2000LS Hard Shifting, Sometimes

[sroney]

I have a 2000LS with 125K miles. A short while back my wife informed me that the transmission shifted hard, sometimes.

I drove it for a few days, and noticed it a couple of times. So I took it to have the transmission flushed.

This has not cured the problem. Although, the problem seems odd. It only does it when the car has been run quite awhile, and is completely warmed up. And it only does it "sometimes". I drove the car yesterday, and it shifted hard nearly every time. I drove it today, and it shifted perfectly.

Any ideas? Is it something I need to have looked at now? Is it a sensor or something I can look into myself, or am I headed to a repair shop?

Thanks!

[BNaylor]

Best thing to do is take it to a shop to see if there are any stored tranny DTC error codes. A trans capable scanner is required. You may have a code such as P1811 which is a shifting related error. It normally does not trigger a SES/CEL light either. Possible pressure control solenoid (PCS) problem and the hard shifting is probably due to high line pressure.

[guenther]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Possible pressure control solenoid (PCS) problem

Dollars to donuts says you are right. I had the same exact problem with my 2000LS and it was the PCS.

[sroney]

If it does happen to be the pressure solenoid, what would the approximate cost be? (I know, thats hard to say. I guess I'm asking if it is an expensive repair)

Thanks for the information.

[BNaylor]

If you take it to the GM dealer it could be expensive. National tranny shops like Cottmans may charge around $500 - $550 with the part and supplies. It will vary but be very careful because they will probably try to talk you into a rebuild which may not be necessary. Good luck!

[guenther]

Originally Posted by sroney

If it does happen to be the pressure solenoid, what would the approximate cost be? (I know, thats hard to say. I guess I'm asking if it is an expensive repair)

Thanks for the information.

I had mine replace at no charge under my extended warranty. If I remember correctly, they told me it was around $700-$800.