Delayed engagement?
Delayed engagement?
Hi guys, I can't find any codes but I get a delay when shifting from reverse to drive then it slams into gear. New fluid and filter awhile ago no change. I thought delayed engagement would throw a code and happens usually 2 to 3 or 3 to 4? Maybe more likely the TCC circuit or reverse servo? About 230k on it now. Any ideas?
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JEFFSSSEI
- SSE Member

- Posts: 133
- Joined: Sat Oct 28, 2017 10:00 pm
- Year and Trim: 2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI
Re: Delayed engagement?
It's likely you will require a complete rebuild with that many miles on it, but my first guess would be your torque converter is going out. The 2nd gear clutches in mine were completely burned and I wasn't even having that issue...trans guy said if my diff hadn't come apart it probably would have completely burned up within the next 5k anyway....I had 130,xxx miles on it and it's never been raced etc.
2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI
3.8L V6 SC, 180*T (Drilled),
Custom PCM w/Perf Shift,
SLP Ceramic Coated Headers,
Thrasher Cold Air Intake,
GXP Tails, Interior Door handles, Trim pieces etc.
40th Aniv Grand Prix GTP Wheels (Very Shiny & Very Annoying
)
3.8L V6 SC, 180*T (Drilled),
Custom PCM w/Perf Shift,
SLP Ceramic Coated Headers,
Thrasher Cold Air Intake,
GXP Tails, Interior Door handles, Trim pieces etc.
40th Aniv Grand Prix GTP Wheels (Very Shiny & Very Annoying
Re: Delayed engagement?
Probably will try a few things like solenoids or a manual shift setup where you can adjust line pressure. Nothing to lose, I could always use those on another 3800 vehicle or 4t trans.
- nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 9522
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
- Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Delayed engagement?
I had this problem, and it always seems to show up if I get the trans really really hot for an occasion or two.
I got a transmission cooler for the car, along with the engine fans being tuned to 180* with the corresponding thermostat. Add a quart, or more at this point probably, of Lucas Stop Slip and it rarely happens to me anymore.
I got a transmission cooler for the car, along with the engine fans being tuned to 180* with the corresponding thermostat. Add a quart, or more at this point probably, of Lucas Stop Slip and it rarely happens to me anymore.
Re: Delayed engagement?
Nice. I might try Lucas or something similar. It still happens when cold but not so much when it gets freezing temps. Seems somewhere it's not getting pressure and the cold holds the fluid viscosity higher..
- nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 9522
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
- Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Delayed engagement?
If it does happen to me, I always notice it happens in the 40-50 degree range for some odd reason.



