98 Intrigue Transmission Issue

I have a 98 Intrigue with the 3.8l, has about 140,000 miles, service engine light is on.

Here is the problem, started off with just a slight slipping, then added the transmission additive similar to LubeGuard, and slipping slowed down, but here is the problem now. No more slipping, but when I put it in Drive (doesn't matter if it's 1,2,3, or D), it stays and drives as if it were in 2nd or 3rd gear and will not downshift, or upshift. It will go into reverse just fine.

Any ideas as to what it could be?

Thanks in advance for all your help!!
James

If you have no first gear your car should stall from a start. -How do you know that there is no first gear?

So you have it locked into 2nd or 3rd gear and no shifting anywhere?

A good tranny shop can plug into your car and tell you what shift solenoids are not working or if the pressures are off. GM Tech 2 Scanner can do that also.

LubeGuard or nothing at all people say -so what did you use?

When is the last time you changed the tranny fluid and filter and get the silt off the bottom of that pan.

Got the code from the computer and this is what it said:

TCC stuck off
Explanation
TCC commanded on and the EMC detected the TCC slip speed higher than limits
1.-TCC solenoid failure
2.-Open or short circuit condition
3.-Blocked passage in transmission
4.-Check transmission range switch for proper operation

Would the TCC solenoid cause the transmission to stay in one gear?

I know that it is not going down into first gear as it does not shift at all and I can go 55 MPH at 3500-4000 RPM

Any idea as to what I should look at first and how to go about doing that. I do have mechanical abilities, but have never worked on a transmission or a front wheel drive car.

http://www.cryptnix.com/cutlass/TCC%20and%20Brake.doc

-check that brake switch (P0719)

This is the additive I used:

Lucas transmission fix is a non-solvent formulas that stops slip, hesitation and rough shifting in worn transmissions and completely eliminates most seal leaks. Lowers operating temperatures and stops foaming. Can be added to existing fluid without draining any out. Effective in an extremely high porcentage of cases.

The code number from the computer was P0741

http://service.gm.com/gmspo/mode6/ (PDF format)

P0741 - TCC slippage

http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Parts.php
http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/Solenoids_and_Valves.html

This aftermarket TCC apply valve replaces the stock piece and has been upgraded in several areas. A bad valve can caues code P0741 and no lockup, this one is designed to work well in valve bodies with wear. They can be rather difficult to install so only experienced users should buy these.

http://www.ctpowertrain.com/servlet/the-335/TRANSGO-4T65E-4T65-dsh-E-SK4T65E/Detail

CORRECTS:
For electronic pressure controlled transmission, parts and data included.
Prevents long shifts and hard shifts
chatter or on acceleration
no 4th or lock-up.
Addresses Codes P1811 & P0741.

http://www.automaticchoice.com/Catalogue/4t65e.pdf (diagrams)

You may want to look into AlldataDIY.com or a service manual. Most likely it's the solenoid that may be dirty/gummy.

http://www.3800pro.com/forum/dtcs-problems-troubleshooting/49-p0741-tcc-system-stuck-off.html?t-49.html

This is the additive I used:

Lucas transmission fix is a non-solvent formulas that stops slip, hesitation and rough shifting in worn transmissions and completely eliminates most seal leaks. Lowers operating temperatures and stops foaming. Can be added to existing fluid without draining any out. Effective in an extremely high porcentage of cases.

The code number from the computer was P0741

I had the exact same problem with that Lucas product then made a mistake and had it flushed then those codes with popped up. drained two more times and used Rislone product and after two hundred miles of nursing, it got back to normal. The one day of driving 75-80mph for two hours tranny disengaged and I had very little hook up to nothing. something stuck going to try another drain/refill. I called Lucas and state they don't ever get these kinda of calls, they recommend a flush and refill.You know they will never admit their product fails, they offer a refund only.

I am afraid that your tranny is toast. The cheapest way to repair is to find one in a junk yard, (usually about $500) and pay a shop to replace it. Total cost is about $1000 if you have a shop do it. You can do it yourself and save the labor, IF you can support the engine from above while you remove the tranny from below. Sounds simple, but it is not. Alternatively, some members of this board have removed the entire front cradle, and removed the engine/tranny from the cradle, then replace the tranny. Rebuilds of this transmission typically cost between $2-3 K, a little steep unless the car is pristine, and you are planning on keeping it for a looong time. I got 350K miles out of my '98, but I had to replace the tranny 4 times during that period. Usually got about 90K miles in between transmissions, the first one was a rebuild, the other 3 were used. Face it, the '98 transmission was junk to start with, and it didn't get better. There are some sites around that offer heavy duty replacement parts, clutch packs, solenoids, etc., but, unless you are willing to make that investment, my experience says that you'll have to spend a grand about every 90K miles... Still, it is cheaper than dropping $30-40 K on a new vehicle...

My .02 cents worth (flame suit on...):banghead:

Good Luck! Mark

This post is fairly old guys, the OP posted back in February of this year, Im sure they took care of it by now...

Still good info though.