2004 rough shift into 1st and vibration ... TCC??

[2004lesabre]

Good evening!!!
I recently purchased a 2005 lesabre with 125k on it for $1600 at auction. Vehicle runs great and is clean, just some normal wear for a 15 year old car.
BUT......

the car shifts rough and hesitates going into 1st gear from park. it will not go into 1st until you give some throttle. Then it goes into 1st gear sort of rough. It will sometimes shake and vibrate going from 1st to 2nd. It also downshifts rough into 1st sometimes. If I put the gear selector on 2, it does not do this. Every other gear shifts fine up and down when in drive (D).

Is this TCC or shift solenoid related? Any thoughts? Should I get a transgo shift kit? There is no check engine light either.

I have checked the transmission fluid, it seems clean and up to level, but is hard to interpret. I planned on doing a filter change and adding some transX or Lucas to her.
you think she is toast or worth investing in a transgo and TCC and/or solenoid?
Thank you.

 

[2004lesabre]

Bump

 

[2004lesabre]

Holiday bump! Anyone with familiar issue(s)

 

[SAYBER]

Good evening!!!
I recently purchased a 2005 lesabre with 125k on it for $1600 at auction. Vehicle runs great and is clean, just some normal wear for a 15 year old car.
BUT......

the car shifts rough and hesitates going into 1st gear from park. it will not go into 1st until you give some throttle. Then it goes into 1st gear sort of rough. It will sometimes shake and vibrate going from 1st to 2nd. It also downshifts rough into 1st sometimes. If I put the gear selector on 2, it does not do this. Every other gear shifts fine up and down when in drive (D).

Is this TCC or shift solenoid related? Any thoughts? Should I get a transgo shift kit? There is no check engine light either.

I have checked the transmission fluid, it seems clean and up to level, but is hard to interpret. I planned on doing a filter change and adding some transX or Lucas to her.
you think she is toast or worth investing in a transgo and TCC and/or solenoid?
Thank you.

A transgo kit will only smooth out and quickin the shifts. I think the 1st place to start, since you know nothing of how the car was maintained before, is fluid and filter change, but these 4t65e's are known to have solinoid trouble. And, just because you have no light on doesn't mean squat! I had the similar issue and scan tooled it and got the dreaded P1811 code. I was just lucky that in my case, filter, fluid and transgo kit did the trick but I just had the beginnings of hard shift. You seem to have that and deleyed shifting. Sometimes it's a bad clutch piston seal that does what problem you have and if not, a total rebuild is needed. Hook up a scan tool, I bet you have P1811. Also, I would also throw in a bottle of lubegard synthetic additive in the red bottle. Just incorporate that into your atf. Don't overfill your trans either! These trannys are super fussy about their atf level!!

 

[2004lesabre]

A transgo kit will only smooth out and quickin the shifts. I think the 1st place to start, since you know nothing of how the car was maintained before, is fluid and filter change, but these 4t65e's are known to have solinoid trouble. And, just because you have no light on doesn't mean squat! I had the similar issue and scan tooled it and got the dreaded P1811 code. I was just lucky that in my case, filter, fluid and transgo kit did the trick but I just had the beginnings of hard shift. You seem to have that and deleyed shifting. Sometimes it's a bad clutch piston seal that does what problem you have and if not, a total rebuild is needed. Hook up a scan tool, I bet you have P1811. Also, I would also throw in a bottle of lubegard synthetic additive in the red bottle. Just incorporate that into your atf. Don't overfill your trans either! These trannys are super fussy about their atf level!!

thank you for the advice! I talked to triple edge performance. He has given meabout the same advice! I will drop the trans, replace filter, and put in a good synthetic and An additive! Hope it helps! So I can keep the car a while. It runs great otherwise! :/

I might consider selling it for parts on here if the trans is toast.🙁

 

[SAYBER]

thank you for the advice! I talked to triple edge performance. He has given meabout the same advice! I will drop the trans, replace filter, and put in a good synthetic and An additive! Hope it helps! So I can keep the car a while. It runs great otherwise! :/

I might consider selling it for parts on here if the trans is toast.🙁

I really wouldn't waste money on synthetic oil, these 4t65e transmissions are VERY particular about they're atf. My transmission when I bought it was slipping slightly when I bought it just because it was less then a half a quart from the fill line on the dipstick., VERY FUSSY TRANSMISSIONS! One thing I've learned over the yrs. is you give the car what it came with from the factory. All this marketing hype on synthetic fluid is just simply not needed. Especially on the 4t65e. The only thing I've EVER used on my cars that was different is motor oil, Synthetic blend instead of conventional oil. If using a full synthetic ANYTHING, it should only be used if car has under 20,000 miles on the clock. I've followed these guidelines and NEVER had an issue of any kind. It's basically just good common car sense. 😆 Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

 

[2004lesabre]

I really wouldn't waste money on synthetic oil, these 4t65e transmissions are VERY particular about they're atf. My transmission when I bought it was slipping slightly when I bought it just because it was less then a half a quart from the fill line on the dipstick., VERY FUSSY TRANSMISSIONS! One thing I've learned over the yrs. is you give the car what it came with from the factory. All this marketing hype on synthetic fluid is just simply not needed. Especially on the 4t65e. The only thing I've EVER used on my cars that was different is motor oil, Synthetic blend instead of conventional oil. If using a full synthetic ANYTHING, it should only be used if car has under 20,000 miles on the clock. I've followed these guidelines and NEVER had an issue of any kind. It's basically just good common car sense. 😆 Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

Thank you. You think any filter will work since it might be toast anyway? Would any dex/merc work? Or does it need to be acdelco vi? Should I replace the solenoid for fun too? Or see what the fluid change does?

