Having trouble with the transmission shifting roughly, especially in lower gears/when first starting out cold. It has done this for at least the year that I have owned it, but it seems to be getting worse recently. Anyone experience this before? Is my transmission about to fail?

 

Sounds like possibly a pressure control solenoid failing inside the trans.

 

Turbo Monte nailed it.

Here are a couple links for new solenoids to give you an idea of what you will want to replace.

GM ACDelco - Shift Solenoid #GM-24219819

TRANSTAR - 4t65e Pressure Control Solenoid #TRS-D84431G


There is also a chance it could be the torque converter, so it would be best to have a shop give it a once over prior to doing anything and see what their professional opinion would be. But I also suggest getting a couple shops to check it over as sometimes they aren't always having your best interest in mind

 

Yea I know what you mean about shops but I do actually trust the guys I go to. There have been times I knew what the problem was just didn't have time to fix and they diagnosed exactly that without any bs. They've even done some things for free for me when it was a simple job.

 

Also, just curious-you make it sound like shift solenoid is a DIY project, but opening up a trans does not sound like my idea of DIY.

 

To cut it short your trans has failed, save up for a rebuild and good luck

 

I agree with you on opening a trans not being a DIY project. I personally would never open one up. The shops say it's fairly easy for them, but whats easy for them is not easy for me, lol, but let me see them play Pachabella's Canon in Dm which is easy for me hehehe.

They are a common fail point with these transmissions, which is why they sell the kits to fix them. A lot of garages replace them on a fairly regular basis. You can do what Habbibie suggests and purchase a rebuilt tranny and it should get you through quite a few of worry free years, or if you are on a budget you can purchase the solenoids and keep yours for a few worry free years. My tranny has 281 800 kms on it, and it periodically has the sticky shift (just what I call it lol) and I will eventually probably just replace the solenoids and keep the tranny going for as long as possible. Although keep in mind I don't always do the smartest things, just generally what I can afford at the time