Transmission Problem/Question

[tx_ls]

The transmission in my 2000 LS V8 w/85K has been acting a little strange lately. I first noticed it a few weeks ago during my daily commute. I travel down a rather large hill (Tumbleweed Hill, Austinites might know it) and I usually throw it into 4th to keep my speed down and to keep from riding the brakes. If you don't do one or the other you'll wind up around 90 at the bottom. Anyway it takes about 8 or 9 seconds for the transmission to drop to 4th. If you manually shift up through the gears and watch the indicator it goes from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and then 5th. The problem can also be noticed when it downshifts from 5th to what I suspect is 3rd as it makes a little noise and doesn't seem smooth. Any ideas? Should I start planning on a new tranny? Other than that it doesn't seem to affect the car. I took it down to San Antonio last weekend...no problem.

 

[nickandersonLS01]

Sounds like it doesn't like being in 4th on your downhill. Does 4th work fine on normal roads?

 

[JerzyHustler]

Well I just replaced my Tranny 1 month ago and what I noticed wasn't exactly what you described but was along the same lines. It started to slip, when I was looking for the power it was hesitate before going up in gear, then kick in later. It did that for like 2 weeks before the computer finally started registering the code. The code I got was a "Incorrect Gear Ratio" code for 4th and 5th gear. So you may want to start tracking down a new tranny, this could be the beginning signs of the end for it.

 

[owlman]

bah, what do you need 4th gear for? Just go 90 down the hill

 

[glanga]

bah, what do you need 4th gear for? Just go 90 down the hill

i agree, cheaper for new brakes and tires than a new transmission

 

[tx_ls]

Thanks guys. I was afraid I might need a new tranny. The car runs fine otherwise. I'm taking it on vacation in a couple of weeks and expect to put 800 - 900 miles on it. I'll see how she does and then put it in the shop for diagnosis. I'm thinking about asking the dealership for an AWA. They gave me one on the valve cover gaskets and said not to ask for another one unless it's major. I think a transmission failure at 85K is major.

 

[beaups]

awa for a tranny failing at 85K??? Good luck w that!!