sluggish transmission, swishy steering

[Aveo Owner]

I have a 2004 Aveo with under 15,000 miles (owned a little over a year, bought 'new'). Has anyone had any transmission or steering problems? Recently I was stopped at an intersection, and when the light changed to green and I tried to accelerate, the car barely moved forward. I put it into second gear and it then took off OK. Alarming and dangerous! Especially if traffic is busy and I pull out with the intent to merge quickly into traffic ... a sluggish transmission could get me wrecked! Also, there is a swishing sound in the steering column. The dealership told me a little spray lubrication might fix the problem, but an independent mechanic told me not to spray anything down into the column due to all the electrical circuits; he felt it could be the bushings failing. I'm also having the clock problem (I have to reset it 2 or 3 times per week) and plan to request Part #96434566 (clock upgrade). Anyway, before I take it to the dealership about the transmission problem (it only happened a couple of times) and the swishing noise in the steering column, I would like to get some feedback from the forum. Thanks!

[crazyinkc]

Low fluid level? I had a scratching sound then I bought mine and the back of the steering wheel was rubbing the column cover. I loosened the screws and pushed it back and tightened the screws. Its been fine ever since.

[Aveo Owner]

Originally Posted by crazyinkc

Low fluid level? I had a scratching sound then I bought mine and the back of the steering wheel was rubbing the column cover. I loosened the screws and pushed it back and tightened the screws. Its been fine ever since.

Thanks for the feedback ... I think my fluid is OK but I'll check it again. I'll try loosening the steering column cover and see if that fixes the problem. Thanks again!

[pnmrr]

Any chance the transmission "HOLD" button was engaged? That make the car very sluggish off the starting line when it is turned on.

[Aveo Owner]

Originally Posted by pnmrr

Any chance the transmission "HOLD" button was engaged? That make the car very sluggish off the starting line when it is turned on.

Do you mean the button on top of the stick that you push when you change gears? I guess that it is a possibility ... possibly sticky from the coffee I've spilled :o). It only happened that one day ... so I think its OK. But the "swishy" steering column is getting worse.

[Aveo Owner]

Originally Posted by Aveo Owner

Do you mean the button on top of the stick that you push when you change gears? I guess that it is a possibility ... possibly sticky from the coffee I've spilled :o). It only happened that one day ... so I think its OK. But the "swishy" steering column is getting worse.

Oh dear, my reply doesn't make any sense ... there is no button on top of the stick. Hmmmm ... where is the transmission "hold" button located?

[pnmrr]

Originally Posted by Aveo Owner

Oh dear, my reply doesn't make any sense ... there is no button on top of the stick. Hmmmm ... where is the transmission "hold" button located?

If you have ( I assume) an automatic transmission, there is a HOLD button at the base of the shift selector. A little oval shaped button. The purpose of the button is to start your car out in second gear so your wheels dont spin as much when you are in snow, slippery conditions.

Try engaging it the next time you drive the car, when you pull away from a stop you will see how it behaves, could be what you felt that day. (Just push it again to disengage)

[Aveo Owner]

I found the "hold" button. That was definitely what caused the sluggish transmission. Now if I can just figure out what is causing the swishy noise in my steering column. Thanks!

[04AveoLSPJG5204]

The swishy noise...is it a squeak you can hear when everything inside the car is quiet and your turning the wheel?

[Aveo Owner]

Yes, it is a squeaking/swishy noise when I turn the wheel ... seems like it is quieter in hot weather. Not sure what it is ... someone else suggested that it might be my steering column rubbing against a part of the airbag.

[wille]

My stearing does the same thing, mines an 05 aveo. owned it for about 9 months the noise started around 18k miles. chevy did not hear the noise it comes and goes. seems to be there more while turning sharp and brakeing at the same time.

[2Metros]

I bought an '06 with a (balky, slow-shifting) manual box, to save money.

I was cursing myself for not getting the automatic. Now I'm glad I didn't.

The Aveo appears to be a great auto "value" - but it's neither reliable nor overly well engineered. They tried, those Daewoo engineers...and they came so close...but it still needs quite a bit of polishing.

[phantomcobra]

I have an 06 with automatic. No problems so far. But I see quite a few complaints about 04 models and some 05. There were some engineering modifications to 06 and the 07 will be even more changed. I've had mine up to 80 mph and still like it was going 40 for the most part. Little more engine noise but I'd expect that from an engine not much bigger than my motorcycle!

[aveo81]

all iv dode is a cold air and a full cat back exhaust for performance and mine will wrap the speedo and stay just as smooth as it is at 60mph and i also run toyos on it but mine is a aveo LS LT LX it was a special order, well thats what teh dealser tells me, they wernt even in the dealership when i purchased it
. not till now at 67 000 kmhave i noticed a problem and it seems that the timing bearing or the ohc bearing is on its way out...they recalled teh master cylinders on teh clutches because they were suking air causing them to grind for no reason like being out of sinc ever since this noise iv noticed that iv lost power around 4000 rps and its got sluggish in 1st off the line for about 3 seconds and thats with the aftermarked clutch and its an 04