VS tranny trouble...

[ataylor2703]

Hey guys

I just bought a 96 vs calais, its in good nik with 195xxx kms

the issue i have is when i first start it in the morning and try and take off it feels like its trying to take off in 4th gear it revs and moves like a snail.

after a while or turning it off and back on a couple of times it goes ok.... but slips a bit and isnt the smoothest.


So is it new gear box time or is this a common problem????


Cheers

 

[PanthaVS]

does it drive normally after a few minutes? (only does this on start up)... if so, drop the transmission pan and make sure your filter is still clipped in... if the filter has fallen out, the transmission pump sucks air when you first start the car. (The filter is sitting on the bottom of the pan) and after a few minutes the filter gets sucked up into place and the transmission works like normal.

Note: the filter in the 4l60e transmission can be described like a straw... without it, you get no fluid sucking up into the pump.

 

[ataylor2703]

God I hope it's this easy to fix, I'll let you know

 

[hako]

Try a fault code test as it sounds like the transmission is in Limp Home Mode https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/checking-error-codes-vr-vs-revised.22307
Also check the colour of you trans fluid - it should be red - not brown or burnt smelling.

 

[ataylor2703]

ok so i checked the error codes and got.

Code 32 - Manifold Air Flow Sensor
Code 35 - Idle Speed error
Code 66 - 3 - 2 Shift Control Solenoid Circuit Fault - Auto Transmission Only

what do these mean???

 

[hako]

The code 66 is the one of interest - means that the 2-3 solenoid is either fully buggered or intermittently failing and causing the problem you describe which is LHM (limp home mode). You can fix it yourself if you feel confident or get a trans place to do it for you....prob cost about $2-300. So that may mean the trans is not totally gone ($2000+).
So I'd go to a trans repair place and tell them it went into LHM and you've got a code 66....they will know what you're talking about and quote you a price....it's really a very easy fix for them as they put it on the hoist and have all the tools and tricks of the trade. Good Luck.

 

[ataylor2703]

Well today went to a gearbox specialist and the news isn't good, apparently the internals of the box is gone

Anyway what he suggests is a reco VT box installed and he quoted $1600 which includes torque converter
reco

What do you guys reckon???

 

[seq4x4]

Shame you dont live closer. I have a perfect VT box here. But the question is, why did they say VT box when you have a VS?

 

[VR38]

Well today went to a gearbox specialist and the news isn't good, apparently the internals of the box is gone

Anyway what he suggests is a reco VT box installed and he quoted $1600 which includes torque converter
reco

What do you guys reckon???

I reckon find another mechanic, $15 part and 1/2 hour labour.

 

[VR38]

I have a perfect VT box here. But the question is, why did they say VT box when you have a VS?

Probably cause the last bloke he took for a ride owned with the same problem owned a VT...