Transmission issue

Tiny
ITISME201411
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
The car wants to shut off when going in reverse. Any ideas?
Sunday, July 9th, 2017 AT 3:12 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ITISME201411
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
So I am not sure how I can edit my question. Anyway, the car I am asking about is my girlfriends and I just went off of what she had told me without looking myself. Well I just took a look to check it out and the issue is when you go in reverse it bogs down but still goes and then when you go in drive it takes a second to get going normal but after it gets going it is fine. Could that have anything to do with the spark plugs going?That might be a dumb question but she has had this car three years and has driven it all over the place and has never changed them.
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Sunday, July 9th, 2017 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You could change them, but check fuel pressure with a gauge and clean throttle body on both sides and IAC hole with choke cleaner that may be part as well. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
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Monday, July 10th, 2017 AT 6:25 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
Which model Pontiac? When was the last time the transmission was serviced? The bog in reverse and slow engagement in drive both indicate sealing issues inside the transmission. Does it get worse or better once the engine is up to operating temperature? If you step down LIGHTLY on the gas and raise the rpms, does it still bog?
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Monday, July 10th, 2017 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
ITISME201411
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
It's a grand am. No once the car is at normal temp it goes fine. Engine sounds a little sluggish but not bad or like it's hesitating or anything. The problem only occurs after the car is cold an then started an put in reverse an then a second in drive. Does not bog down when slightly on gas.
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Thursday, July 20th, 2017 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
Yeah that sounds typical of worn and stiff seals on the various parts in the transmission. When new they are soft and flexible but they get hard with age and heat. When they get cold they shrink a bit, not an issue when they are still flexible but once they age they don't seal well when cold. Once the trans fluid gets warm they soften some and seal better. You could try adding some Lucas trans additive, it sometimes works, but I wouldn't expect a miracle.

The real repair would be to tear the trans down and replace the worn and old parts. That is a tough call unless the rest of the car is in real good shape.
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Thursday, July 20th, 2017 AT 9:23 AM

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