p1870 in a 97?

[Mugzilla]

The GF got error code p1870 in her 1987 Cavalier LS. Monroe checked it out, and said it was because it was 2 quarts low on transmission fluid. WTF?! There isn't a drop on the garage floor!!!

ANYWAYS, they cleared the code, and it drove fine.

The code has now come back. Autozone plugged in the computer and told me what the dilemma was. It doesn't make sense, because it is listed as a 4wd problem.

I did a search and saw this code has been popping up in Camaros. she is not experiencing the hard shifts that they are.

Solution? Is it a valve body problem? Can she keep driving it? What can I tell the transmission shop so they don't try to rape me into buying a new transmission? (If it needs to be fixed...)

[SpitAndDirt]

www.atsg.biz you can order a repair manual for your transmission. I don't remember which tranny you have. You may have a reprogramming issue. Try the dealer and see if you have any drivability updates available for your car. - Chris

[richtazz]

If it's an 87 cavalier, change the vacuum modulator on the transmission. When they go bad, they suck trans fluid up through the vacuum supply line and you never see a leak, and it's gradual enough that little or no smoke shows up in the exhaust