HELP! Transmission Problems

[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?

[spoiledred94]

not too sure. loose trans electrical connector? clogged fluid ports in the transmission? depleted frictions?

[maroon111993]

Mine did this about a month ago. But only because it was after driving it pretty hard (it got hot). Is it still doing it?

[Kevin445730]

Yes it is. Its odd because it doesn't slip. It just shifts at higher rpms like 3k even on light throttle and doesn't get into od. Hoping a filter change fixes my problem ... until then anything else?

[maroon111993]

Next time you're driving and it 'should' be in od, try shifting it into 3rd, then 2nd, then back to drive. And see if it stays in 2nd. This is what mine did. Filter and fluid change with some Lucas trans fix took care of it.

[maroon111993]

Also, one of the 'tubes' inside the tranny pan, was popped out. I popped that back in too. That also might've fixed the problem. Haha

[nickburgundy]

I would give it a flush for sure, that way you could also inspect a bit

[Kevin445730]

Is it Pretty simple to change the filter? Some guidance would be appreciated.

[maroon111993]

Is it Pretty simple to change the filter? Some guidance would be appreciated.

Once you get the pan off its pretty self explanatory. Old one practically pops off, new pops in just make sure when you put the pan back on, tighten all the bolts evenly (don't do one tight and then another then another) do em all about 3/4 tight and then tighten the rest. Only things that's a pain is keeping the gasket lined up. Other than that, really easy.

[maroon111993]

I would give it a flush for sure, that way you could also inspect a bit

just clear off the magnet and make sure there's no metal shavings and you should be good Lucas trans fix really does the job tho. Put it in first before the fluid if you choose to use it. Then it'll mix better shiftthru all the gears and drive her away!

[94SilverSSEi]

I would give it a flush for sure, that way you could also inspect a bit

just clear off the magnet and make sure there's no metal shavings and you should be good Lucas trans fix really does the job tho. Put it in first before the fluid if you choose to use it. Then it'll mix better shiftthru all the gears and drive her away!

Putting it in first will do absolutely nothing. It just "limits" the transmission to first gear.

It will stay in first gear until about 15mph when it is supposed to shift anyway.

The tranny fluid circulates just fine when the motor is running. If the pump was not circulating the fluid, the tranny would burn up.


Although, I have also had good luck with the Lucas Trans fix. (It might be placebo affect).


Most of the time, that Trans fix or motor honey or whatever if just a band aid for a much more serious problem.

[RogueSSEi]

Jrs3800 is a hella knowledgeable member when it comes to our transmissions, I hadn't seen him on in awhile tho.
A "how to" change the fluid and trans filter is in the tech info section, I believe under care and feeding iirc.

[maroon111993]

I would give it a flush for sure, that way you could also inspect a bit

just clear off the magnet and make sure there's no metal shavings and you should be good Lucas trans fix really does the job tho. Put it in first before the fluid if you choose to use it. Then it'll mix better shiftthru all the gears and drive her away!

Putting it in first will do absolutely nothing. It just "limits" the transmission to first gear.

It will stay in first gear until about 15mph when it is supposed to shift anyway.

The tranny fluid circulates just fine when the motor is running. If the pump was not circulating the fluid, the tranny would burn up.


Although, I have also had good luck with the Lucas Trans fix. (It might be placebo affect).


Most of the time, that Trans fix or motor honey or whatever if just a band aid for a much more serious problem.

I was talking about when he's going down the highway. If it stays in second and doesn't go back into 3rd/od. And shifting through all the gears will push the fluid through each one. Basically so that you aren't running Lucas straight through it. Says it right on the bottle. And even if it is a band-aid, at least it'll make the tranny last longer and put a hold on spending a big chunk of change

[nickburgundy]

I would do the filter too. The filter is a bit tricky but there is a writup and also can be viewed on the "diy shift kit pdf file"

[spoiledred94]

just an add on. It could be a vacuum leak too. When I had an erratic shift problem I found a loose vac line. Put it back together and the erratic shifting was gone.

I haven't seen Don on here in awhile either.

[Kevin445730]

So I spent my morning in the pit under my car. After draining the pan, replacing the filter and cleaning the trans pan and magnet off it was time to fill 'er up. 6 qts and a bottle of Lucas trans fix later I start driving only to be dissatisfied. It doesn't grab overdrive but it DOES have tcc lockup in 3rd now..

Keep the suggestions coming guys.