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Chevrolet Impala Transmission Problems

444 messages,  Last post on May 21, 2013 at 7:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Transmission, Sedan

Messages Page 13 of 45

#116 of 444 2001 Impala LS Transmission Rebuild by topper7

Sep 27, 2008 (8:07 pm)

Mileage 86,498
 
Other than the usual Impala problems that everone else had in the past, I do like my red Implala.
I had experienced a transmission shift problem for the last couple months. I drive 45 miles one way to work all highway miles. I do drive easy on the accelerator. The problem is most noticable at the 45 MPH shift. The shift acts like it is having problems deciding what gear to go in. The RPM gauge will jump back and forth causing the car to lurch back and forth.
 
If I push the accelerator down a little bit, it will downshift, accelerate to a higher speed (50 MPH) and then shift just fine.
 
Sometimes this happens at the lower gear shift point around 30 MPH, but much more noticable at the higher gear change.
 
I checked the Trans fluid. Fluid looked clear and no burn smell.
It progressively got worse, and not wanting a problem like this to cause a major problem in the winter, I made some calls to several transmission places and to a dealership.
 
After explaining the problem to each one, no one will give you any idea of what the problem is. Just bring it in, they say.
 
So I took it to a local ATRA transmission shop that was reported to me as a reputable place to go. They have been in business more that 25 years. I was told that this was a common problem with the Impala, but sometimes it is a simple fix.
 
I left it with them to look at. Received a call about 2 hours later stating that it was more serious than they thought and would need $340.00 to tear it down to make a more thorough check on the transmission.
I asked what my worse case scenerio would be. They said they would not try to guess at this point. I approved the tear down.
 
Received a call a couple hours later and was told that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. Said the cost would be $2475.23 with tax.
The breakdown is rebuild transmiision = 1073.63, converter = 241.88, filter = 9.14, ATF = 24.50. Labor = 910.00, flush cooler = 65.00, tax = 151.07.
 
I asked if it would be cheaper to put in a brand new transmission. Was told that I would have the same problem again, because it would be the same transmission that I originally had. Said the rebuild will have better parts put inside than what the new one comes with. The rebuild comes with a one year warranty and is covered with any ATRA transmission place nationwide.
 
So, car is working fine, shifts well, the people at the shop were clean and polite. The shop was in good order. I do not know if this is a good price or not. Just wondering if anyone one knew.
 
I have read on this forum that several people have been having transmission problems also. I am 59 years old and never had a car with transmission problems until now. I do not abuse my cars and usually run them up to 200,000 miles plus before buying another.
 
This is frustrating and irratates me. I was driving a Chrysler LHS with 195,000 miles on it before I started to drive my wife's Impala. We were looking for another car for my wife, a Chevrolet car, Impala, Malibu or other to trade the LHS off or sale it outright as I usually do.
 
So what did we end up buying? A Honda for the wife and I am hoping I can drive the Impala another 100,000 miles. Then I have to drive the Honda. Come on GM! Whaaaa!

#117 of 444 P0742 and a 1811code on a 03 Chevy Imapala with 113K by kward1718

Oct 01, 2008 (2:33 pm)

I've seen a lot of questions on here about the same problem but no one posted what they did to get it fixed... Can someone send a reply of how they fixed the problem and how the car is running now?

#118 of 444 Re: P0742 and a 1811code on a 03 Chevy Imapala with 113K [kward1718] by pkreed98

Oct 04, 2008 (8:58 am)

Replying to: kward1718 (Oct 01, 2008 2:33 pm)
We have a 03 impala w/ 115k on it. It shakes when shifting gears, and hesitates. We took it to shop, came back with same two codes as yours. He cleaned the Mass air flow sensor and changed trans. fluid and filter. I drove it to work 45 miles each way, ran fine. Now today, has the same problems and the check engine light is back on. Will keep you posted on what we find out. Would appreciate any information you have to offer.

#119 of 444 Re: P0742 and a 1811code on a 03 Chevy Imapala with 113K [pkreed98] by fordfan_17

Oct 05, 2008 (6:49 am)

Replying to: pkreed98 (Oct 04, 2008 8:58 am)
P0742 is a TCC comanded off code (torque converter clutch) this code is a secondary code to the 1811 code which is max shift adapts reached code. this/vehicle has what is called ADAPTIVE learn memory, which means it learns the drivers habits..the reason the trans is shifting hard is because the computer can no longer adapt the shift strategy to keep the trans shifting smoothly, so the pcm locks line pressure at maximum and sets code 1811 and turns on check engine light. once code 1811 is set the pcm also disables lock up in the transmission hence the 742 code. the 4T65E transaxle is very prone to this problem unfortunately it means the trans has to come out to be repaired. there will not be a major amount of damage but the valve body will need some updates or the code will return.a new pressure control solenoid and input speed sensor are also a must with this trans since in order to replace these 2 items the trans has to be removed also line pressure boost valve needs to be replaced to get oil circuit integrity back in control. if you need further info please visit www.sonnax.com and look under transmission specialties add in your year make and model of car and transmission id = 4T65E this will bring you to the page of corrections for your cars trans. and you will be able to see what needs to be done in order to get your vehicle running correctly again. Im sorry to say this means an overhaul but at least you will go in with your eyes wide open. this is an expensive transmission to repair
 
cheers Gene

#120 of 444 Transmission Slips then Stops by level

Oct 26, 2008 (1:55 pm)

