Trans slipping from a stop?

My wifes 01 Grand Prix GT. 3800 series 2. 72k

When accelerating from a complete stop or very slow roll it feels like the tranny is not "engaging". As if it's slipping for half a second and then grabs first and goes. There are no other issues as far as upshifts or slipping in any gears. Just the initial gap between the gas pedal being depressed and the car actually moving. It's short enough that the rpm's only have enough time to build to like 1.5k before it grabs and goes. I did a bit of searching and suspect the pressure control thingamabob but I wanted to get some opinions before I go that route. I'm planning on a fluid and filter change this weekend. I'm a little leery of a full on flush at this point. :confused:

"the pressure controll thingamabob"

Are the shifts harsh? I would drive it to a tranny shop or a dealership and have the trans scanned for codes to see if P1811 comes up.

Bob has a writeup about a DIY workaround for the Harsh Shift / P1811 DTC.

You should have a look and read it over before you go and change your tranny fluid.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=920671

I'd wait until the pan drop service is done and then see what it does. Does it feel like it is slipping in manual shifting starting out in D1? Won't hurt to get it scanned with a trans capable scan tool and see if a P1811 DTC is stored since PCS issues are common but hard to say if this is one for sure.

"the pressure controll thingamabob"

Are the shifts harsh? I would drive it to a tranny shop or a dealership and have the trans scanned for codes to see if P1811 comes up.

Bob has a writeup about a DIY workaround for the Harsh Shift / P1811 DTC.

You should have a look and read it over before you go and change your tranny fluid.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=920671

Sorry - EPC or "Pressure Control Solenoid" It was brought up so many times I figured ya'll would catch my drift. Anyhow, as I said in the OP. The transmission is shifting just fine otherwise. Not harsh at all.

I'd wait until the pan drop service is done and then see what it does. Does it feel like it is slipping in manual shifting starting out in D1? Won't hurt to get it scanned with a trans capable scan tool and see if a P1811 DTC is stored since PCS issues are common but hard to say if this is one for sure.

I'll have to try starting out in low and see what happens. I'll update afterward. Thanks guys.

I just got back from a short test drive. I was unable to get it to slip from D1 or D. Appears it's an intermittent problem at this point. I'm going to change the fluid and filter and keep an eye on it. I'll post again if I have any more issues. Meanwhile I'm going to be tearing my hair out while I try to replace the power steering pump. :headshake

Power steering pump? I'm going to replace mine soon also. Mine is leaking and making a lot of noise even when properly filled. Its on its way out.

Take a look in the Tips and Maintenance subforum, Bob has a detailed writup on PS pump R&R on the 3800. It should help out tremendously.

Mine is leaking and making a lot of noise even when properly filled.

haha...not to go off topic, but this kinda reminds me of back in the highschool days. i had a '97 GTP, and it was debadged. i guys in a "crustang" wanted to race me. of course he didnt know it was a GTP. when i started the car he heard a whining...and asked if the car was supercharged...i was like "no man, thats not a supercharger...its a bad powersteering pump! of course i ended up beating him and then he knew that the wine was a supercharger :lol:

Yeah, them eatn m90's are a little noisy when cramming air in areant they?

Back on topic, I'll get the trans wiring diagrams asap.

I did the F+F change this weekend. Took the car for a good long drive in town and it seems fine. I told my wife to keep me posted. I don't know whats worse, the colossal mess the tranny made of my garage floor, or the six bloody knuckles I got from power steering pump hell. :crying: Thanks for the help guys.