New TSB for '04 Malibu/Alero/Grand Am

My Maxx was built in late April, and while I don't understand the necessity for the "Julian" dating (just give us the build dates, sheesh!!). I'd venture a guess that this covers vehicles built from about 1/17/04 to 5/16/04. I definitely have this occurring on my vehicle.

Here's the text:

"ASI Resolution - Growl or Howl Type Noise From Transmission/Engine Compartment During Light to Moderate Acceleration from a Stop (Replace Drive Link, Drive Sprocket and Driven Sprocket) #04-07-30-021A - (Jul 2, 2004)


2004 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx
2004 Oldsmobile Alero
2004 Pontiac Grand Am


Built After January 16, 2004
with 4T45E Automatic Transaxles (RPO MN5) Built Between Julian Date 4016 and 4126 and


3.4L or 3.5L V6 Engine (VINs E, 8 - RPOs LA1, LX9)


This bulletin is being revised to include a repair procedure and parts availability information.


Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-021 (Section 07-Transmission/Transaxle).


Condition
Some customers may comment on a growl or howl type noise during light to moderate acceleration from a stop. This noise is load and engine RPM sensitive and will occur between 1500 RPM to approximately 2300 RPM. The noise is most noticeable in first and second gear. The noise may dissipate prior to the 1-2 shift, but will be noticed again in second gear depending on the load and engine RPM. The pitch of the noise will change during the 1-2 shift.


Cause
The noise is due to the new 5/8 inch drive link assembly being at a resonant frequency during certain driving conditions.


Correction


Important
Only RPO MN5 transaxles built between Julian date 4016 and 4126 have 5/8 inch drive link assemblies. Refer to Transmission ID and VIN Derivative Location, SI Document ID #760312 for Julian date location information.


Follow the service procedure below to replace the 5/8 inch drive link and sprockets with a 7/8 inch drive link and sprockets."

I've noticed this when the car is cold, however, once the car gets up to temp I don't notice it at all. Thought this was O.K.
Apparently not?

On mine, it doesn't matter what the engine temp is. I don't notice it much, obviously, when the radio is on (duh?), but when the radio's off, I hear it all the time. Going in for this (and my erratic fuel guage) tomorrow morning. Dealer wants the car for 2 days, giving me a free rental. Think I need a new guage cluster to fix the fuel guage issue, and that's time consuming.

Will report back later in the week.

wpbharry,
you think maybe I'm off track in what I'm hearing? I've thought it sounded like it is vacumn related.
Could you provide us more descriptive details than the TSB?

Sounds a bit like a "whoosh" with a slight "whine" sound to it. Happens just as the TSB indicates. The "whoosh" is likely what makes you think it's vacuum-related.

Saturday, the trannie also got confused and, only one time, didn't upshift when it should've. I'm glad it's getting a "look see" this morning.

wpbharry,
I think that's it. Where did you find the technical bulletin? I assume that a TSB only applies if there is a complaint about the sound? In other words, they aren't going to tell?

Refer to the new thread I created yesterday afternoon about this issue. NOT good news, and I intend to complain to GM, later today.

has anyone resolved this issue? sorry for bringing up such an old thread

i have 2004 grand am 3.4L and have noticed for a while a howl/whine coming from the front end during light/moderate acceleration

had tranny fluid+filter changed at 130 000km, has 160k km now

it only happens when there is load and its in gear, its rpm dependant it seems between 1500-2200 rpm approx, can really hear it depending on how much throttle its getting going up hills, but can hear it almost always when i take off from a stop

i currently have full warrenty until 175k km, the dealer had a tech go for a ride with me, he heard it, said it was strange lol, pulled some bull tsb about the throttle body whistle which idoubt it is

would you have the tsb number for this issue by any chance, if i could get a a link to where it came from or something to print out and show them, do you think the above post would be good enough?

should i call gm and make an offical complaint as well and speaking to the dealer in town?

its really concering me and its nice to know atleast a few have heard this sound before

thanks a lot

peace
JP

Sorry, way too long ago to still have the TSB #. I had it at one time. The first post should do the trick.

Yes, the issue was resolved nicely. Except that the dealership improperly replaced a tranny seal and they then had to drop it again to cure the leak...

I just wish GM would figure out how to fix the clunk in my front end. I've tried everything and assume it's not fixable. GM has one more year to fix it. I plan on buying something new in mid-'09.

TSB 04-07-30-021A Transmission growl.

Yes, the issue was resolved nicely. Except that the dealership improperly replaced a tranny seal and they then had to drop it again to cure the leak...

so what was it that resolved the issue? what specifically was wrong that caused this howl?

thanks

peace
JP

Please go back to the original post and reread it WORD-FOR-WORD. It tells you right there what work is needed to correct the issue.

so what was it that resolved the issue? what specifically was wrong that caused this howl?

thanks

peace
JP

They replaced the the 5/8 chain with a 7/8 like the transmissions before had installed. GM tried to go cheap.

jackpot, wpbharry, slls please look at the dates before posting in outdated threads !!!

We dont need to bring up threads older then 3 months this is pointed out in the Community Participation Guidelines.

If you are having troubles, please post your own thread topic.

this is closed!