Transmission shudder?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 164,000 MILES
I changed the fluid twice and added instant shudder fix, but I still have a shudder. It is better than before but shudders at same speed around 30-40 when am letting the RPMs go below 2. No issues at take-off or highway speeds. No slippage or jerking or thuds. It's so annoying. I only driven about 40 miles with insta shudder, do you think it takes time? Also, is it usually the torque converter doing this? And if replaced most likely will fix the issue? I may end up doing that if I have no success with it. No engine or transmission codes per can scan.
Sunday, January 14th, 2024 AT 6:56 AM

23 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I have seen the transmission control module (TCM) cause this problem as one of the pressure control solenoids is weak and starts to shut down. I have also seen the input shaft speed sensor do this as well, here is the location of the sensor if you want to swap it out. If that doesn't fix it I would do the TCM which I have included as well.

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Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, January 14th, 2024 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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The noise is coming from the mechatronic unit area, similar to the sound of a dry power steering reservoir, but only when put in gear. I would hate to change the tcm and the sensor and then it turns out something else is bad so its safer to change the whole transmission. What about the torque converter? Seen videos showing the center has play, not sure what that can cause.
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Sunday, January 14th, 2024 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, the noise is not good, to be safe with this many miles I would change out the transmission with torque converter to be safe. Here are the instructions on how to do so. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 15th, 2024 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Thanks. I don't really want to waste money on parts since there are no codes. The only thing is the shudder between 30-40 MPH. I may wind up changing the torque converter.
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Thursday, January 18th, 2024 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have not heard of a torque converter doing that but you never know. Please let us know if it fixes it.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2,010 POSTS
Sorry, I gave the wrong info, the gurgling sound which sounds like a dry power steering reservoir was on a VW cc, not the sick. Buick drives fine but still has a shudder between 30-40 MPH, sometimes it does it sometimes notion other issues, and no codes. Fluid was changed and insta-shudder fix poured in.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. We need to hear the noise, so we know which direction to go to help you fix the car. It takes time to upload so please be patient.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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No noises at all. Please check my previous post.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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I am starting to think it may be the transfer case causing all that. Had 2 BMW x3 that did that as well as a 4 series.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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There is no clutch inside the transfer case just gears, unless one of the main bearings is going out but you should be able to hear that. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Hmm, no noise at all. I am familiar with noises out of a bad transfer case.
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, I had a thought that I have seen bad front CV axles cause this issue. Have you tried new ones?
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Nah, this can't be the axles. The shudder is definitely transmission related. Axles would pop or cause vibration or leak around I never heard of a CV axle causing shudder.
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Oh yes, when a CV axle wears it will create grooves inside the cup which makes the CV joint bind, does the sensation go away when you let off of the throttle?
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Yes, I think it does, but that's normal because there is no load. And I think every shudder I ever had goes away when letting off throttle. I'll check it and see.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good. Let me know.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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I do not like front axle issues.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Checked both cv axles in good shape. No wear or tears or any play.
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Thursday, January 25th, 2024 AT 7:18 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you take apart the CV joint because the wear is inside the carrier. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, January 26th, 2024 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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So, I got to separate it and damage it to see if it's bad? Which means I have to remove both and separate them?
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Friday, January 26th, 2024 AT 11:09 AM

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