2001 Aurora trans problem?

I have a 2001 Aurora 3.5 with about 90K miles and I'm having this problem occasionally. It shifts very hard when I'm in drive sometimes and then somestimes it shifts smoothly like normal. When it is shifting hard I can hear a whirring sound. Any suggestions as to what this could be? The car shifts from park to reverse to drive and back with no problems.

hmm. V6 Aurora should be the 4T65-E meaning there is no vacuum control. So it is 100% computer controlled for shifting.

Whirring is usually the FLUID PUMP (9 times out of 10). I say check the fluid level first off, then the colour. If your fluid is getting dark, you might want to have it flushed and a new filter put in. Could be that you have some junk in the pan that is intermittantly clogging the filter causeing the on again, off again problem.

Thanks for responding. I have checked the fluid but I'm not sure I did it the right way. Is there a special way to check it? Also on the whirring sound (fluid pump) does this mean the pump is bad or going bad or possibly just low on fluid.

That sounds like the pressure control solenoid. When it's shifting hard, if you pull over and shut it off for a few minutes, does it start shifting smoothly again? This will cost you anywhere from $400-$700 to fix, depending on who you go to. If you drive too long like this, you could damage your transmission severely.

Thanks for the info. Is this a job you can do yourself or does the trans have to be pulled. I did some research on the part and it only costs around $ 35.00.

Thanks

I am having the same problem with my 2001 Aurora, with the verd hard shifting and whirring sound. It only does it maybe once every two. Did replacing the solenoid work for you?

i have a whirring sound coming from 1996 aurora. it whirrs in park, but when my foot is on brake and put in gear you can't hear. in neutral you can hear. when i drive you can hear, but not as much cause it's whirring faster. can anyone help me. is it the tranny or possible belt. the sound is under the hood, between engine and reserve tank on driver side

i have a 1996 olds aurora. has a whirring sound coming from between coolant reserve and engine. don't know what it is. whirring with a slight chirping. when in park u can hear, neutral you can hear. if i put foot on brake and put in gearyou can't hearwith foot on brake. if i start moving you can't hear as good because its whirring faster. anyone know what this could be. would really appreciate i'm new hear . great site. i don't knowif it is the tranny or a possiblle pulley or what