97 grand prix se- trans problem

[jroussy]

Hi There, I have a 97 Grand Prix with a 3.8 in it, funniest thing just happened today, I was pulling out onto the highway (engine cold) trans shifted from 1st to 2nd and then shifted to (neutral?) It just revved, I shifted back into 2nd then back to 3rtd and same thing, I went to wide open throttle in 3rdand it dropped to 2nd gear again. I checked fluid level and condition seemed fine. I pulled over and parked,turned the engine off,restarted and it hasn't happened since. I talked to a tech and he said if it was the band/drum/clutched it would occur all the time. Could this just be a bad 2-3 shift solenoid??help!

[BNaylor]

Which tranny do you have? Check the SPID data label listing RPO options located under the trunk lid or spare tire cover. If you see M15 on one of the lines it's a 4T65E. It you see M13 it's a 4T60E.

[jroussy]

hi bnaylor3400 - its a 4t60e trans. still working perfectly!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jroussy

hi bnaylor3400 - its a 4t60e trans. still working perfectly!

I thought so because you had a '97 model. Only the GTP had the 4T65E-HD in 1997. IMO the 4T60E is a better tranny. If you haven't performed a pan drop service (ATF fluid and screen filter) in a while then thats probably the way to go. The shift solenoids (1-2 & 3-4) are located with the valve body and work in a logic circuit based on engine parameters and the PCM commands. A tranny service may help get through the winter if it acts up again. Good luck!

[jroussy]

Hi bnaylor3400 are the shift soloids serviceable without transmission removal?? I have since had reverse intermittenly cutting out. Should I just find a low mileage used trans?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jroussy

Hi bnaylor3400 are the shift soloids serviceable without transmission removal?? I have since had reverse intermittenly cutting out. Should I just find a low mileage used trans?

Yes, they are located under the tranny side cover. The side cover can be removed without pulling the whole tranny. Tranny fluid must be drained. Everything in the way must be removed. Complete airbox/pcm, driver's side wheel, driver's side fenderwell splash guards, speed control module, ABS modulator loosened but not removed, left tranny mount, transmission range switch & bracket. etc. It is a tight fit but there is just enough room to get the side cover off and access the solenoids and valve body.

A typical tranny shop not dealer will charge around $500 for the job if you want to go that route. You could get a used or rebuilt 4T65E for under $1K. Hard decision but removing the side cover is very tedious work.