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4T60E transmission not shifting when cold, but when warm

 
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melzie3 melzie3
New User | Posts: 2 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 10/10/07
02:13 PM

I have a 1994 Grand Am with a 4T60E transmission.  I have had it rebuilt 2 times with this same problem occuring within a few months of the rebuild.  When the car is cold it will not shift out of 1st gear into 2nd or third, but when it is warm (after 15-20 minutes or longer when it is cold out) it will shift just fine.  The guy who rebuilt it the 1st time ended up not honoring his warrenty and went out of business shortly after (he had been is business for years and was well known and thought of in this area).  So my dad rebuilt it the 2nd time.  He is a mechanic and at this point hates my car because he has never had one do this. He also replaced the shift selinoids when he rebuilt the transmission.  I was wondering what is causing this and do I need to buy a new transmission like my dad says.  The car is in really good shape otherwise and had a new engine put in it 3 years ago.  

 
dhjenkins1 dhjenkins1
User | Posts: 130 | Joined: 09/07
Posted: 10/10/07
03:32 PM

It sounds like the hydraulic system has a bunch of junk floating through it that's clogging the fluid passages, or there's a problem with the valve body.  When you put it in "2" will it go into 2nd/3rd?  

 
jgate jgate
Guru | Posts: 951 | Joined: 06/07
Posted: 10/10/07
03:44 PM

Sound to me like the problem is in the intermediate clutch, reduse the play in the clutch pack,and check for a worn piston or worn drum.Seals good with new lipseals, but after a little wear you have a hydraulic leak until the seals warms up.  

 
melzie3 melzie3
New User | Posts: 2 | Joined: 10/07
Posted: 10/11/07
12:01 PM

It will not go in 2 if I put it in 2 or in 3 for that matter when it is cold, but when it is warm it goes in gear.  When the transmission was last rebuit it was powerwashed to get any gunk out of it that would be floating around. My Dad did this, he also used his parts washer on all of the parts he put in it before they went in, even if they were brand new because he diin't want any gunk in it.  If it is the valve body, what can I do about it?  

 
DonMinor DonMinor
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 12/11
Posted: 12/13/11
04:16 PM

I would like to know if you have noticed that the outside temp seem to affect it too! I have been having the same problem with a 96 Chevy Monte Carlo with a 174,000 miles on it. Changing fluid didn't seem to help anything.

I notice that when the outside temp is below about 50 it acts up. above that temp it seems to run fine.

Mine will not shift at first when you take off but if you stop and start again once or twice it will shift and do fine after that.

The reason I am replying to your post is hopefully I can keep both of us from spend more money than need to fix the problem.

My other question is, did the first guy that rebuilt the trans really replace the solenoids or just charge you for them and you believe he did. There is also an Update Solenoid (10478108) according to my Snap-on Scanner

Does your set any codes Mine does not.

Below is a list of things you my wish to check that can cause no up shift and shift to neutral.

Check harness to shift solenoid may have to pull pan and check where it goes through case.

Poor designed shift solenoid update as mention above. OHMs reading should be 20-50

Check valve body for scoring

Modulator for vacuum should be 13 to 17hg at idle check for fluids inside modulator.

Common problem
bad ground on my year, may also be on yours too! Mine is located driver's side at frame body mount.

If I find my problem I will post it please do the same as it may help me also.  

 
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