2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

2003 Chevrolet Impala Repair Question


Topics covered: Harmonic balancer, Transmission, Crankshaft.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on January 8, 2010

2003 Chevy Impala

Transmission problem
2003 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 112500 miles

I have changed the harmonic balancer,since i changed it i am having a problem with the transmission shifting smooth from 1st to 2nd. its almost like a rev limitter.when you accelerate a bit faster its perfect. please help! thanks,jason.
Avatar Asked by jason fultz

Answer

Replied on January 13, 2010

I saw your post, and though I don't think I can help you, I wanted to just clear something up.

First, your harmonic balancer has absolutely nothing to do with your transmission. It's a device used to keep the crankshaft inside of your engine from twisting in a way it wasn't designed to.

As the pistons push down on the rods to transform reciprocating motion to turning motion, it actually twist the crankshafts (arms) a little more than needed. The metal acts like a spring and rebounds. That motion has to be controlled, or the cranks bearings would fail, and possible tear itself apart.

Your transmission has nothing to do with this. If you are having issues with the trans as a result of changing the balancer, then it's because you unplugged something and didn't reconnect it properly, or one of the wires/connectors got damaged.

Also, you could've messed up a sensor on accident.

Either way, why would you be needing to change a harmonic balancer on a car that isn't even 10-years old. These parts almost NEVER fail, and when they do, it's on a racing motor that's spinning at 8,000 r.p.m.s.

Are you sure what you're referring to is a "Harmonic Balancer"???

Tiny Answered by Ernest Clark (expert)
1,762 answers provided