no codes read but in trouble!

[MalibuFan2002]

Been having some sreious problems with 2002 Malibu shifting. At first, would only shift at 4-5 RPMs and hard- slaming when it did, now, I can't get above 2 RPMs and it's getting slower! I have no horsepower. I read the cat info, but no smell, it is sluggish- gas mileage down, but I waste the gas trying to get above 2 RPMs so I don't know if its me or the car!! Also, I've only been using that thick tranny lube cuz when I use the regular tranny fluid, I think it leaks ( I have puddles) but it runs and sounds like a manual... and, check engine light has been on, I changed AIT sensor, still on, no codes are being read anymore!

Any ideas? 2 Mechanics asked to take a day to look at it, but I like knowing what's wrong, b4 giving up atleast 1 day's labor...

Love any help! hey, anyone else notice there is no tranny dipstick? What happened there??


EDIT!!!

I do have an automatic transmission. Well, the thick oil or tranny fluid I was referring to (man, I forgot the name). It comes in a white bottle with blue lettering that comes to a head, literally takes an hour if you put the whole bottle in your car because it is sooo thick. It is supposed to help with hard shifting, which was why I originally purchased it. After the hard shifting went away, I tried to pour regular transmission fliud in there as well however as I was driving, the car began to shift and honestly sounded like I shifted gears and withdrew the clutch too early, that real low grumble and my car would wobble from front to back after shifting. Again, I have an automatic- so I thought maybe it's a blown gasket, and my tranny is now dry, however, the mechanic was clueless. I had my oil changed 5k miles ago (about 5 mos) professionally, so I know I need a new one, but that can't be a reaction to not having the oil changed on time, right?

I have to agree that a good mechanic would be able to know a little something more than me! I'm quite frusturated especially since lately I have been stalling when I begin to drive even though the car was warmed up to the center of the meter b4 I even began to drive. If I feather the gas, it is okay- and after 3rd, I have no issues. I love my car and I know it needs some help, but again, I want an idea of the problem so I can research the parts and labor time so I go in prepared, esp. with the holidays coming!

OH OH! One more thing, if the car does go above 2 RPMs, it feels like I am in nuetral and standing on the gas, like its a vaacuum and my RPMs don't move on the dial!

So, my car is in gimme stage, and I'm willing cuz she's my baby, whether or not she's sporty, luxury or makes a statement. The only thing she's saying right now is... go around!

Thank you and I appreciate all of your help and quidance as well as actually finding out how I can figure my trany fluid level! Always a good thing to know!

Thanx

[bcopeland]

No dipstick on these models. You check the fill level indicator (screw). Sounds like you are either low on fluid, have a clogged tranny filter or sonmething alike.

[alan &marge pepper]

first tell us if your tranny is standerd or automatic .
than i would like to know what this heavy oil you are using?
also i would say get your oil leak stopped too.
you well finnaly wined up taking it to the shop and they well have to change the oil and filter.
no their is no dip stick on tranny"s in late 90's and up there is a fiill plug under the hot manifold were i always get burnt
and there is a check plug near the speed sender. hope this helps you.

[maxwedge]

This type of trans shift issue requires scanning with a trans function scanner to look at solenoid operation and trans codes. Based on the no power description the cat could be a problem as well as fuel pressure, I can't see why a decent mechanic cannot pinpoint this problem.

[slls]

Originally Posted by MalibuFan2002

Been having some sreious problems with 2002 Malibu shifting. At first, would only shift at 4-5 RPMs and hard- slaming when it did, now, I can't get above 2 RPMs and it's getting slower! I have no horsepower. I read the cat info, but no smell, it is sluggish- gas mileage down, but I waste the gas trying to get above 2 RPMs so I don't know if its me or the car!! Also, I've only been using that thick tranny lube cuz when I use the regular tranny fluid, I think it leaks ( I have puddles) but it runs and sounds like a manual... and, check engine light has been on, I changed AIT sensor, still on, no codes are being read anymore!

Any ideas? 2 Mechanics asked to take a day to look at it, but I like knowing what's wrong, b4 giving up atleast 1 day's labor...

Love any help! hey, anyone else notice there is no tranny dipstick? What happened there??

What thick fluid are you using, suppose to be using Dexron 111 only.

[alan &marge pepper]

re fering to the catalatic converter.
if it is nearly pluged you would be getting the problems that you are getting no power no rpms results . but you still have something wrong with your tranny

[MalibuFan2002]

Originally Posted by MalibuFan2002

EDIT!!!

I do have an automatic transmission. Well, the thick oil or tranny fluid I was referring to (man, I forgot the name). It comes in a white bottle with blue lettering that comes to a head, literally takes an hour if you put the whole bottle in your car because it is sooo thick. It is supposed to help with hard shifting, which was why I originally purchased it. After the hard shifting went away, I tried to pour regular transmission fliud in there as well however as I was driving, the car began to shift and honestly sounded like I shifted gears and withdrew the clutch too early, that real low grumble and my car would wobble from front to back after shifting. Again, I have an automatic- so I thought maybe it's a blown gasket, and my tranny is now dry, however, the mechanic was clueless. I had my oil changed 5k miles ago (about 5 mos) professionally, so I know I need a new one, but that can't be a reaction to not having the oil changed on time, right?

I have to agree that a good mechanic would be able to know a little something more than me! I'm quite frusturated especially since lately I have been stalling when I begin to drive even though the car was warmed up to the center of the meter b4 I even began to drive. If I feather the gas, it is okay- and after 3rd, I have no issues. I love my car and I know it needs some help, but again, I want an idea of the problem so I can research the parts and labor time so I go in prepared, esp. with the holidays coming!

OH OH! One more thing, if the car does go above 2 RPMs, it feels like I am in nuetral and standing on the gas, like its a vaacuum and my RPMs don't move on the dial!

So, my car is in gimme stage, and I'm willing cuz she's my baby, whether or not she's sporty, luxury or makes a statement. The only thing she's saying right now is... go around!

Thank you and I appreciate all of your help and quidance as well as actually finding out how I can figure my trany fluid level! Always a good thing to know!


Thanx

Thought I'd make it a new comment so that everyone sees that I did erply back to get more ideas, or to tell mee I'm simply in over my head here!

[louiedude]

Get your cat checked out, my 2002 did the same thing. My cat was clogged. Before you pay big bucks, call the dealer to see if the cat is still under waranty. Mine was (8 years or 80,000 miles).

[Speedy_1234]

Well, I know there a liquid call smart shift helps with the gears or the white bottle with blue letters is (if i not mistaken) call "Lucas".

[MalibuFan2002]

Originally Posted by Speedy_1234

Well, I know there a liquid call smart shift helps with the gears or the white bottle with blue letters is (if i not mistaken) call "Lucas".

Yep, that's it, by Lucas!

So far I figure I can count on my cat or tranny gasket, fuel filter and possibly a vaacuum...
I'm taking itin this week so AAMCO cuz, it's the closest!

Anything else I should be pointing out to them? I'm hoping it's not the catty and just a flush, fuel and/or vaacuum, but then again, a catty's better than what it could be right?