Automatic won't use 4th gear. =[

[MichailS]

Hi.

I have a 170k miles PAU -94 that has begun forgetting it has a fourth gear from time to time. Aside from that it is working smooth as ever.

I have scoured the web for causes to this symptom but I get mixed signals. The 4T60E seems to get problems like harsh transition between 2nd and 3rd and/or slipping on the lockup and whatnot, and they are supposedly from different causes.

I'm not sure why I post this really. Is there anyone out there who has had the same problem and know the cure?

I suppose I will need to turn it in to the auto shop, but thing is I live in Sweden and they don't sell Buicks here. So when I show my car to GM-authorized repairpeople they usually stare increduliously at it for a while until they realize it uses the same components as most other GM cars.

I rather expect them to scratch their head and tell me I need a new gearbox when in reality I might only need to change some well known standard component. =/

Thus, I would like to learn as much about this particular problem as possible before turning the car in.

Thanks for any information!

[padriver]

This is a known problem:

Automatic transmission: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991-94)

Source: http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ewreliability/

I guess a specialized transmission shop should be able to help you here. The GM guys in Europe are not to be trusted...
Believe me, I know what I'm talking about (I live in Switzerland), all they know is Opel.

[MichailS]

Well, I have trawled through my connections and been recommended a company that is supposedly the only good and trustworthy one in Sweden. Unfortunately, they are 180 km away. =[ Or perhaps - luckily, they are only 180 km away...

But I suppose it's worth it. Thanks for confirming my investigation!

[XR7]

Hi,
Had the same problem with a 94 Ultra (there should be threads around)... I then had the full set of Solenoids replaced and afterwards, worked fine again.
PS: Drove this '94 Ultra also over here (Switzerland); just bought myself a '93 Ultra with a defect transmission as a project car (probably to customize a bit)- I really like the flow-design of the 91-95 PA's,
XR7

[MichailS]

Well, it seems that with colder weather, the problem doesn't appear as much. I haven't had it lose the 4th for months now.

I take this as a sign that I can keep ignoring it for at least another halfyear or so.

I have scoured media for a possible replacement for this car eventually. I find none that offers the same mix of features that I want. Methinks I'll make sure to keep this one alive for as long as I can.

Either that, or until someone offers something that looks as well, rides as nice, has the spacious and comforable interior and so on.

The only peer to this car I have ever seen would be the Buick Roadmaster. Only that it drinks more gas for no greater benefit than the sound of a V8, and doesn't look quite as nice. And they don't make 'em anymore. =( It is obvious that I share the taste of the team who made the Park Avenue and the Roadmaster.

The new Lucerne is a joke. Looks like a Toyota that has eaten way too much sushi.