Transmission Control Solenoid?

Tiny
COHENSTUDIOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK CENTURY
  • 200 MILES
Whenever my car is placed in drive (auto trans.), It revs, but will not accelerate. It may as well be in neutral. However, if I manually shift the vehicle down to first, then up to second, then third, it will still accelerate like normal, I just have to shift myself, and 3rd is the limit (plus it turns off the traction control). Reverse works as well.

Some co-workers of mine who are a bit more mechanically savvy than me informed me that what could be a good reason for this is that the transmission control solenoid is kaput, so it may be worth replacing before putting the investment into a new tranny.

I drained out the transmission fluid, and it was on the dark side (think cranberry sauce at thanksgiving, minus the chunks). But was unable to find the TCS. I'm thinking it's on the side of the transmission, rather than underneath inside the pan.

So, my question really boils down to 2 things:

A.) Does it seem like a TCS problem, or is this one of those things where I need to suck it up and start looking for a used tranny?

B.) If it is the TCS, where would I be able to find it on a 2001 Buick Century to replace?

Best regards,
Max
Saturday, June 30th, 2012 AT 10:14 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
What size engine do you have?Most likely its under the side cover on the drivers side of the car. Have you checked for codes yet?
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Saturday, June 30th, 2012 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
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It's a 3.1L V6 engine. I did run the OBD on it, however nothing transmission related came up. The Autozone guy told me that it's not always 100% so I do have my doubts.
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Saturday, June 30th, 2012 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I would have it scanned somewhere else to be sure. If its not moving in drive I would do a prseeure test on the transmission.
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Saturday, June 30th, 2012 AT 11:54 PM
Tiny
COHENSTUDIOS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I'll give that a try then. I sincerely appreciate your time!
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Sunday, July 1st, 2012 AT 4:09 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome thats what were here for.
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Sunday, July 1st, 2012 AT 4:11 AM
Tiny
LITTLEDAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Where is the shift solenoid located on the car listed above?
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I attached the locations and procedures. Let us know if you need more info. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Thanks
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+1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARMENNL
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
  • 1997 BUICK CENTURY
Transmission problem
1997 Buick Century 6 cyl Automatic

hello and thank you in advance. My car is not changing gears. I would like to know HOW MANY SHIFT SOLENOIDS ARE IN THE TRANSMISSION?
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
You have two shift solenoids
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARMENNL
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Thank you again. Auto zone said it takes 1. At least this is what the computer states. So I will purchase 2 .
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)

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