2001 park avenue 160k mi started whining around transmission. What could it be?

[MichaelA2014]

Hey guys,

My buick started whining today really loudly. Its coming from the driver side around transmission bell housing. It sounds like a power steering pump when its low on fluid except mine is full and does not whine. Also transmission shifting with a kick from 3rd to 4th. When I start driving after it sat for a while and cooled down there's no whine. After I drive it for about 10 miles it starts. I am wondering if I need to start looking for another transmission or perhaps filter change? Filter has never been changed in this car to my knowledge. I was going to change it but someone recommended I leave it alone due to friction discs wore out and friction media suspended in fluid helps the clutches.

Does anybody know what could it be?

Vehicle got 160k miles.

Thank you for any info.

 

[bigsky]

It could be the Pressure Control Solenoid in the transmission is sticking. A very common issue. This will set the P1811 code. You could try a new transmission filter & pan drop (vs a flush), which only replaces some of the fluid. If this doesn't work, there is a shift kit that can be installed after removing the transmission pan which sometimes fixes the issue.

Some have had success with the Seafoam transmission treatment.

A new PCS solenoid installed will be $500 and up. I had this done on the 97 I once had, and it fixed the harsh shifting. Mine did not whine however...some do.