Shifting problems with second and sixth gears only

Tiny
3.8SOCKET
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
1, 3-5 work fine.

I can drive it just fine in sport shift mode while starting on third gear and only going to fifth gear.

Going from first to second or fifth to sixth, the second and sixth gears slip or don't catch not always but mostly to the point I really need to avoid them.

When it slips enough, p2714 code shows up with p0700. That's all the codes.

This code shows up before and after a full TCM replacement and programming. Transmission fluid level is good.

The problem has improved with the new TCM as I can now shutdown the car and start it back up to get it working again or stay in third-fifth gears. As well as previously, it would go into limp home mode until it cooled down enough. Now, with the newT CM TCM and fluid, it keeps going and shifts are fine as long as only third-fifth gears are used, no error code and no limp home mode there.

What would I try next?

Could the new TCM have a problem? Could the programming be not quite right? Its Chevy oem TCM and Chevrolet dealership did the programming.

I will probably schedule an appointment with local dealership to see what they say as well.

Thanks!
Tuesday, December 31st, 2019 AT 1:48 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is more than likely an internal issue and is not the TCM again. I attached the testing that needs to be done in order to find what the issue is. This is pretty lengthy and not the easiest testing to run through. If you are not sure about it then it would be best to take it to a shop. The P0700 is just a general info code and the P2714 is pointing to your issue. Unfortunately the only way to find out is to go through the test.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
3.8SOCKET
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Many thanks. Will see what the dealership finds. If all they want to do is replace the transmission then probably work on it myself during the warmer months with what you brought out here.

Pointed in a direction now so that's great. If this gets fixed at some point, will try to update.
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Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. Yes, please keep us updated whenever it gets resolved. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
3.8SOCKET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Never forgot. I took long enough lol

Just solved this by replacing the transmission with a used one from a minor crash wreck for cheap. I did go as far as taking the original transmission apart, but in the end, got the used transmission for less and with less headache. Works great.

I'm not going to get into all that I tested and tried with the original transmission from the question above. There's more I could look into but higher chance is that I'm done with it. For instance, the molded clutch housing was fine and I could only hope that a overhaul kit with steel clutch plates, etc might fix it.
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Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
3.8SOCKET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Clarification: the molded clutch housing's pistons were both good and working fine. That can cause a fake version of the error but wasn't the issue.
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
3.8SOCKET
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  • 5 POSTS
This was a duplicate from website error. However, done adding to this thread.
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Sorry, KaseKenny is gone he was a good addition to the site but left some time ago, thanks for getting back to us with the fix though :)
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025 AT 9:58 AM

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