Hard transmission shifts

[cterrell73]

Hello fellow Lucerne owners, I was wondering if anybody has ran across this issue with their Lucerne. During a long periods of stop and go traffic, my car starts to have very hard transmission shifts. This happens on all shifts from 1 - 4 gear and it feels like the car is slamming into gear. Now this happens until the car is shut off and sits for about 30 minutes. After that the transmission shifts are back to normal.

I'm taking my car in for an oil change this weekend and just wanted to get some info and references on possible known issues with the transmission.

Thanks.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

I am not sure what could be causing your concern. Please keep me posted in regards to your progress at the dealer. If you have any question in the meantime feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

 

[polarzak]

Well, I am no GM Service person, but sounds like the transmission might be over heating. First, check the fluid level..leaks are rare but not unknown.

The 4T65E transmission in your car is a very reliable transmission with very few issues. There are several GM bulletins regarding two common problems.

#06-07-30-023C...Shudder on Acceleration
#PIP4188 Delayed Shifts Harsh Engagement

The latter might be your issue. If that is the case there is metal debris in the pan. In either case with those two bulletins, the transmission must be disassembled for repair.

BUT, check fluid level first.

Tricia...you should know this stuff.

 

[cterrell73]

Thanks for the info polarzak.

I took my car in for an oil change and tire rotation to the quick lube center at the dealership, so all the fluid levels should have been checked, but I will take a look myself just to be sure. I will have to make an appointment for the main service area for them to look at the transmission though. I'm still under my extended warranty so I will be making an appointment soon.

 

[rdanville]

Thanks for the info polarzak.

I took my car in for an oil change and tire rotation to the quick lube center at the dealership, so all the fluid levels should have been checked, but I will take a look myself just to be sure. I will have to make an appointment for the main service area for them to look at the transmission though. I'm still under my extended warranty so I will be making an appointment soon.

Did you ever get another opinion?

 

[cterrell73]

Did you ever get another opinion?

No I haven't. I'm still planning on taking it to the dealership.

 

[cterrell73]

Drop the car off this morning so they can take a look at the transmission and also an annoying rattling that seems to be coming from the dash. But of course when I dropped the car off, I had the service person listen for the rattle and we couldn't hear anything. Hopefully after it sits for a while they will hear it.

 

[cterrell73]

Looks like the dealer did find an issue with the transmission and it is covered under my extended warranty. They have to keep the car overnight I guess to get the part ordered. I have to go to the dealer to pick up a rental and I will get the particulars on what part needed to be replaced and let everyone know.

Oh yea, they wanted to charge me $345 to continue looking for the rattling noise coming from the dash. I guess they would have to take the dash apart. So for now I will just live with that rattling noise.

 

[cterrell73]

Got the car back....This is from the paperwork for the repair.

"Advise found P01811 for pressure control solenoid, replaced pressure sensor control solenoid and reset shifter"

There were two parts that were ordered.
1. FP# 24225825 (valve sol 4.265)
2. FP# 24206959 (Gasket kit 4.217)

Not sure if P01811 is a bulletin number or not.

 

[farscape1]

Im having the same issue. Was out driving today and pulled over for awhile with car still running and when i started driving again the car started shifting really hard.
Even the engine light came on. Going to Autozone to get that scanned to see what code comes up. I dont have any warranty on the car so i hope its this pressure control solenoid and that it dont run me much.

 

[HotZ28]

Im having the same issue. Was out driving today and pulled over for awhile with car still running and when i started driving again the car started shifting really hard.
Even the engine light came on. Going to Autozone to get that scanned to see what code comes up. I dont have any warranty on the car so i hope its this pressure control solenoid and that it dont run me much.

Harsh Shift, P1811

 

[farscape1]

ok i got the codes from Auto Zone. Its P0717 and P0716

P0717 is Turbine/Input Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0716 is Turbine/Input Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance


Just drove the car and of course runs fine. Checked tranny fluid but honestly not sure how long you drive car to check that but drove 5 mins and fluid seems to be on low side. Just a tad below min. on the dip stick.
Kinda afraid to add to it as worried i might over fill it.

So any words of wisdom on this issue anyone?

 

[HotZ28]

P0716 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

P0717 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal

 

[farscape1]

Well ive learned my lesson. Went to the dealership where i bought my car years ago and for $90 they came back to me and said yes my problem is what i new it was, the Transmission Input Speed sensor.
They say they found high resistance in the sensor. Guess that means it going bad or bad.
But to fix that they say they have to tear apart half of the transmission to get to the sensor and that would cost along with Transmission flush $1081.20

To me thats a hell of alot of money to just fix a sensor. So calling some Transmission places around my area hoping to get a better deal.

 

[teboyle1216]

Well, I am no GM Service person, but sounds like the transmission might be over heating. First, check the fluid level..leaks are rare but not unknown.

The 4T65E transmission in your car is a very reliable transmission with very few issues. There are several GM bulletins regarding two common problems.

#06-07-30-023C...Shudder on Acceleration
#PIP4188 Delayed Shifts Harsh Engagement

The latter might be your issue. If that is the case there is metal debris in the pan. In either case with those two bulletins, the transmission must be disassembled for repair.

BUT, check fluid level first.

Tricia...you should know this stuff.

As a former transmission rebuilder and manager of AAMCO, no one mentions the fact that these particles in the pan might be lodging in the 3 - 1 or 3 - 2 downshift valve in the valve body.
Even though I have not touched a transmission since 1980, i have to believe they still have valve bodies. Is that right? Terry B.

 

[teboyle1216]

Well, I just had an epiphany! Service Traction Control message; ABS Icon lights up; Traction Control Icon lights up; Message to "Check Left Rear Tire Pressure". Engine hesitates , when Traction Control Icon lights up, ok when off. Problem solved! Had two tire pressure sensors changed, all
problems went away, including engine hesitation! Go figure! Must have screwed the computer up a bit, but never had a code stored (I have OBD II reader). Mechanic 17 years, owned shop, managed Aamco 4 years. We used to put a small magnet in the transmission pan near the filter to collect any metal paticles floating around. Total cost for two sensors, $258.00. Terry B.

 

[Smileyinin]

Well, I just had an epiphany! Service Traction Control message; ABS Icon lights up; Traction Control Icon lights up; Message to "Check Left Rear Tire Pressure". Engine hesitates , when Traction Control Icon lights up, ok when off. Problem solved! Had two tire pressure sensors changed, all
problems went away, including engine hesitation! Go figure! Must have screwed the computer up a bit, but never had a code stored (I have OBD II reader). Mechanic 17 years, owned shop, managed Aamco 4 years. We used to put a small magnet in the transmission pan near the filter to collect any metal paticles floating around. Total cost for two sensors, $258.00. Terry B.

So I am having this problem with hard shifting we will try changing trany fluid and put in a magnet hope it works

 

[LucerneLover]

So I am having this problem with hard shifting we will try changing trany fluid and put in a magnet hope it works

Did it work?

 

[Remiix]

I get the same issue but don't get any Check Engine Light or Trouble Codes. When it does start to shift hard from a stand still and changing gears. I pull over and turn the car off , let it sit for a few and restart it. Problem is Gone. Any Ideas? Thanks!

 

[G-169929]

Got he same issue on my 05 century, I drive it for a while stop and go driving and dont turn her off while I'm getting around in it and at some point, the hard shift starts if I cut it off for a while and start it will stop. I love the cars performance but this issue troubles me going to change filter and fluid this summer.