Need trans help!!

[beuaandlisa]

I have a '01 grand prix GT 3.8L auto. The trans was rebuilt at 95k and I purchased the car with 98k. It now has 123k and I just finished changing the filter, fluid, and added Lucas oil trans treatment. The fluid was clean, no oder and almost no residue in the pan. Now to the problem. About 10k ago the car started to "shake" or "jerk" at take off. Also when I slow down and make a turn and proceed to accelerate the car will do the same thing. The problem has been intermittent but recently has been more frequent. It seems like the car is not downshifting properly when it acts up after turning. I have read it could be related to the TCC but the car never stalls. Can anybody help shed some light?

TIA

Robert

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

The first thing I suggest that you do is take the car to someone with a trans capable scanner and get them to scan it. This sounds like you could have either a bad torque convertor or a bad pressure control solenoid. Neither of which is a DIY job. Someone with the proper scanner can tell you in a few minutes if you have a major or minor issue.

[troy1]

Are you talking about a quick jerk/jerk/jerk or is it lugging the engine down?

[beuaandlisa]

At take off it is a quick shudder (jerk jerk jerk) and after slowing down and making a turn when I accelerate it has a slower shudder (with lag) and it seems to not be downshifting. I can "floor it" and it seems to downshift and the problem seems to go away. Sometimes when I let off the gas in traffic (around 40MPH for example) and get back on it it has the same shudder.

I pulled the DTC's and this is what I found:

P0742 Torque converter circuit stuck on
P1860 TCC PWM solenoid electrical

I feel it may be the TCC solenoid. What are your ideas?

[GTP Dad]

With those codes you can bet it is the TCC solenoid. I suggest a trans shop unless you are into transmissions. This is usually not a DIY job although it can be done with enough patience.

[beuaandlisa]

Thanks for the help. I have always done my own work, especially after the Pontiac dealer almost ruined my rearend in my '02 WS6 trying to change the pinion seal 3 TIMES!!! (they forgot to tighten the pinion nut the 3rd time!) Is there anything else that you would recommend to change while I'm behind the cover?

Thanks,

Robert

[GTP Dad]

Not really but an excellent time to change the fluid and filter if it.

[beuaandlisa]

Thanks for all of your help. I finally found a forum where people are mature and helpful. When I find the time to pull it apart I will post the results so maybe this post will be helpful to someone else.

Thanks again,

Robert