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Chevy Venture Transmission Issues

66 messages,  Last post on Aug 13, 2012 at 9:33 AM

You are in the Chevy Venture Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Venture, Transmission, Van

Messages Page 4 of 7

#27 of 66 Re: Hard Jerking And Lack of Power [krobanker1] by 442dude

Apr 15, 2008 (5:45 am)

Replying to: krobanker1 (Apr 14, 2008 6:34 pm)
Hello...
 
I am not a mechanic unless there's a shade tree and some beer around
 
That being said, couple of suggestions -
 
-Chances are, the pressure control solenoid inside your trans is failing causing the bumping shifts and whining noises. Any competent trans shop can make this repair - expect $ 600-900...and yes, it tends to get worse as the weather gets warmer...
 
 - Are you a gambling person? Try this...go to the auto parts store and buy "Lucas Transmission Fix" put 1/2 bottle in and wait 2 weeks...your problem might go away...strangely enough, that's how I got rid of it on mine and it was completely by accident... NOTE: it will get worse for the week or so right after you do it and you will say "I can't believe that I listened to that guy on the internet!!!!" but then it might even go away. That was 2 years ago, haven't had to worry about it since and my mechanic told me I needed a new transmission when it first started happening 3 years ago...Worst case...you wait a couple of weeks, it doesn't go away and you bring it to the trans shop for the solenoid repair...Good luck

#28 of 66 Re: Hard Jerking And Lack of Power [442dude] by fleastiff

Jun 30, 2008 (2:33 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Apr 15, 2008 5:45 am)
Where does one add the Lucas Transmission Fix?
Why add only a HALF bottle of it?
Are there any risks to using this product?

#29 of 66 Re: Hard Jerking And Lack of Power [fleastiff] by 442dude

Jun 30, 2008 (5:43 am)

Replying to: fleastiff (Jun 30, 2008 2:33 am)
Where does one add the Lucas Transmission Fix? - Put it in right where you would add trans fluid (at the dipstick)
 
Why add only a HALF bottle of it? - Because that was what I had left in the bottle when I did it? Actually, it says on the label that you should only use 1/2 a bottle for smaller transmissions. I don't know if the trans in the Venture qualifies as small.
 
Are there any risks to using this product? - Says on the label that its good as "preventative maintenance" so you can put it in a perfectly OK trans without a problem. You may want to contact Lucas directly for more info...
 
I'm not promoting their product...I just tried an experiment when I had nothing to lose and by chance it worked...hopefully it will help someone else too...

#30 of 66 2003 chevy venture trans trouble by rocco7

Nov 15, 2008 (10:50 am)

yesterday on my 2003 chevy venture lost overdrive and now also has a whine noise could anyone tell me is this is expensive to fix.

#31 of 66 Re: 2003 chevy venture trans trouble [rocco7] by duraflex

Nov 20, 2008 (7:18 am)

Replying to: rocco7 (Nov 15, 2008 10:50 am)
rocco7 - SEE MESSAGE # 3 and listed replies.
 
My own 2000 Venture started whining last night after a high speed 500 mile run on the PA Turnpike through the mountains and flat old I-70 West to central Ohio. Temps were around 28 degrees F.
 
It was fine on the trip until I got 5 miles from home and this noise began that sounded like running on under-inflated tires.
 
I'm going to have it checked but this transmission pressure or "transaxle pressure control solenoid" seems the likely culprit from what I've read here.

#32 of 66 Re: 2003 chevy venture trans trouble [duraflex] by 442dude

Nov 20, 2008 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: duraflex (Nov 20, 2008 7:18 am)
Your diagnosis is likely correct but try this:
 
1. Get a can of mass air flow sensor cleaner and follow the directions to clean the MAF.
 
2. Change your air filter.
 
While the solenoid is likely your problem, occasionally the MAF will get dirty and that combined with an air filter that has a little dirt in it will cause the PCM to get some wacky info from the MAF sensor causing it to shift with a bump and whine. For the
$ 15.00 it will cost you its certainly worth a try.

#33 of 66 Re: 2003 chevy venture trans trouble [442dude] by duraflex

Nov 22, 2008 (11:25 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Nov 20, 2008 6:05 pm)
442dude - the shifting is fine with NO bumps or unusual noises.
 
My whine noise is constant as I roll, even if I put the car in neutral and coast with the engine on - of course.
 
What is mass air flow sensor cleaner and where would I spray it?
 
I am not a motor head but I can follow simple instructions.
 
Thanks.

#34 of 66 Re: 2003 chevy venture trans trouble [duraflex] by 442dude

Nov 22, 2008 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: duraflex (Nov 22, 2008 11:25 am)
The MAF is located between the air filter and the engine intake. Its the square looking thing with a wire connected to it and a short length of hose on either side of it. There's also an arrow on it to tell you which way the air should flow through it so you know which way to put it back in.
 
The cleaner comes in a aerosol can and is made by CRC (maybe others too?) You can find it at any decent auto parts store. Just be sure to follow the directions on the can to a "T". And don't let the little red hose on the can contact any part of the MAF sensor.
 
Good Luck,
 
John

#35 of 66 Re: 2003 chevy venture trans trouble [duraflex] by duraflex

Dec 10, 2008 (9:08 am)

Replying to: duraflex (Nov 20, 2008 7:18 am)
Turns out my whining noise and the feeling that I was driving on under-inflated tires or that car would not shift to 4th gear was NOT a transmission problem.
 
The problem was a BAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING.
 
My local BP garage mechanic put the computer on it, found no transmission codes or anything else wrong with the engine.
 
He said I had a bad wheel bearing. He replaced it and now the 2000 Venture drives like new with 70,000 miles on it!
 
Cost was $400.
 
My clue that they were on the right track was when I was driving to put the car in Neutral and let it coast and it still dragged. To me that meant it must not be a trans problem.

#36 of 66 Re: Hard Jerking And Lack of Power [442dude] by fng985

Dec 27, 2008 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: 442dude (Jan 17, 2008 7:59 pm)
I have a 2000 Venture and I had that problem and throwing diferant types of codes. The mechanic I used to work for had me take the mass airflow sensor off and clean it with throtle body cleaner spray and a Q tip. Make sure all the stuff is off the wires then put it back together. Worked good for me. No running problems or anything for a while. But my tranny is acting wierd it whines shift hard sometimes and now shudders, I have to let is set when I start it cold bfore it will move.

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