Transmission Weirdness or Sensor Issue

[zotparkerm]

I have a new (to me) 04 LeSabre and am mostly very pleased with the car. It only has two nagging issues - the first is a slow disappearance of oil - no drips on the ground, no blue smoke. I am not overly concerned with that one YET.

The big deal is a slip/hesitation/shudder when either accelerating slightly or transitioning to start climbing a hill, usually while in OD or in 3rd getting ready to shift to OD.

My thought is that it has something to do with the tranny not being sure where to be and seems only to happen in that 3rd/OD transitional area.

If I am doing 70 on the interstate and hit a slight hill, there will be an occasional shudder as I climb the hill. Same type of occurrence when first accelerating to highway speeds.

If I put the transmission on "3" and accelerate to close to my final speed then shift to OD it does not experience the shudder.

Is this likely a solenoid, pressure problem or possibly something like an O2 sensor?

Thanks

 

[gnhbodyguy]

Could be spark plug wires.

 

[iluvbeulah]

I am having the same problem with my 2000 LeSabre Custom. Just changed the spark plugs and wires a short time ago. It doesn't do it all of the time but today the check engine light came on. What should I check next?

 

[HotZ28]

I am having the same problem with my 2000 LeSabre Custom. Just changed the spark plugs and wires a short time ago. It doesn't do it all of the time but today the check engine light came on. What should I check next?

You may have a totally different problem. If the CEL is on, find out what the code is, and report back. If you don't have a scanner, all brick/mortar part stores can read the code for you without charge. Be sure to wright down the code, or keep it it in your brain hard drive.

 

[iluvbeulah]

Thank you for answering! My brother has a scanner, so will stop by there tomorrow and report back. Thanks again.

 

[iluvbeulah]

Got a code of P0102. My brother says it's an air intake sensor. Is that correct?

- - - Updated - - -

Would that cause the slip/hesitation/shudder?

 

[Spriteman]

Looks like the MAF sensor is giving a bad signal - try lightly tapping the MAF sensor with the handle of a screwdriver and see if the engine stutters - if it does the internals of the MAF could be fried. Or, trying removing the connector from the MAF - if that doesn't cause a change in idle then the MAF would also be bad.

You could try cleaning the MAF with some MAF cleaner sold at your local parts store - don't clean with other products and be gentle with it - it's basically just a piece of thin wire dangling which gets pushed by incoming air. The amount of deflection gives a voltage which tells the PCM how much air is coming into the intake.


Code: P0102

Description: Mass Or Volume Air Flow A Circuit Low Input

Probable Causes:

Sensor or solenoid faulty

Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded

Wire harness - Check harness for correct voltage, open, short to ground or short to voltage

Update control unit software - Check for the latest control unit update

Powertrain or Engine Control Module faulty

Battery voltage low

 

[DonP]

A suspect MAF can cause driveabiltiy issues that feel a bit like tranny problems. Worth checking.

 

[iluvbeulah]

Thank you! I appreciate the information. Will report back my findings.

 

[iluvbeulah]

Hello! Sorry it's taken me so long to report back. It was the MAF sensor, so had it replaced and my driver window fixed .....again! $500.00 for both. Beulah (my pet name for my car) is running beautifully now AND I can go to the drive-up again! Thanks so much for all your help.