2001 tranny input output sensor

[Calsonic180]

I have a 2001 buick regal w/70k miles and I bought an extended warranty on it. I've been having problems with the tranny. It was replaced 3 times from the extended warranty. The replaced tranny's came from junk yards and the were all faulty.

I'm on my 4th tranny and having problems shifting correctly. The mechanics say it's the tranny input output sensor and needs to be replaced. They say the warranty won't cover it since it's an electrical component. They estimate $400 labor charges to replace it. I told that them $400 seems way to high but they say the sensor is inside the tranny and it will take a lot of work to replace it.

Does this sound right? What should I do?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Calsonic180

I have a 2001 buick regal w/70k miles and I bought an extended warranty on it. I've been having problems with the tranny. It was replaced 3 times from the extended warranty. The replaced tranny's came from junk yards and the were all faulty.

I'm on my 4th tranny and having problems shifting correctly. The mechanics say it's the tranny input output sensor and needs to be replaced. They say the warranty won't cover it since it's an electrical component. They estimate $400 labor charges to replace it. I told that them $400 seems way to high but they say the sensor is inside the tranny and it will take a lot of work to replace it.

Does this sound right? What should I do?

I've got a '01 Regal GS (40K) and '99 LS (98K) still with the original 4T65-E trannies. Going on your 4th tranny is unbelievable. But I don't understand why electrical components within the tranny are not being covered by the existing warranty. Many of the components are electro-mechanical such as the upshift solenoid, TCC/PWM solenoid, pressure control solenoid(PCS), etc. These solenoids control a valve. Sounds like someone is giving you the runaround.

If the vehicle is out of any bumper to bumper or extended warranty,
a cost of $400.00 in labor charges is not unrealistic. For example to replace the PCS, labor and parts typically could run around $600 or more.

[Calsonic180]

I forgot to say that the car is an 2001 Regal LS 3.8L V6 auto trans. The place that did the tranny work is a Dodge/Kia dealership. That's the only place that would cover my extended warranty work. They are giving me too much trouble.

The car was on it's original tranny till around 68k miles when it was slipping and then the Dodge/Kia dealership replaced it with a junkyard tranny. I drove the car for 5 miles and parked it and noticed a huge puddle of tranny oil. I took the car back, they replaced the tranny with another junkyard one and that ended up not shifting into 4th at all. The next tranny had a small crack in it (I didn't know this) and after 500 some miles the crack got bigger and the tranny died. Finally I told the dealership I am willing to pay the difference if they order a brand new tranny but they refused my offer.

My current tranny isn't shifting at the proper RPM. The Dodge/Kia mechanic says it's the input speed sensor. Where is this sensor located? Is it outside of the tranny casing? What's the official name for this sensor? I am seriously thinking about buying the part seperate and having another shop do the work. I'm having cooperation problems with the Dodge/Kia dealer.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Calsonic180

I forgot to say that the car is an 2001 Regal LS 3.8L V6 auto trans. The place that did the tranny work is a Dodge/Kia dealership. That's the only place that would cover my extended warranty work. They are giving me too much trouble.

The car was on it's original tranny till around 68k miles when it was slipping and then the Dodge/Kia dealership replaced it with a junkyard tranny. I drove the car for 5 miles and parked it and noticed a huge puddle of tranny oil. I took the car back, they replaced the tranny with another junkyard one and that ended up not shifting into 4th at all. The next tranny had a small crack in it (I didn't know this) and after 500 some miles the crack got bigger and the tranny died. Finally I told the dealership I am willing to pay the difference if they order a brand new tranny but they refused my offer.

My current tranny isn't shifting at the proper RPM. The Dodge/Kia mechanic says it's the input speed sensor. Where is this sensor located? Is it outside of the tranny casing? What's the official name for this sensor? I am seriously thinking about buying the part seperate and having another shop do the work. I'm having cooperation problems with the Dodge/Kia dealer.

They are probably referring to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Is your service engine soon light (SES) on? Normally a defective VSS trips fault codes known as DTCs in your car's computer and should turn on the SES light. If I am not mistaking your speedometer also works off of the VSS.

You might want to get the ECU/ECM computer scanned for any possible error codes. Some do not turn on the SES light but might give you some further insight as to your tranny problems before getting the runaround
again.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Calsonic180

My current tranny isn't shifting at the proper RPM.

Continuation from previous thread:

One last thing Calsonic180, since you have a replacement tranny, the dealer or servicer may have forgotten to clear the TAPS info in the computer. Adaptive shift points. The values for the old tranny may still be stored until properly cleared. Once cleared it goes into re-learn mode and adapts to your driving habits and to conditions from all of the engine and transmission sensors. The dealer or any transmission service place should be able do this for a nominal charge. This is often overlooked when the transmission is rebuilt or swapped out. Good luck!

[Calsonic180]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

They are probably referring to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Is your service engine soon light (SES) on? Normally a defective VSS trips fault codes known as DTCs in your car's computer and should turn on the SES light. If I am not mistaking your speedometer also works off of the VSS.

