Why is my trans slipping ONLY when warmed up?

45

Asked by Guru2NF4 May 10, 2017 at 06:21 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When 4T65E trans is cold-all gears lock in, and shifts correctly.
Easily spins wheels on sand roads.

After warm up and at op temp, all gears slip badly.
Kill engine, sit for 5 mins, then restart car- trans works OK for very short distance, then slips again.
Then drive down steep hill to 50-60 mph, am able to maintain speed for several miles, even over medium hills- if I don't stop.

Changed fluid and filter-problem remains.
Poorly maintained, fluid was dark brown/black, but did not taste or smell burnt.
Silt/dust in pan, but no chunks of anything nor aluminum shavings.

Replaced TCC solenoid-problem remains.

Have a code-P0757(shift solenoid B) but do not understand how that is effecting all gears only when warm.

Car shows over 211,200 miles, but do not know it's history.

Thank you for your advice.

4 Answers

45

Thanks for the reply Tom, but that does not explain why it slips ONLY after it's warmed up, why it works OK for a short distance after shutting down for 5 mins, and why I can maintain hiway speeds with momentum. Please read the symptoms in my original post. If I could travel the 80 miles one way down the mountain -and then back up again-), I would gladly have them tell me if its an electronic control outside the trans, or if it's a mechanical problem. I've got a known good trans(parts car), but why swap them out if it's just an electronical problem that would still remain afterwards?

2 people found this helpful.

Cold fluid will run at a higher pressure than hot fluid. That your fluid was dark brown or black indicates that the transmission has probably been running too hot. After the rebuild install a larger transmission cooler and a ATF temperature gauge.

1 people found this helpful.
45

Good info F_O_R, thanks. Do you think the fluid and trans would cool down in just 5 mins, temporarily restoring operation? I'll check the temps next test-drive to be sure. I'm worried there might be a temperature related electronic device or signal to-or-from the pcm, causing a pressure problem. DANG ELECTRONICS! My Son wants to just swap out the trans without further research or troubleshooting....the boundless exuberance of reckless youth, or the caution of wasted labor experiences and age, right?

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Impala

Looking for a Used Impala in your area?

CarGurus has 133 nationwide Impala listings starting at $4,888.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    6,120
  • #2
    james sparrow
    Reputation
    4,630
  • #3
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    4,080
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Malibu
48 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 973 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Camaro
13 Great Deals out of 468 listings starting at $11,749
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
13 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $9,980
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
214 Great Deals out of 8,009 listings starting at $1,500
Used Nissan Maxima
11 Great Deals out of 195 listings starting at $1,450
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
131 Great Deals out of 3,674 listings starting at $5,555
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 680 listings starting at $3,795
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
5 listings starting at $9,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.