2001 Monte Carlo SS
No modifications

Symptoms:

After about 15 minutes or numerous transmission shift change cycles, HARD SHIFTING / BANGING

Whining Noise while accelerating

Code: 118 - Pressure Control Solenoid

3 quotes:
1) $850 to replace Pressure Control Solenoid
2) $2100 to rebuild transmission
3) $2400 to rebuild transmission

Both # 2 and #3 told me that despite the Pressure Control Solenoid code, the transmission actually needs to be rebuilt. #2 said that if the Pressure Control Solenoid is replaced, the transmission "might last 2 months, or 12 months, but either way it needs to be rebuilt" and "I am going to lose 2nd and 4th gear".

NOTE: I had ZERO transmission problems before my engine was replaced due to an engine fire. I ask....while installing the replacement engine, COULD the mechanics have screwed something up with the transmission, wiring, connections, circuits, etc.?

The question remains...........to rebuild or not to rebuild. So far I am leaning towards just replacing the pressure control solenoid and go from there.

Thank you.
Domenic

P.S. - yes I have posted on this board before (I'm the guy that thought the car was totaled due to fire). Figured I would create a separate message.

 

Check out tripple edge performance's prices. I have heard good things about them. I had mine rebuilt by a local shop for 1688 installed with a shift kit.

 

I faced a similar situation with my car. I will tell you the costs to rebuild your transmission seem a bit high. I ended up rebuilding mine at 107k and am glad I did.

I only paid 1300 for the rebuild with updates and a shift kit. This has a 3/36 warranty from a local guy who has been in business for eons.

Costs are going to vary by region of course. I would avoid the AAMCOs of the world as they usually put the cheapest possible parts in and charge big bucks!!!

Good luck.

 

Depending how many miles your car had before the engine was rebuilt, your trans could have been on it's way out and couldn't keep with the rebuilt engine. I would have the trans rebuilt but shop around first. The quotes seem high for our trans. I had an issue like that with a Cherokee whose engine was rebuilt and the trans went within a month. As mrl390 said contact triple edge performance and see if you can get the rebuild kit for the trans, and have a certified mech install it. Good luck with it!

 

Thanks guys!!
I will keep calling around and see if I can get a cheaper price. The 2100 price came from a company called Benchmark Transmission in Delaware. I live in Bear, Delaware. The 2400 price is high because it include some financing charges, if you don't have the 2100 up front. This guy is very respected in Philadelphia and does great work. Recommended by a mechanic and he rebuilt my brothers transmission. He said he uses different part or clutch plates (I dont know) that are better than what GM recommends. He talked to me for about 20 minutes...really nice guy and he explained things well. He also told me it needs to be rebuilt vs Solenoid and explained why....but not being so technical, alot was hard to explain. But he told me when I meet him in person he will tell me, and show me the transmission itself. He said he will be very transparent.

The tranny had 88K miles......replaced engine has about 50K miles...

 

At 88k I really have to wonder what's going on? Did you beat this thing to death...that is awful early for a motor and trans?

You may want to look at a junkyard replacement as well...can save a lot of money if you can find a low mile one.

I guess it all depends on how long you are keeping the car and its condition.

I know on mine, I have thrown way too much money at it lately with other issues that need tended too as well with it...kind of a money pit at this point. Guess it beats payments though?

 

I was told the engine fire reason would be tough to know with 100% certainty. So I might never know.

As far as beating on the car.......no.

It's my wife's car and she never really drove it far. I would take it to Atlantic City once in a while just to get it out on the road. Transmission fluid has been changed twice since we owned the vehicle. So no idea what is up with needing a rebuilt tranny now. Very upsetting.

 

I ran into the pressure control solenoid myself on a 2003 SS - dealer wanted $900 to replace that, at which point we would find out of the trans needed to be rebuilt. Seems this is common with the 4t65e trans, although I had 195k miles on mine when I had it diagnosed. It had been my wife's daily driver and she didn't notice an issue in shifting. I did when I started driving it. Anyhow, with 195k miles on the motor I decided it wasn't worth putting $900 into the trans that would likely have led to a rebuild. I opted to swap the motor and trans (and axles) with a supercharged motor and HD trans out of a 2004 SS. The donor parts had 49k miles on them. I couldn't be happier with the results. Got everything from Morad in OH. Total investment was about $3k.

 

The price do sound high but if heard that sometimes they can re-build it with harder parts so the tranny can last a little longer. i dont know how true that is but you can check.

 

FINAL UPDATE

Thanks everyone for your replies.

A few weeks ago, the transmission was rebuilt. I paid over $2000. The results have been great so far. The car literally runs better than ever and feels VERY strong. Even when I bought the car, it didn't run as well as it does now.

Only problem I am having now: sometimes the car will start and then immediately stall. This has happened about 4 times. Each time, I noticed I left the air conditioning on, not sure if this has anything to do with anything. Like, does it take more power to start the car if the air conditioning is on? Normally I turn it off before I turn the car off, so the next time I start the car, it is positioned off.

After the stalling, I started it again and it was fine. I have no problems after that and NO problems at ALL while driving. As stated, it actually runs better than ever.

Thoughts?