My transmission on 2007 Impala LTZ was repaired at 35k miles. However, about 2x a month it still randomly and unexpectedly slips when taking off at the traffic light. It will continue to slip at the next 2 or 3 traffic lights and then it will clear up. The problem is that by the time I make it to the dealer it is no longer slipping. Does anyone have any ideas about what is going on?

#121 of 444 50th Anniversary Impala by jonashs

Oct 26, 2008 (6:24 pm)

I got one that will top you all. We have a 2002 Impala LS that we love; no problems, good mileage; excellent car. In July; whike car shopping, we ran across this Golden Anniversary Impala. Pretty cool car. Only 6000 made. Only comes in two colors: Black ans Red Jewel Tint. Tried it out; liked it and made the deal. Around the 4th of July, Chevy had a deal with 0% financing for 60 months. You can't beat that. The car has the 3500 motor, compared to the 3800 our '02 has. Therefore should get better mileage. WRONG!!! "02 gets 26-27 in town and 32-33 on highway. '08 gets 23 in town and 26 at best on Freeway. That's driving only 68 mph. That should have been my first clue. At 800 miles, the tranny starts this up-down clunking transmission trick. Called the dealer. They came and picked it up at my work. Oh yeah; the AC was cool at it's lowest setting. Out of its first 22 days we owned it, it was in the shop 12 days. I told them that I wasn't picking up that car when it was fixed. I wanted a different car. I filed a claim with Chevrolet; they give me some reference number. Basically after e-mailing the head of Customer Relations. and ED Pepper ( the North American Vice-President); I loose. You cannot beat a large company, even when they turn out a pile of CRAP!!!. So I drive this car which by now I truly dislike; and guess what? I was at a locksmith class out of town, and all of a sudden, I pull into Arby's for a bite to eat, and I can't get the shifter anywhere above Neutral. I shut car off. Turn back on several times while trying to move shifter, and finally it moves. It pulls this trick on me several more times that day. Made an appointment at the Dealer; and they tell me that there are no computer codes designating anything wrong. Also they cannot duplicate either problem. Car now has 3055 miles on it, and I hate it. Chevrolet won't back or help me at all. Every time I get some e-mail or letter, the last question is always: How do you like your 50th Anniversary Impala? I always say that I am extremely disappointed in this car. They could give a crap less. This is the 6th new GM vehicle that we have bought since '77, and it will be our last one. I guess that I should have taken the 4 month wait and gotten the Car I wanted in the first place. The TOYOTA PRIUS. Foreign will be our next vehicle. Harry Jonas, Central Wisconsin.

#122 of 444 Re: 50th Anniversary Impala [jonashs] by level

Oct 26, 2008 (8:35 pm)

Replying to: jonashs (Oct 26, 2008 6:24 pm)
Something is going on with GM. I think they want to put out consistently good vehicles and the engineering is right, but due to their financial woes they cut back on costs where they can --- parts, 3rd party components, warranty work, etc. Plus I think one major problem is they can only focus on putting quality into a few models at a time, right now Malibu, Saturn Aura, Silverardo. I feel you, my wife and other family members have started switching to foreign models after buying GM for years.

#123 of 444 Re: 2004 Impala Transmission [rbrase] by level

Nov 04, 2008 (8:32 am)

Replying to: rbrase (Nov 12, 2007 11:04 am)
See my post #120.

#124 of 444 Re: 2003 Impala Transmission Problem [rails31] by level

Nov 04, 2008 (8:35 am)

Replying to: rails31 (Feb 08, 2007 9:45 pm)
See my post #120.

#125 of 444 Re: Transmission Problem [cuff] by level

Nov 04, 2008 (8:50 am)

Replying to: cuff (Nov 21, 2006 10:34 pm)
I have a 2007 Impala and have been experiencing the same transmission problems as most of you. My car about three times a month slips when taking off at light, sometimes catching me by surprise ---strong jerk, once pulling car into next lane.
 
Who is up to joining me in class action against the 3rd party transmission supplier & perhaps GM?
 
I buy American products but with this performance I'm not sure how long I can hold out given the economy and the need to get good "lasting" value for hard earned money. Now is the time to demand better of our American companies before the remaining consumers bolt for foreign vehicles!

Messages Page 13 of 45

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