1998 Buick Century Transmission?? Problem

Munky · #1 08-31-2004, 04:46 PM

Alright guys, I'm hoping someone out ther can help me wiht a low-cost fix for this problem, my college willingly takes every cent I make and doesn't realize that college kids are people who need money too.

I have a 1998 Buick Century Custom with what I believe to be a 3.1L V6 (maybe a 3.0, I'm not sure). Either way, on my way into school this morning I start making a right turn from a dead stop, press on the accelerator, and the car begins to creep forward. I pressed harder, and the engine RPMs increased, but the car was still incredably sluggish. Six hours afterwords, I turned the car on, and it kept doing the same thing; however, if I pull the gear select into first gear and run it as if it were a manual, I have no problems. Please tell me my trans isn't dead, and the thing is simply a relay or something small that can be fixed in an afternoon. Thanks

-Munky

GTP Dad · #2 08-31-2004, 07:22 PM

Have the transmission modulator checked. It appears that it has gone bad and will not shift the transmission for you. If you can shift manually and the trans works ok then it isn't dead. Shouldn't cost too much to fix.

Munky · #3 08-31-2004, 11:10 PM

I'm not sure that would be the problem. The transmission will shift, its just that first gear doesn't catch. The car will dive into first gear, and I can hear it shift out, but unless I pop it into a forced first, I don't have power behind the wheels until it shifts to second

GTP Dad · #4 09-01-2004, 06:42 AM

If the vehicle will drive in first gear, whether you put it in manually or it does it buy itself, then the problem lies with the shifting mechanism that allows it to move in to gear. It could be a dirty valve body in the transmission or like I said before, the vacuum modulator may not have the power to move it into gear. You can change the modulator yourself and it doesn't cost too much to buy one. Try this first, if it doesn't work then you will need to have the transmission diagnosed by an expert. If you prefer to eliminate this step then take the car to an AAMCO or other transmission shop and pay a few dollars to have them diagnose the problem for you. It may not be as bad as you think but if the tranny is going bad at least you will know.
Good Luck!

Munky · #5 09-01-2004, 08:11 AM

Thank you for the assistance. I'm sorry about the "cold" responce I ended up giving to you last night; work got kind of hot and my boss takes it out on the closest person.

public · #6 09-01-2004, 05:14 PM

The modulator will cause the problem you have. You can use a universal / adjustable for about $12 at any parts store. The counter people may not know they have it though. Mine did the same thing about a year ago. I belive the Fram part number is
FM2222. Good luck.

denniston · #7 09-11-2004, 11:18 PM

I'm having the same problem with my 99 regal gs. will not down shift from stop, can pull manually into 2nd or 3rd gear.
I look up on the autozone website and it said that there is no modulator valve required for my car??? any help would be appreciated.

public · #8 09-11-2004, 11:48 PM

Check the Fram website. AutoZone says they have no modulator for my car. But Fram says use their universal adjustable modulator FM2222. Cost $12 at AutoZone. That was last year-works great. and you can adjust your shift points up or down to your preference.

zonie77 · #9 09-22-2005, 10:46 PM

Have you fixed this?

The trans has solenoids that control shifting. One may be sticking.
There can also be a problem with the ignition switch or a fuse but I don't have the details on that. The solenoids fixed mine.

BNaylor · #10 09-23-2005, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zonie77

Have you fixed this?

The trans has solenoids that control shifting. One may be sticking.
There can also be a problem with the ignition switch or a fuse but I don't have the details on that. The solenoids fixed mine.

These posts are over one year old. Just thought you'd like to know.

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