I have a 2002 Monte SS Dale Earnhardt, 178XXX miles. Never had any trans issues. The other day I drove about 12 miles and it started shifting really hard until overdrive then seemed fine. Heard the whining noise. Parked for 30 minutes and drove another 100+ miles and it was fine, like nothing happened. Trying to figure out what it may be. I'm sure there is something on this already, but I don't have much time to dig right now. Any help would be appreciated. Checked fluid levels and it seemed high... I have owned the car for 120,000 miles and never changed trans fluid. Still looks and smells good except it was slightly bubbly when I checked. (I know I should have done the maintenance on it, but trans people around here said if it doesn't get maintenance every 40,000 then never touch it). Thanks in advance.

 

Don't listen to the trans people. Don't do a full flush against a machine, but definitely get it drained (pan drop) and filled back up, and use Dexron 6.

However, if it's acting up, then acting like nothing happened, it might be a sensor starting to go on the fritz

 

If I recall, the GM maintenance schedule on these basically states if you don't drive it in harsh environments and up lots of hills, change the fluid and filter at 100K. Changing sooner never hurts anything. I changed my Monte around 70K because of the age (I only drive it during the summer). But, all my other FWD GMs I have changed around 100K, no issues. Last one was a '94 Grand Am, sold it with 215K and changed the trans fluid twice on the 100K interval.


Hmmm, almost sounds like the name of a band lol.

 

Sounds like you are having a pressure control solenoid problem. It is a solenoid inside the tranny. Normally starts after the tranny gets warm. It can come and go. My 02 SS started doing the same thing at around 110K. It won't kill it right away but it's not good for it over a long period of time.

 

I agree with all of the above, and I think coolhand nailed it. You can confirm that with a Tech 2 scanner in the transmission menu. The fluid filter could also be clogging after that many miles. The transmission doesn't have to be removed to replace the Pressure Control Solenoid. Just lower the engine cradle and remove the side case to access it.

 

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, though I know many of you here are very active. I'm having similar shifting issues and am looking to replace all of the solenoids. How exactly would you go about getting to the tranny side case without removing everything next to the engine on that side?

 

Check this before you get to much into it.
You might want to try an pick up a service manual for this car if you want to do the work yourself. They are available on ebay. Things in there that you won't find in a Chiltons or Hanes.

 

Will do. Thanks!