[ChevelleSS_LS6]

So my 2000 GrandAm SE 4door (affectionately named "GrandMa" for obvious reasons) has the 207ci v6 (3400) that's backed (sided?) by what I believe to be the 4t40-E four speed slushbox. The GTs got the heavier duty 4t45-E with a better gear if I'm right, but that's off subject.

The other day I'm pulling onto the highway onramp, and when it's at normal running temp I have a habit of "clearing it out" there, or flooring it, since it gives me a reason to have a little fun with the daily driver on occasion.

Well, towards the top of 2nd the engine "revs ahead" 500 rpm or so, it wasn't at the limiter (6200rpm if I'm right). I tried this going from 60 to 80 and the same thing happened. I assume it's from "high" load (I dont think aerodynamics had much to do with it but perhaps), and the engine running at WOT in it's powerband (4000-5500rpm I think) overwhelms the mechanisms in the tranny.

The fluid level is at the right level, and it is "dirty" (clutch dust?). I did a fluid/filter change last fall.

SO...
a) is it slippin or is more info needed for a diagnosis?
b) is there any "band-aids in a bottle" you guys recommend? My uncle swears by lucas products(his childhood was spent under the hoods of random GM products in the 60s and 70s). I'm just wondering if there's anything better.

[smileys35]

The lucas oils and what have you, I believe they just thicken everthing up, which in return overtime just oil starves the valves. I guess you don't have anything to lose, but if that fixes your problem, it will be temporary. Maybe the torque convertor is getting bad. I would also change the fluid and filter just to make sure you get all the dirt out from last time. Hope this helps.

[tnsmith10]

Originally Posted by ChevelleSS_LS6

So my 2000 GrandAm SE 4door (affectionately named "GrandMa" for obvious reasons) has the 207ci v6 (3400) that's backed (sided?) by what I believe to be the 4t40-E four speed slushbox. The GTs got the heavier duty 4t45-E with a better gear if I'm right, but that's off subject.

The other day I'm pulling onto the highway onramp, and when it's at normal running temp I have a habit of "clearing it out" there, or flooring it, since it gives me a reason to have a little fun with the daily driver on occasion.

Well, towards the top of 2nd the engine "revs ahead" 500 rpm or so, it wasn't at the limiter (6200rpm if I'm right). I tried this going from 60 to 80 and the same thing happened. I assume it's from "high" load (I dont think aerodynamics had much to do with it but perhaps), and the engine running at WOT in it's powerband (4000-5500rpm I think) overwhelms the mechanisms in the tranny.

The fluid level is at the right level, and it is "dirty" (clutch dust?). I did a fluid/filter change last fall.

SO...
a) is it slippin or is more info needed for a diagnosis?
b) is there any "band-aids in a bottle" you guys recommend? My uncle swears by lucas products(his childhood was spent under the hoods of random GM products in the 60s and 70s). I'm just wondering if there's anything better.

how did u check the fluid level on a 4t40e when it has no dipstick???

[Jmark]

No dipstick? How does that work? Inquiring minds want to know.

[sbchevfreak]

GM went through a short period when they thought their transmissions would never leak, fail, or need serviced . All they had was a small red screw in cap - with no means for accurately checking fluid level. I believe it lasted for the 2000 model year only, but I may be mistaken.

[tnsmith10]

there is a plug in the case by the passenger side axle. car needs to be at operating temp, running, in park... pull the plug, if nothing comes out, its low on fluid, if u get a few drops/ dribble... good to go
p.s. it looks like a pressure tap plug, and as far as i can remember, theres not another remotely close to it... should be roughly at eye level with axle..

[Gramps]

I have a 2000 Grand Am GT with a similiar problem. When I am driving around 80 kph (about 50 mph) the engine rpm surges 2 or 300 rpm. If I step on the gas to the get the revs up a bit (even by 5mph) the surging will stop.
I have taken it to the GM dealer who could not find any code errors. They cleaned the throttle body however that made no difference. I have had my tranny flushed, injectors flushed, fuel filter changed and I still have the problem. If you find out what it is then pass it along.

[spinn]

that sounds like a converter problem

[Gramps]

They (GM mechanic) test drove the vehicle and got the car to duplicate the problem however no codes showed up. If it was a converter problem wouldn't a code show up?

Originally Posted by spinn

that sounds like a converter problem

[scrot]

If it was a converter problem wouldn't a code show up?

================================================== ========
No. The lock up function could be slipping. This could be an electrical problem with the lock up solenoid. Just one possibility.

[Gramps]

Thanks.I will get them to check this the next time it is in for servicing. Will it do any harm driving it the way it is?

[ChevelleSS_LS6]

I drained a little fluid out of the little check-hole (its right above the pass. side axle) since my dad said "a little extra wont hurt" and it hasn't had that rpm surging at WOT at highway speeds since (read: passing slow people, and I like to hear the exhaust)

I did a pan drop (change a few quarts there, the rest is in the converter and all) plus a new trans filter, and it shifted smoother and I didn't really notice the "slip" but then again I was easier on it until I got the exhaust about 2 weeks before problem was noticed... it actually sounds pretty nice, a deep rumbly idle and all, but I'm not hijacking my own thread.