least cleaned?

 

[Mazda2Buick]

I have the Trans-Go kit. The reason I haven't installed it yet is that the trans doesn't always shift to low at a stop. Sometimes when I take off and put my foot in it a little the trans bangs like it's jumping in and out of gear. It doesn't do it till it reaches full temperature. Will the Trans-Go kit correct this? I love the car and it runs beautiful except for this. I've driven it for almost 2 years with only changing the oil in that time. Engine is great, body is great, interior is just about perfect. I think I stole it for $300. The guy got it in a trade and just didn't want it.

You got an '05 LeSabre for $300? How many miles are on it? Is it a salvage title car?

Another item to check with the bang at takeoff, more than likely the front transmission mount is broken.
Search the site or Google for more info.

Good point. After replacing the front transmission mount on my LeSabre recently, I've noticed that it is shifting more smoothly from starts and when accelerating.

 

[elmor]

You got an '05 LeSabre for $300? How many miles are on it? Is it a salvage title car?

Good point. After replacing the front transmission mount on my LeSabre recently, I've noticed that it is shifting more smoothly from starts and when accelerating.

It's not a salvage title. It's got 175,000 miles. The guy really had no place to keep it and needed to git rid of it. It didn't cost him anything because he got it with another vehicle in a package deal. I think he said it had belonged to his brother. He had it listed on FB Marketplace for several months. Said he had a lot of people call about it but I was the only one who showed up.

 

[elmor]

How many miles are on the car?
Has the MAF been changed or at least cleaned?

Just curious, what does the MAF have to do with the transmission? The engine runs beautifully, nice and smooth.

 

[John Canon]

Just curious, what does the MAF have to do with the transmission? The engine runs beautifully, nice and smooth.

Here is some more Johnsplaining:

Transmission shifting is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module. The PCM uses inputs to evaluate vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position, and engine load.

It senses engine load using the MAF, MAP, RPM, and crankshaft position CKS sensors.

Modern electronic powertrain control is holistic: everything affects everything else and no part stands alone.

Thr PCM uses the inputs and outputs along with complex (but straightforward) programming to maintain and test for most efficient operation.

 

[John Canon]

If the MAF signal is erratic compared to other inputs, then the PCM will fall back to default or last-known viable inputs. In other words a make-shift decision, a sort of dynamic limp mode. Like incorrect shifting, Ouch!

 

[elmor]

If the MAF signal is erratic compared to other inputs, then the PCM will fall back to default or last-known viable inputs. In other words a make-shift decision, a sort of dynamic limp mode. Like incorrect shifting, Ouch!

If the MAF signal is erratic compared to other inputs, then the PCM will fall back to default or last-known viable inputs. In other words a make-shift decision, a sort of dynamic limp mode. Like incorrect shifting, Ouch!

Now that makes more sense. Thank you for clearing that up. As soon as I get a dry day here in Oregon (June?) I will clean the MAF and see what happens. I will also pick up a front mount. I have a friend with a lift so maybe I can get all this done when I replace the lower control arms and put the shift kit in. I love this car, it's a pleasure to drive when everything works proper.

 

[John Canon]

... I love this car, it's a pleasure to drive when everything works proper.

Older daily driver cars are a challenge. I enjoy it, but I am also happiest when I don't have to do anything at all.

My 1997 Lesabre has 110,000 miles and I just have to do little preventative things. It gets better day after day. I guess it helps I am a licensed Auto Tech and also an Electronics Tech.

 

[elmor]

Older daily driver cars are a challenge. I enjoy it, but I am also happiest when I don't have to do anything at all.

My 1997 Lesabre has 110,000 miles and I just have to do little preventative things. It gets better day after day. I guess it helps I am a licensed Auto Tech and also an Electronics Tech.

That is great that you're a tech. I'm just an old retired, automotive machinist and shade tree mechanic. When it comes to electronics and electrical issues, my brain goes into limp mode.

 

[John Canon]

Nothing wrong with that. In the old days you would just get right in there, take it apart, ask around, then put it together again.

Today things are a bit more complicated, but now we have the internet. The most important thing is common sense and courage. I admire reading about you guys (and gals) who get right in there and do some fixin'.

Electronics is trickier ... it's not always obvious when you are on the wrong track and about to blow a circuit! And symptom-based troubleshooting is a methodical artform.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Ahhh the days of analog vehicle repair.....

 

[lbear]

With the P1811 code. Will this trip a Check Engine Light?

If not, how does one know the P1811 code has been tripped?

Is there any "negative" to installing this kit before one gets the P1811 code?

 

[02LTD]

P1811 will not trip a CEL. You need an advanced reader to see it but you can certainly feel it.

 

[lbear]

P1811 will not trip a CEL. You need an advanced reader to see it but you can certainly feel it.

I believe I felt it today. I was driving (hot trans) and then felt a hard shift. I thought it was maybe a bump in the road but then it did it again about 1 minute later when shifting.

In addition to the Transgo ShiftKit, they recommend the Actuator Feed Valve Repair Kit, as shown here:

More Information for TRANSGO 4T65AFL

Is the above valve needed also with the TransGo ShiftKit or just the ShiftKit alone?