 

[SAYBER]

Thank you. You think any filter will work since it might be toast anyway? Would any dex/merc work? Or does it need to be acdelco vi? Should I replace the solenoid for fun too? Or see what the fluid change does?

You can get any filter but get dex3 cheap fluid. I wouldn't buy good stuff especially if trans may be toast. I'd first start with filter and fluid, DIFFENITLY. I'd even try adding that lucas stop slip to replace 1 qrt. of fluid. Very very thick stuff, try putting the bottle of the lucas in a pot of semi-boiling water to help warm it just before you pour it in.

 

[SAYBER]

You can get any filter but get dex3 cheap fluid. I wouldn't buy good stuff especially if trans may be toast. I'd first start with filter and fluid, DIFFENITLY. I'd even try adding that lucas stop slip to replace 1 qrt. of fluid. Very very thick stuff, try putting the bottle of the lucas in a pot of semi-boiling water to help warm it just before you pour it in.

Also, the solinoids are inside the trans and is a relatively big job. If your going to replace the solinoid at some point, you'd be wise to replace the shift solenoids, the tcc, trans module, all of them, about $100 for all of them give or take. Hope the fluid and filter works for you.

 

[2004lesabre]

Also, the solinoids are inside the trans and is a relatively big job. If your going to replace the solinoid at some point, you'd be wise to replace the shift solenoids, the tcc, trans module, all of them, about $100 for all of them give or take. Hope the fluid and filter works for you.

ok! I will do filter and snake oil and if it helps, I’ll cruise it around till she blows up! Lol. Also, if I put the shift lever in 2 it doesn’t have an issue. So I might just avoid 1st as much as possible.

 

[SAYBER]

ok! I will do filter and snake oil and if it helps, I’ll cruise it around till she blows up! Lol. Also, if I put the shift lever in 2 it doesn’t have an issue. So I might just avoid 1st as much as possible.

If the filter and fluid change does help, I'd DIFFENITLY do the transgo kit! My gut feeling tells me the filter and fluid will help! Let me know.

 

[2004lesabre]

If the filter and fluid change does help, I'd DIFFENITLY do the transgo kit! My gut feeling tells me the filter and fluid will help! Let me know.

Ok, I put in some transx and seafoam trans tune to clean it out before the filter change, also I put in some lubegard instant shudder and the shudder disappeared and it started shifting better. I am going to order the transgo and put in a WIX or acdelco filter.

it still hesitates a bit in drive when starting from stops. And when I go from p to d it takes it about 5-10 seconds to go into drive. I hope the solenoids are still good.

 

[2004lesabre]

Also, I hooked up my code reader and there was no transmission codes stored In the Buick. I’m not sure if my code reader can read it, but I hooked it up to my moms trailblazer and there was no CEL but there was 2 transmission codes stored. Component slipping and something else. It shifts fine until it’s on the highway. Then shift real hard 1-2 and then is fine after being turned off and back on.
I did hear a buzz in the back of the lesabre, I’m almost certain it has air suspension and a compressor. 😝

 

[SAYBER]

Ok, I put in some transx and seafoam trans tune to clean it out before the filter change, also I put in some lubegard instant shudder and the shudder disappeared and it started shifting better. I am going to order the transgo and put in a WIX or acdelco filter.

it still hesitates a bit in drive when starting from stops. And when I go from p to d it takes it about 5-10 seconds to go into drive. I hope the solenoids are still good.

Sounds like it's slipping for sure. Make sure you don't Underfill or overfill the fluid. These 4t65e's are extremely fussy and a third of a quart either over or under makes a HUGE difference. I believe the transgo kit will help bigtime. When you do the kit, leave out the lubegard shutter additive. ONLY use a bottle of lubegard synthetic additive( in the red bottle). I suggest a delco filter AND gasket even if the old gasket looks ok. Dex3 fluid also. I find oem everything works the best, especially in these trannys. Have you watched any YouTube vids on the transgo kit?

 

[SAYBER]

Also, I hooked up my code reader and there was no transmission codes stored In the Buick. I’m not sure if my code reader can read it, but I hooked it up to my moms trailblazer and there was no CEL but there was 2 transmission codes stored. Component slipping and something else. It shifts fine until it’s on the highway. Then shift real hard 1-2 and then is fine after being turned off and back on.
I did hear a buzz in the back of the lesabre, I’m almost certain it has air suspension and a compressor. 😝

Does your issues seem to happen when been driving for 20 minutes or so? Yes, air suspension. Do you have a pic of your sabre? Here's mine.

