Transmission not shifting properly: Fixed

[Jayyu]

Thought I would share my recent experience with my 2006 Buick Rendezvous 170,000 kms that was shifting lazy and erratically. RPMs went up and down even though speed was constant. Also reverse engaged with a several second delay.

Thought I might need a transmission rebuild. Had my 40 year experience transmission mechanic look at it. First, he checked the condition of the transmission fluid. Said it was fine, no burning smell. He then test drove the vehicle and told me it was most likely the accumulator. This is the only replaceable part inside the transmission without a tear down. He dropped the transmission cover, saved the original fluid, rebuilt the accumulator, replaced original transmission fluid. The parts range from $13 to $44 on rock auto. Part numbers are ACDELCO 24206857, ACDELCO 24234486, ACDELCO 24203262. Worth trying before paying thousands for a rebuild. My transmission works 100% properly now.🙄

 

[Chris Ingram]

thanks for the tip.

 

[Jayyu]

Unfortunately fix didn't last. Had transmission rebuilt six months later. My trusted transmission mechanic said it was mostly slipping from wear and tear. He also said the needle bearings fell apart during disassembly. Luckily this didn't happen during driving. Cost to rebuild would have been higher. All in cost me $1500 Cnd. Transmission is like new again.

My 2006 fwd RDV has been great. We've owned it since 2010 with 85 Kms. It now has 175 Kms. Biggest repairs were front hubs, rear knuckle bushings, alternator, both front tie rod ends. Cheap but annoying fixes included rear door driver side power window wire fatigued and abs driver side wire too short/fatigued, rear hatch release button 2x, rear hatch strap 2x. Since I perform all my own diagnostic and repairs the cost to keep this car on the road has been minimal. It has also never left us stranded or failed us while driving. Hoping to keep it for another 2 to 5 years. If engine fails all bets are off and will sell off parts.