1998 Chevy Cavalier tranny slips, only in cold weather

AL1956

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

The tranny runs good inn the warm weather, but when the temp drops below freezing the tranny seems to slip bad. When I first start off it barely moves. Acceleration doesnt happen. Then just when I think i'm going to come to a stop the tranny will start to engage slowly. Then full engagement occurs, and it's fine. I'm afraid I maybe burning out the clutch plates or could it be thhe torque conv. Not locking. I read about soleniods tcc a b is this something I can do?

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

Take it to a trans shop or dealer. The slipping will get worse and will eventually cause you to replace trans.

I would try changing fluid filter in trans. But if it continues to slip, get to trans shop fast.

Make sure you use correct fluid, owners manual will tell you the correct type of fluid.
Also inspect the fluid for any coolant contamination from a leak in oil cooler.

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Sunday, January 18th, 2009 AT 7:11 AM

AL1956

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Guys that answer had no technical value to it what so ever ! I need to know if anyone has asked you about the same problem and what they had done, or if the torque conv. Is got some lock up feature that's controled by a soleniod. You didn't say if it could be a tcc valve or not. What about some a, b, soleniods. If a soleniod sticks when froze would it cause slipege or just shifting problems? Thanks Al

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Sunday, January 18th, 2009 AT 4:36 PM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

If the TCC is sticking the car would stall when coming to a stop or would run an additional 300-600 rpm if not engaging.
TCC is dependant on closed loop operation, if you cannot get into closed loop (coolant temp sensor, brake switch) the PCM will not engage the TCC.
The TCC solenoid is controlled by PCM, it commands the TCC to engage.

TCC would not cause slipping, it locks the convertor at designated speed, closed loop, brake switch off.

This sounds like Limp-in mode. If sensor input signals are missing or inadequate for trans operation, PCM will output preset operating signals to trans. This mode will keep car operational and allow it to be driven with reduced trans function and performance.

I am simply saying that if slipping continues, trans will be damaged, so get a diagnosis by a trans shop, or trans will need to be replaced.

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Monday, February 2nd, 2009 AT 10:41 PM