99 Regal - Tranny issue..??

99 Regal GS 150,000 KM. Just noticed yesterday that when shifting gears (particularly 2 to 3) the car seems to shutter. Fluid level is fine, and looking nice and clean. Is there a common issue with these cars, or is the tranny actually on it's way out? (I know it's hard to diagnose over a forum. lol )

150,000 KM or 93,000 miles is low mileage for a 1999 but the 4T65E HD autotransaxle can act up with serious issues regardless. When was the last tranny service? A shudder can be caused by a high line pressure issue. Basically a flaky pressure control solenoid (PCS). Try getting it scanned and see if any DTCs show.

Also, try manually upshifting and see if the shudder is there.

Thanks for the reply. Drove it to work this AM, and it seemed fine. I never thought of trying to manually shift to see what happens. I'll try that when / if it acts up again. Also just to note, it was NOT in "Performance Shift" mode. I had a leaking axle seal about 6 months ago, and they topped up the tranny when they did it, but I don't think they did a full service. Funny thing with this car is it was my Dad's car, and I got it from him to replace my other 99 GS. Never had many real issues with it, but have had a few small PITA issues with this one with less mileage.

You're welcome. Performance shift increases line pressure for firmer shifts but doesn't cause a shudder when shifting. A simple tranny service may make a difference. Just a pan drop with screen filter replacement and Dexron ATF. Also, if you still have the old Dexron III switch over to the Dexron VI. Shifting is much better with the newer ATF. Dexron VI is fully downward compatible with Dexron III and can be used in your year transaxle safely. I use it in my '99 Regal LS. Over 219K miles on it now. Good luck!

Is the tranny flush an easy do it yourself job? No need for any real flushing, just remove pan / gasket & filter, and fill it up again? How many liters would I need?

Drove home from work, and it was there, but not as bad as the other day. Sometimes regular shifting was fine, then another go, slight shutter. Manual seemed to still have a slight shutter, but I can't say definitively if it made a difference or not.

Hi! Im new here but I have a 2001 with 85000 on her. I just rebuilt the entire tranny with aftermarket parts, STAY AWAY FROM THE BOWTIE FOR TRANNY PARTS, THER ARE NOT HARDENED AND IF REBUILT WITH THEM THE TRANNY WILL FAIL AGAIN!! The problem that u are discussing is with the 2nd gear clutch pack. A faulty prob with these trannies! And have been since 1998! And that covers all GM cars and crossovers! Best thing to do if u want to keep the car, especially since the 3.8 is bulletproof is to rebuild with aftermarket parts, u wont b sorry. Danny

Well the good news is that I did a tranny flush, and it did help out. Not sure how much more life I'll get out of it, but I guess only time will tell.