 

[SAYBER]

thank you for the advice! I talked to triple edge performance. He has given meabout the same advice! I will drop the trans, replace filter, and put in a good synthetic and An additive! Hope it helps! So I can keep the car a while. It runs great otherwise! :/

I might consider selling it for parts on here if the trans is toast.🙁

Don't need synthetic atf. Dex3 and a bottle of lubegard synthetic additive, red bottle. Too many guys get a hard-on for synthetic oiloils and ate and pay for it later. Put in what it came with from factory. These 4t65e's are extremely picky.

 

[2004lesabre]

Don't need synthetic atf. Dex3 and a bottle of lubegard synthetic additive, red bottle. Too many guys get a hard-on for synthetic oiloils and ate and pay for it later. Put in what it came with from factory. These 4t65e's are extremely picky.

the issue happens as soon as it is started.

I have purchased the synthetic VI dex already. :/ so I will give it a try. it was pretty cheap though like 7$ A quart. I also have purchased the red bottle of lubegard. Should I use 2 bottles or just 1?

i will have to give the lesabre a bath and take a picture

 

[SAYBER]

the issue happens as soon as it is started.

I have purchased the synthetic VI dex already. :/ so I will give it a try. it was pretty cheap though like 7$ A quart. I also have purchased the red bottle of lubegard. Should I use 2 bottles or just 1?

i will have to give the lesabre a bath and take a picture

One bottle of lubegard, substituted for a half a quart of atf.

 

[imidazol97]

If this is a car you believe has few things going wrong with its age and only 125K miles, I think I'd check into a good transmission guy going in and replacing all the parts needed. The bad shift timing after the trans warms up can be the modulator valve. Those wore the passage and one replacement involved reaming the size for a replacement IIRC. Sort of like putting oversized rings on pistons in the old days.

The slow engagements could be many things.

Re the replacement trans fluid, my 2003 had Dex III e if I recall. I believe I tried a substitute fluid that was not Dexron VI, and it changed the feel of the shifts. That was with only replacement of slightly more than half of the volume.

I went with Walmarts brand of Dexron VI, and drained again and replaced half of the mix I had after the Dex III substitute. Drove a few thousand, and
drained and replaced again with Dex VI. Still didn't fix the harsh shift after the
engine and trans got really warm, especially in heavy city traffic.

But turning the engine off for more than 30 seconds and letting its computer reboot at the new start, had the trans once again attempting to module the shift time. Once it lost control again, it went to maximum pressures and quick shifts as a safety measure to protect the trans.

As for the additive with the new trans fluid, the trans fluid should have all the additive you need.

I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect you'll be getting the trans rebuild to have a car you can enjoy. They're great cars and not replaceable with another car line.

Plus there's a wide range of knowledge in posts on H-body forums for leSabre and Bonnevilles where people have helped others, so do-it-yourself is easily done for much work on these cars.

My Malibu replacing the leSabre just is not the same.

 

[2004lesabre]

If this is a car you believe has few things going wrong with its age and only 125K miles, I think I'd check into a good transmission guy going in and replacing all the parts needed. The bad shift timing after the trans warms up can be the modulator valve. Those wore the passage and one replacement involved reaming the size for a replacement IIRC. Sort of like putting oversized rings on pistons in the old days.

The slow engagements could be many things.

Re the replacement trans fluid, my 2003 had Dex III e if I recall. I believe I tried a substitute fluid that was not Dexron VI, and it changed the feel of the shifts. That was with only replacement of slightly more than half of the volume.

I went with Walmarts brand of Dexron VI, and drained again and replaced half of the mix I had after the Dex III substitute. Drove a few thousand, and
drained and replaced again with Dex VI. Still didn't fix the harsh shift after the
engine and trans got really warm, especially in heavy city traffic.

But turning the engine off for more than 30 seconds and letting its computer reboot at the new start, had the trans once again attempting to module the shift time. Once it lost control again, it went to maximum pressures and quick shifts as a safety measure to protect the trans.

As for the additive with the new trans fluid, the trans fluid should have all the additive you need.

I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect you'll be getting the trans rebuild to have a car you can enjoy. They're great cars and not replaceable with another car line.

Plus there's a wide range of knowledge in posts on H-body forums for leSabre and Bonnevilles where people have helped others, so do-it-yourself is easily done for much work on these cars.

My Malibu replacing the leSabre just is not the same.

Thanks for the advice from experience!!! I’ve never rebuilt a transmission so I’m not sure I want to attempt it. But if a rebuild on these isn’t too complicated, I’d be willing to give it a whirl. I only paid 1600 for the car and a rebuild trans has to be about that.
i bought the car as a parts car for my moms lesabre with only 54k miles. But I like how it rides and it seats 6 (my family size 😝) and gets much better economy than our trailblazer.
I will call around and see how much a rebuild is. Just in case. I’m hoping the transgo and fresh fluid will do the trick for a while. MaybeI I can pull a trans at the scrap yard and bullet proof it and swap it.
anyone know what parts need replaced and from what source? Or is triple edge pretty much the best there is?