96 Z34 Monte Carlo 3.4 DOHC Tranny Problem?

[joshjweber]

Just wondering, Is there any known tranny problems with this car, the reason I ask is that I drive one with 166kms on it, and sometimes when I accelerate fast it seems to hesitate, like the rpms won't go up and it seems like it can't shift out of first gear. this is an automatic tranny.....could it be the tranny is ready to go, or anything else?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
-Josh

[abaird]

my buddy had a grand prix that had problems like what you mentioned with about the same miles too. His problem was that the torque converter was locking up too early. His fix was a new tranny. Hopefully that isn't your problem but something to think about.

[troy1]

There is a little filter that spins off on the valve body seperator plate. Does it do this under light thottle also?

[SaveTheMontes]

To quote one of the previous posters: "the torque converter was locking up too early" I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that was it...that problem still exists in the 2004 models...you think GM would have got off their ass years ago and made better tranny's...sad how these cars didn't have manual tranny's hey?

[Blue Bowtie]

Originally Posted by SaveTheMontes

To quote one of the previous posters: "the torque converter was locking up too early" I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that was it...that problem still exists in the 2004 models...you think GM would have got off their ass years ago and made better tranny's...sad how these cars didn't have manual tranny's hey?

Better? While there is always room for improvement, I think history will not reinforce that statement. Just search this very site for 'transmission problem" under various categories. Ford AXOD/AX4N/AX4S transmission have entire servers here dedicated to their problems. Daimler/Krysler (actung!) has had and continues to have plenty of trouble with the plethora of transmissions they have installed in their vehicles, both FWD and RWD. JATCOs are not "bulletproof" either. The thousands of owners of these other vehicles probably WISH they had 4T65Es instead of what they got with their cars.

Incidentally, TCC lockup is controlled by the PCM, so if you don't like how your's acts, reflash the PCM. And despite what your manula might suggest, change the trans oil at 30,000 mile intervals. An honest transmission shop will tell you the same thing. A less-than-scrupulous shop will tell you to follow the owner's manual, then wait for you to bring the dead transmission back to them. Actually, if you DO decide to read the owner's manual, follow the service recommendations for "SEVERE" driving service schedules. Most people don't realize it of fail to acknowledge it, but that's how 99.99% of us drive our vehicles. Forget about the "flush" type cleaners unless they are used in conjunction with removal of the pan AFTER the flush and replacement of the filter (except Saturns, of course).

[SaveTheMontes]

Heh, Chrysler transmission problems? Understatement. I think they continue to have grade 10 students build their tranny's. This girl I work with went through 3 tranny's...not to be outdone, another coworker heard her say that and he said he went through 5...yes, I said that right...5! Myself, I would have drove that to their headquarters(tranny pending) and drove through their front window.
I found it at least encouraging that GM and Ford got together to build the newest tranny's that a lot of their new wheels have...2 minds are better than one, you'd have to expect a solid product...if not, hit the showers!