'05 LaCrosse CXS Major Trans issues NEED HELP FAST!!!

DogmanFilms · 11-24-2008, 04:02 AM

Hi Folks

Well I just (about two months ago) bought a beautiful '05 CXS that an old granny was unable to drive any longer (she had gotten too darn old

) it had only 10k miles on it and it is a STUNNER. I'm in love

However...

I recently had a transmission gasket and seal replaced due to a leak. There is now this whirring noise when I accelerate and it changes gears and shift poorly (it's an automatic). This reminds me of a neutral safety switch problem - AKA Speed sensor AKA Transmission Range Sensor. I've replaced them on Fords before. But that was after 150K not 15K.

I need some ideas fast. I had to beg buick to help with the cost of the gaskets and now I fear they may abandon me altogether.

I'll post again after I visit the dealer but I need some ideas (especially if anyone can say it is a sensor I can easily replace myself)

Help! Help! Help!

maxwedge · 11-24-2008, 08:24 AM

Welcome to AF, there are a multitiude of issues can fit your noise description both from the engine and trans, without hearing it there is no way to tell what is is. Post back what the shop finds, as you said.

DogmanFilms · 11-24-2008, 09:15 AM

Well what I mean to say is that it fits what others have said regarding the transmission.... additionally it jerks like the transmission is sticking and banging gears at incorrect rpms.

And thanks for welcoming me

jrecken · 11-24-2008, 10:11 AM

Go to NHTSA and there are 5 service bulletins on the 2005 Lacrosse transmission. One of them might be what your problem is.
I have a 2007 CXS and also had a problem shifting to 2nd gear.

DogmanFilms · 11-24-2008, 11:17 AM

I did check out the NHTSA and mostly the recalls had already been addressed or were not applicable to my specific vehicle. Good suggestion though I would never have know that website existed.

UPDATE!!!!!!!

I brought My Buick into the dealership with almost no fuss from the tranny. When I pulled up I felt it stick hard and then smoke started to rise out of the hood.

My heart sank like a stone.

I've put in a call to the person I contacted at customer service... Hopefully they'll extend the warrantee in leu of the low mileage. And my begging.

Any thoughts on the cause. It smelled like burning trans fluid.

Thanks for helping guys it's good to get some input!

DogmanFilms · 11-26-2008, 05:54 AM

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well the shop called me and told me to come pick up my buick!

They said that when they repaired the channel gasket that they didn't put it on right and that when I drove away it must have burst at the seams and sprayed Trans fluid all over my motor. Which is why it was kicking and why there was smoke. They fixed it again and No problems so far! I told them about the NHTSA service bulletins so that they are aware and GM's customer service told me that if I have anymore trans issues they'll work with me to get it fixed.

Just another reason why this is the best vehicle I have ever driven.

jrecken · 11-26-2008, 03:01 PM

That's good news. I am glad GM will stand behind the trans issues since appears to be common.
I also have a 99 Century that also had trans problems while still in warranty.
I am glad they did the right thing for you.

Teresab · 01-16-2009, 10:15 PM

Hello, Not sure if I can be of any help. However, I will tell you this. I have had problems with my LaCrosse since I purchased it in 2005. Problems with the sunroof leaking, problems with the finish on the stereo peeling off; problems with the traction control; the air bags; and the major problem is with the transmission. When I accelerate and the gears start to change especially 2nd gear, my buick jumps. It does it several times. It doesn't hold power really well either. Because of this I have already spoke to a lawyer to file a lemonlaw on this car. I love the car, the looks and even the drive...I hate the problems and spending over 33,000 for a car that may cost me major expenses. Does anyone else have any of these problems.
thanks,

buickslipshift · 11-02-2010, 12:59 AM

My advice is to be persistent with them (dealer) if your problem with hard shifting comes back, there is definately problems with this transmission that will haunt you, I am in that boat waited too long and now on my own, 2006 allure that started with rough engagement in drive, now it is slipping badly and basically in need of a rebuild. Can I ask if annyone else experienced this the occasional rough shift into drive, cold or hot.

maxwedge · 11-02-2010, 07:31 AM

Good advice but look at the dates it's over either way.

GMCustomerService · 11-02-2010, 08:21 AM

I would recommend taking the vehicle into your local dealership to be diagnosed. They should be able to assist you further and have a plan for addressing the issue. If you have further questions or are finding that you are unable to resolve the issue, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

polarzak · 11-08-2010, 04:24 PM

When I got fed up with the problems in my lemon Lucerne, only a letter to the President of GM got any results. The dealer was useless. Try that route.
On another note, my wife has a Lacrosse and the one thing we had go was the hood cable.
It's got 100,000 and going strong. I guess they build some good and some bad. Good luck to you.

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