Transmission problems Help!!!

[The bigbody]

I have 98 bonnvillle SSEi with 192,500miles and I recently had the transmission flushed. It was working fine but the fluid was brown so I had it flushed. After the flush it started to shift hard and slipping out of gear when it got to operating temp. Some days it's fine other days it's bad. I took it to autozone to get that free diagnostic and it gives me "torque converter circuit stuck on" and "manufacture aux input output....." I forget the rest of the second problem. Can someone tell me how to fix these problems? And I tried to get the people who flushed it to fix it. Law say they're not liable since they put the correct fluid and amount in the car.

[petraman]

You got it flushed? A lot of people say that you shouldn't flush a transmission that old because, as sad as it sounds, the only thing that's causing the transmission to live on is the gunk stuck between the clutches. You might want to consider a shift kit, but other than that, I'm not sure what you can do...

[wjcollier07]

The issue may not be that the clutches are gone, as in a few 200k cars, the clutches are still alright...that is unless the car was driven really hard.

Chances are, the flush loosened up a whole lot of crud SOMEWHERE...and it lodged in a solenoid in the valve body, possibly causing full engagement pressure issues. The stuck circuit code almost SCREAMS that this is the problem. ALSO...was the filter changed with the flush? If it wasn't, that aforementioned "crud" may have also filled it up..and once again, could be causing pressure issues.

My recommendation would be to run some Seafoam Trans Tune in the trans. Normally I wouldn't recommend leaving it in there very long, but since I'm sure you payed $100+ for that flush, and the fluid is new, I doubt you'll need to worry until the next flush...the filter should take care of it for you..IF it is new.

So, if the filter is new, put a can of trans tune in, if it is old, get the filter changed, and THEN put in the trans tune.

[willwren]

I agree with running the trans-tune from Seafoam. It can break up any deposits blocking passages or valves. I also agree that your symptoms and code are quite clear that this is your problem.

I ALSO agree that you should leave it in awhile, but then go after your filter and another third of your fluid about 2-4 weeks after using the trans tune. It may or may not solve your problem, but it COULD solve it, and it WON'T hurt anything.

[The bigbody]

I did have the filter replaced and it was filled with gunk. I'll try the trans tune and leave it in for around a month. I hope it makes a difference. If not then I have one last resort just to replace the vacuum hose or the transmission control solenoid. Thanks to all that replied to my problem. I will keep you up to date.

[agrazela]

There would be no vacuum hose to the trans on a 1998 H-body.

If there truly was a lot of crud in the filter, there's a good chance the clutches are badly worn. A shop would likely charge you almost half of what a full rebuild would cost just to do the PCS solenoid; so if you do go so far as to open the trans, you might consider a full rebuild if the car's worth it.

[wjcollier07]

Honestly, if it comes down to it, go with a Jasper reman transmission over a rebuild. I've heard nothing but positive things from people who have used them.

But definitely get that trans tune going on...but as mentioned, if the previous filter was chock full of crud...it could very well be a little light on clutch material.

[BillBoost37]

Dave at TripleEdge posted some good info about Jasper at RegalGS. It is a 100% stock rebuild and if you don't have it installed by a certified Jasper installer, add a shift kit (or anything else), or are modded they will never pay or cover the warranty. It's understandable as they need to protect themselves from fraud or abuse that would cost thousands to the company.

[The bigbody]

Well it's been months since I was on here last bbut the problem still persists. Slight change after the Sea Foam Trans Tune, it shifts a little easier but still too harsh for me. Can anyone tell me where to buy a Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid? I can't take it any more. This is my primary mode of transportation so i will have to put up the money to get it fixed. Some days it shifts with no problems and other days its like riding a wooden rollercoaster. I would like to do it myself but unfortunately I don't have the time to do it. I just need to no where to buy that part and hopefully it will be cheaper than replacing the torque converter which (BTW) I think is fine. Any help would be appreciated.

[1fatcat]

You could get it from the dealer or any parts store or you could just have the shop that is doing the work get one.

[JBMark33]

Once you buy the solenoid, the side cover on the transmission has to come off. Which means also that the subframe and engine have to be lowered out of the vehicle or the engine and transmission have to be pulled from the vehicle for this to be replaced. I think I am having either issues with my TCC or PC solenoid, but mine doesn't shift hard all the time, so I just deal with it.

[The bigbody]

Well I tried to find the part online while i'm at work and couldn't see any for sale let alone a price for it. So I quess that I'll let the shop take care of it. I was trying to avoid getting ripped off by doing research about the price of the part and maybe buying the part myself. If I can't afford the repair and leave it like it is would the clutch fail quicker? Or would it eventually clear itself up? Like I said some days it's good and some days it's a rough ride.

[swampthing]

your tranny may well last but it could just be on it's last leg, one cheap thing you could try is do a fluid and filter service (or just siphon out a qt of fluid) and put in a qt of lucas transmission fix I kind of harp on this stuff because it's only like 15 bucks and it might help. they shouldn't have flushed it with that many miles that's for sure, the lucas might just make it more pleasant until you can afford to replace the tranny

[irkwerks2]

Rock Auto...


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # TCS39 {TRANSMISSION CONTROL SOLENOID}
FWD; TCC Pulse with Modulation Solenoid; w/ 4 Speed Trans.

$36.79


...but putting it in is a pain in the A$$...

see..http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... cc#p124242.

[The bigbody]

Well I'm going to call around to see how much it is to install that part. I just want to thank everyone on this site who had an input. I will update everyone soon on this issue. I might just try to get a G8 GT if the bonneville dies.

[Kevin445730]

I have a 98 SSE with 218,xxx miles and have never experienced a problem until today. After driving over some serious chatter bumps it wont shift into overdrive or tq conv lockup. Coincidence? I scanned the pcm and no codes. Checked dipstick while running and fluid is slightly brown and smelled..odd. not burnt but not like it normally does. I did add a quart of lucas trans fix a month a if thats any help. So anybody else experienced my dilemma before?

[01bonneSC]

Holy old thread!!

Please start your own thread with your symptoms.