slight shutter in OD after fluid change 02 Buick

[randytrish]

I did a fluid/filter change on my 2001 Buick Regal w/85k miles a couple of months ago and I've recently noticed a slight shutter feeling under acceleration while in OD. I used Castrol Transmax Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Was wondering of anyone else has run across this problem.
TIA,
Randy

 

[charbaby]

Was the new Dexron VI back spec'd for the '01 Buick?
DexronIII/Mercon was what the Buick used prior!

 

[DC44]

I doubt Dexron VI is the problem. I used it, super tech to be exact, in my 95 4T60E transmission. It now has over 205k miles with the original trans.

More than likely it's your PMV solenoid. They have a tendency to go bad around this mileage or a little later. Being that it's summer(higher trans temps) the problem is exhibiting itself. Someone with better knowledge of PMV solenoid may be able to chime in with more info.

The trans solenoid issue, window regulator issue, and pass key issues with the early 2000s model GM cars kept me from buying one used. Not worth the hassle in my opinion unless you could find one dirt cheap. I do have a car note now which I regret, but that's off-topic.

 

[Trav]

It could be the solenoid that by coincidence has started acting up but back track to when you did the filter.
You say it only does this since the fluid and filter change so that would be my starting point.

Dex VI is the favorite whipping boy whenever someone uses it and has issues but IMO the fluid is not usually the issue in fact i have never seen an issue directly related to the use of it.
True the viscosity is slightly lower than new Dex III but it sure isn't lower than the used Dex III you drained out. The Dex III was not synthetic and was inferior to Dex VI in every way.

Did you use a new filter seal? If so did you tap the filter in with a plastic hammer or mallet?
These filters are only held by the seal and when new sometimes really need a few taps to seat them fully. Just pushing it up in there by hand many times does not seat the filter properly and can cause the unit to suck a small amount of air along with fluid.
Using the old seal can be an issue as it may not be sealing properly or was damaged upon removal. The seal new or used can be damaged during installation, did you lube the seal with ATF before putting the filter up?

If you are sure the filter is not the issue then try a bottle of Lubegurd Red in it. These 4T65E units have a floating TC lockup and its not unknown that they develop can shudder after a fluid change regardless of fluid.
The TC in these units works hard as they lock up in any gear above first, they had to use a special woven clutch plate material in them, it would wipe regular material out in no time.
The LG usually takes care of it if thats the issue and wont harm the unit if it isn't, worth a shot IMHO.

 

[RF Overlord]

Now THAT is some good info, Trav...thanks!

I don't have one of those infamous transaxles, but my niece did for a while and I looked into changing the ATF and decided against it. The unit worked fine for as long as she owned the car, so I guess I mad the right decision.

On a related note, I recently had the ATF changed in my company-issued work van, a 2001 GMC Safari, and the shop used Dex VI. The van has 110,000 miles and the fluid was changed at 30,000 and 50,000 before this. It's been a few thousand miles now and I can tell no difference in operation from the Dex III that was in it. Call me a believer...so far.

 

[randytrish]

Thanks for the replies. I researched here before doing the fluid change and the dex IV was the recommended fluid over the dex/merc blend that's out now. There's only certain circumstances that I feel anything. Other than that it shifts great. I've driven it around 8k since the fluid change. I'll pay a little closer attention to when I feel it and that may help diagnose what it could be.

 

[Trav]

Be observant for what appears like shudder or slippage going into 4th gear. TC shudder can appear in any gear 2nd and up.

 

[randytrish]

I took Trav's advice and went by Oreillys and found two products by lube guard. One is a 10oz Lube Guard Red that looks like a product to lower temperatures and the other is a 2oz Dr Transmission Shudder Eliminator made by Lube Guard. Any recommendations on these two products?

 

[Trav]

The Red works fine by itself but i never tried the shudder fix.
After reading i would probably just stick with the red.

http://www.lubegard.com/SearchByCategory...t+Shudder+Fixx#

http://www.lubegard.com/faqs.html#15

 

[randytrish]

I went with the regular lubeguard red and it seems to have corrected my problem. Thanks to all.
Randy