2003 Malibu trans shudder

CLJohnny

CLJohnny

Forum Member
Owned the car since new. Had the fluid flushed at 60K. For about a year, occasionally when I take off from a light it shudders like it's low on fluid. I've checked a couple times and it's not. Sometimes it will go a month without doing it but it seems to do it more often now. No check engine light, I scanned it with an old SnapOn scanner and only said communication error. I had it scanned with the SnapOn MODIS, he said something about communication error but he was able to communicate and got nothing. Any one have a clue?
 
Flushing the fluid is not recommended. It is however recommended to remove the pan & clean it, and replace the filter. Theres also a lube tube that comes loose that can be checked while the pans off.
A simple inexpensive aftermarket clamp is available to hold it in place.
http://www.sonnax.com/system/announcement/84532-01K.pdf
Most likely scenario may be the epc failing, or a shift solenoid failing. Both require removing the side cover to replace. Not a fun job.
The only way to confirm this is to drive it with a pressure gauge attached and monitor line pressure.
More common to fail on this unit is the 4th gear clutch hub (strips-looses 4th) and p1811 dtc's for max adapt limit.
Its also very common for the low band to break-which starts out as slippage like you describe but ends up not moving in od or d.
 
Detroit Gearbox said:
Flushing the fluid is not recommended. It is however recommended to remove the pan & clean it, and replace the filter. Theres also a lube tube that comes loose that can be checked while the pans off.
A simple inexpensive aftermarket clamp is available to hold it in place.
http://www.sonnax.com/system/announcement/84532-01K.pdf
Most likely scenario may be the epc failing, or a shift solenoid failing. Both require removing the side cover to replace. Not a fun job.
The only way to confirm this is to drive it with a pressure gauge attached and monitor line pressure.
More common to fail on this unit is the 4th gear clutch hub (strips-looses 4th) and p1811 dtc's for max adapt limit.
Its also very common for the low band to break-which starts out as slippage like you describe but ends up not moving in od or d.
Click to expand...

I have seen many with the P1811
 
Fricken Hamilton Chevy refused to change the filter, said flushing is the only way. I'll change the filter and see how that does. The only time I have a problem is the occasional take off from a light. No problems beyond that. If the low band is gone, I should see debris in the pan?
 
CLJohnny said:
Fricken Hamilton Chevy refused to change the filter, said flushing is the only way. I'll change the filter and see how that does. The only time I have a problem is the occasional take off from a light. No problems beyond that. If the low band is gone, I should see debris in the pan?
Click to expand...

Your going to find a small amount of debris in the pan, and some metal attached to the magnet. The pan will also have a black "film", and that's normal.
Whats not normal is brown or black fluid, or if you can detect metal in the fluid (like silver paint mixed in). Change the seal for the filter also. Its pressed into the case.
Break the filter apart and see whats inside it.
If your keeping the vehicle, installing a drain plug is a nice option (weld a short 1/2 fine thread nut on the inside and use a engine oil drain plug.)
However, before you change the fluid I would try to scan the vehicle and possibly drive it with a gauge attached. While changing the fluid will not harm the trans, I doubt its going to cure the shutter your experiencing.
 
Tried to +1 ya for the great detailed info, but alas i have to spread some around before repping you again. Love seeing detailed tech help like this!
 
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