You might want to get the ECU/ECM computer scanned for any possible error codes. Some do not turn on the SES light but might give you some further insight as to your tranny problems before getting the runaround
again.

Yes, the SES light is on. Sounds like I have a defective VSS?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Calsonic180

Yes, the SES light is on. Sounds like I have a defective VSS?

It's possible but you might want to have the computer scanned with an ODB-II code reader to be sure and to see if the DTC error code indicates that specific sensor. Places like Autozone will do it and at no charge.

[ontheedge02]

I have a similar vehicle (2001 Buick Regal LS) that started shifting hard occasionally when it gets hot. It has about 63K miles on it now, but started doing this shortly after I changed the transmission fluid 5K miles ago. Is there special transmission fluid for these?? I used Dexron III. As the weather has warmed up in the past week or so, it has been happening more frequently. It seems like if I turn the car off and re-start it (after 5 minutes) it will go away or start shifting hard. Is there anything I can do to prevent damage or fix it. I have not had it checked for codes, but plan to do so (no SES light at this time).

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by ontheedge02

I have a similar vehicle (2001 Buick Regal LS) that started shifting hard occasionally when it gets hot. It has about 63K miles on it now, but started doing this shortly after I changed the transmission fluid 5K miles ago. Is there special transmission fluid for these?? I used Dexron III. As the weather has warmed up in the past week or so, it has been happening more frequently. It seems like if I turn the car off and re-start it (after 5 minutes) it will go away or start shifting hard. Is there anything I can do to prevent damage or fix it. I have not had it checked for codes, but plan to do so (no SES light at this time).

Dextron III is the specified ATF. Good idea to get it scanned. It may show tranny related DTC codes that may not give a MIL indicator (SES or Check engine light). GM has a TSB out on the 4T65-E concerning harsh shifting and/or shuddering under hard acceleration. It recommends replacement of the pressure control solenoid/valve.

Are you getting a whining sound or does it shudder when you floor it from a dead stop?

[ontheedge02]

It seems like there is a little shutter in the floor, like the trans is trying to pull a little when it shouldn't be. There is no Check Engine light. No real whining. I went a couple weeks with no signs and it did it 4 times in the last two days. Is the pressure control solenoid valve expensive/difficult to replace? Do you think it was a coincidence that it started after I changed the fluid (in Jan)?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by ontheedge02

It seems like there is a little shutter in the floor, like the trans is trying to pull a little when it shouldn't be. There is no Check Engine light. No real whining. I went a couple weeks with no signs and it did it 4 times in the last two days. Is the pressure control solenoid valve expensive/difficult to replace? Do you think it was a coincidence that it started after I changed the fluid (in Jan)?

ontheedge02,

Really don't know if the PCS will fix your problem and could be a waste of money. Cost could be around $600 for labor and parts. It isn't that easy to replace. It is located inside the side cover assembly of the tranny where the 20/25 way electrical connector (gray) plugs in on the driver's side. The problem you are experiencing is an idosyncracy problem type associated with the 4T65-E tranny not only in Regals but Century, LeSabre and other GM "W" body cars. A lot of people on the forum have experienced this problem and there are a lot of horror stories.
Many had the PCS changed out only to have the same problem or it started acting up again shortly therafter. Yours seems to be borderline.

You might want to get it scanned and see if a P1811, longshift code shows up, etc. Or any codes associated with high line pressure.

When the filter is replaced and ATF is replenished only about 7 quarts of the total capacity of 10 qts. is drained out. Therefore, some old fluid still remains. I know of one forum user that added "Lubegard" brand additive and claims that the harsh upshifts disappeared. It should be available at the national discount auto parts stores. Sometimes under the AAMCO name. Good luck!

[Calsonic180]

Is the VSS hard to replace? What is the estimated labor cost?

[ontheedge02]

Thanks for your advise. I am planning to have the codes checked this morning. I did add a can of JB trans additive. When I changed the fluid, I did wipe off some of the black stuff on the underside of the trans (not a lot thought). I am hoping that this did not contribute to the problem. I will let you know what I find out on the codes.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by ontheedge02

Thanks for your advise. I am planning to have the codes checked this morning. I did add a can of JB trans additive. When I changed the fluid, I did wipe off some of the black stuff on the underside of the trans (not a lot thought). I am hoping that this did not contribute to the problem. I will let you know what I find out on the codes.

I serviced trannies on all 3 GM "W" bodies I own and I've noticed the black film appears to be normal. Important thing is to check for larger metal particles on the bottom of the pan and around the magnet. Some very small silvery looking particles is normal wear, in my opinion.
Good luck and let us know the outcome.

[ontheedge02]

I didn't see any metal filings in the transmission pan.

I checked with the local autoparts store and they can't check transmission codes with their scan tool. It does it so infrequently that I decided to use it as is for now. I did pick up some Lubeguard Shutter Stop, and plan to try that if the problem persists. Hopefully it won't get any worse. Thanks, again for all your advise.