I have a problem which I am confused. When accelerating at a green light, car feels like traction goes off or it slips taking off. I checked the transmission fluid and it seemed full. I asked a friend, and he said it can ve a number of things from a dirty air filter to a dirty fuel filter. I did notice on the way home that when I did accelerate after I was going 65 on fwy that the car seemed to struggle picking up speed.

 

What year and drive train do you have?
There is a common problem with I believe 2000/2001 Montes having catalytic converter problems (so bad, I believe GM extended the warranty on the cat for 10 years or 120K miles, which ever came first).

 

I'm not sure what size drivetrain it is. The year of Monte is 2003 3.8. I did have the exaust done with a new catalyst converter installed. Had it done almost a year ago. I did notice that when I reversed into garage it didn't slip into gear right away, and I was revving. The thing I am hopeing is that I have a dirty tranny filter. GM charges $3200 for a new tranny with installation. Another thing I'm hoping for was that the level was low on the fluid. I did the right thing by checking it when car was running.

 

I hate to say it, but it sounds like you are headed in the direction of a new transmission...Although, I think you can do better than $3200. Call some local shops that do tranny re-builds and ask for price and warranty information. You should be able to get a rebuild for under $2500.

You can always try dropping the pan and changing the fluid/ filter and see if that helps.

 

I assume it's not a super charged 3.8....
If you are near or over 100K miles, try changing the transmission fluid and filter. From what I understand, the transmissions in these cars are not as good as they should be.

My wife and I aquired a '05 Impala with a 3400 v6 and a dead trans cheap. I had a salvage trans put into it for $1200..

 

Is the check engine light on?

 

good question... maybe this shouldve been asked first. Lets hope its a faulty solenoid and not have to overhaul the entire transmission. Even though replacing a solenoid is about 400-600$ to do which is pretty damn expensive in itself. I'd get the car scanned first. If it is throwing up codes, go online find the code (do a little research). Than again it maybe an intake or exhaust issue like these guys mentioned, sometimes a clogged up cat will not let the car shift properly. Scan it first though regardless if you have the check engine light on. All the best.

 

im having the same EXACT problem and i have a whole new exhaust on her... 2 months old, hopefully the whole trannsmission doesnt have to be replaced 8(