2000 Venture Hard Shifting

304617 · #1 01-13-2005, 11:37 AM

My van intermittently has very hard abrupt shifting in all gears. I was driving yesterday and it was fine. Stopped to eat, got back in the car and it started shifting hard. Pulled over to the side of the road, switched the car off and waited about 2 minutes, started it back up and it ran perfect. It has only done this twice to me and about 3 times with my wife. Any ideas. I sure would prefer to fix this myself.

authenticy · #2 01-21-2005, 07:02 PM

I have a 2000 chevy venture that started doing the same thing and it turned out to be the solenoid in the transmission. It cost about $600.00 bucks to have it fixed and that was because we knew someone.

304617 · #3 01-27-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by authenticy

I have a 2000 chevy venture that started doing the same thing and it turned out to be the solenoid in the transmission. It cost about $600.00 bucks to have it fixed and that was because we knew someone.

Oh NO! I was hoping that it would not be so bad. I looked at the transmission and noticed an electronic component attached to the exterior of the transmission (not sure what it is) but the linkage is connected to it. I was hoping it was some type of electronic modulator valve. Sounds like what you are talking about is internal to the transmission? If so, I know I dont want any part of trying to fix it. Should I go to a local transmission shop or the dealership? My local dealership has been fantastic in the past. Luckily I have a third car, so I do not need to make any rush decisions. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

jamx13 · #4 01-27-2005, 06:53 PM

The hard shifting problem you're experiencing isn't just a Venture problem, it's inherent to this particular tranny. It's not dangerous or damaging, it's merely an annoyance. The actual solenoid costs about $50, the rest of the cost is labor. I have the same problem with my 2000 Venture & I intend to live with it rather than spend $600+. If I get ambitious & have the time this summer, I may try to tackle the job myself. If you scroll through the posts, you'll find that this is mentioned several times...you'll also find some info that I posted on the topic.

KJRich · #5 01-28-2005, 10:35 AM

Our '99 does it very rarely, but it did it ALL THE TIME when I had a faulty mass airflow sensor.

jamx13 · #6 01-28-2005, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRich

Our '99 does it very rarely, but it did it ALL THE TIME when I had a faulty mass airflow sensor.

I've heard that replacing the mass airflow sensor "sometimes" fixes the hard shift problem. It's a fairly expensive item to replace though...I think they retail for just under $500. It'd be worth paying a few bucks for a diagnostics check before shelling out hundreds to replace an item that may not need replacing.

KJRich · #7 01-28-2005, 12:11 PM

I don't recommend replacing it for the hell of it. I was getting a mass airflow sensor code from the computer, thats why I replaced it. The fact that my tranny rarely jerks now is icing on the cake. Its only about $100-$150 at any car part store. There is a core charge on it though, so you have to return the old one. Takes about 15 minutes to swap. Once again though, I wouldn't change it unless you're getting a check engine light and the code for mass airflow.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...7C%7EEA%7C%7EB

304617 · #8 01-28-2005, 02:10 PM

Thanks for all the info. I took the van by Advanced Auto today and they ran a diagnostic check and no error codes appeared. I have not had a check engine light either. From the info I have read, I think I will just deal with it until it gets more frequent. I drove it all day today and not one time did it malfunction. Thanks everyone for the input. his is a great web site. It's nice to have somewhere to research problems and understanding them versus trusting the dealerships or automotive repair shops. It helps to make educated decisions and prevent getting ripped off. Once again, thanks everyone. I will be sure to post all of my issues and resolutions here so we all can share the knowledge.

Andi · #9 02-04-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by authenticy

I have a 2000 chevy venture that started doing the same thing and it turned out to be the solenoid in the transmission. It cost about $600.00 bucks to have it fixed and that was because we knew someone.

Till that time you had no more problems ? Did this really fixed the problem ?-> new soleniod and everythings OK?
thanks for details

Andi · #10 03-10-2005, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 304617

My van intermittently has very hard abrupt shifting in all gears. I was driving yesterday and it was fine. Stopped to eat, got back in the car and it started shifting hard. Pulled over to the side of the road, switched the car off and waited about 2 minutes, started it back up and it ran perfect. It has only done this twice to me and about 3 times with my wife. Any ideas. I sure would prefer to fix this myself.

I fixed the problem. I had the same problems ( harsh shifting, then switch off the car, it works fine).
It was the dirty MAF ( Mass Airflow Sensor)

Just clean it, very easy- it takes about 15 min.
Here is eg. to clean it: see link
http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cleanmaf.htm

I was searching about a month to solve the problem. My mechanic wants to overhoule the tranny first.
hope it helps

authenticy · #11 04-19-2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andi

Till that time you had no more problems ? Did this really fixed the problem ?-> new soleniod and everythings OK?
thanks for details

Yes everything has been fine since they replaced the solenoid...

mshatn · #12 11-15-2005, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 304617

Oh NO! I was hoping that it would not be so bad. I looked at the transmission and noticed an electronic component attached to the exterior of the transmission (not sure what it is) but the linkage is connected to it. I was hoping it was some type of electronic modulator valve. Sounds like what you are talking about is internal to the transmission? If so, I know I dont want any part of trying to fix it. Should I go to a local transmission shop or the dealership? My local dealership has been fantastic in the past. Luckily I have a third car, so I do not need to make any rush decisions. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

Is the harsh shifting always accompined by a change in the engine sound, this what is hapening in my venture 2000.

Thanks

mshatn · #13 11-15-2005, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by authenticy

Yes everything has been fine since they replaced the solenoid...

Was the harsh shifting accompined by change in the engine sound?
Thanks

jhong1226 · #14 11-17-2005, 10:02 AM

i have the same problem with my 00 venture, hard shifting with unusual sound, turn engine off bout 1 min and then it will run fine. sometime it does it again for 2 or 3 times more.

Allbert · #15 11-21-2005, 01:32 PM

I found a local transmission shop that replaced the PCS in our company van (Venture) for only $250 in labor. The part can be bought for around $29 via GMpartsdirect.com. The part number is 10478146. Failure of this part is not always accompanied by trouble codes. Not replacing a faulty PCS and continually driving with harsh shifts can lead to transmission damage. By far, the best post on the problems with this part is over in the Buick Century forum. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ht=pcs+problem

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD