08 Impala Trans Slip

Have a 2008 Impala with 3.9l and 116,000 miles on it. Most are highway to work each day a hour each way. I have quit driving for work and now is wife's local car. Noticed recently when you jump in and go to back out of the garage the trans will slip briefly and then bang in fully. If I wait to hit the gas just a little longer after shifting in gear all works OK and is solid. Noticed last week in a parking lot as I shifted from forward to reverse to go back and forth if I was a little too quick on the gas it would slip. If I delayed hitting the gas just a little it had no problem and no slipping. Looking for any guidance if trnasmission is about to take a complete dump or if there is anything I can do to prevent failure other than not being too quick on the throttle after shifting in gear.
Thanks,
Teegolf

I assume you checked that the fluid was up to the correct level on the dipstick when the engine is warmed up and the vehicle is on level ground?

Have a 2008 Impala with 3.9l and 116,000 miles on it. Most are highway to work each day a hour each way. I have quit driving for work and now is wife's local car. Noticed recently when you jump in and go to back out of the garage the trans will slip briefly and then bang in fully. If I wait to hit the gas just a little longer after shifting in gear all works OK and is solid. Noticed last week in a parking lot as I shifted from forward to reverse to go back and forth if I was a little too quick on the gas it would slip. If I delayed hitting the gas just a little it had no problem and no slipping. Looking for any guidance if trnasmission is about to take a complete dump or if there is anything I can do to prevent failure other than not being too quick on the throttle after shifting in gear.
Thanks,
Teegolf

how many times have you had the fluid replaced 2 times ? if never I would expect failure at this mileage.

Levels all OK and correct. Fluid has never been changed looks and smells fine. What would you suggest for service? Is there a filter to change and what about fluid left in torque converter if I drain and refill?

Levels all OK and correct. Fluid has never been changed looks and smells fine. What would you suggest for service? Is there a filter to change and what about fluid left in torque converter if I drain and refill?

I would bring the vehicle to a transmission shop to determine how much $$ to repair. the fluid needs replacing every 40-50,ooomi more often if the vehicle is used in 90 deg f temps.

post back what they found. if nothing is damaged and just needs a cleaning I would be surprised.

fluid should be a red/pink color dexron VI is the correct fluid. use a white cloth to determine color. the darker the fluid the more it is burnt. if slipping it should be burnt.

I had an '07 Impala LTZ. At 100,000 miles I had the transmission flushed at the local dealer. That was the first service it had received. I noticed the transmission slipping occasionally at 135,000 miles, and was surprised because of the service about 7 months earlier. I drove it for another year and a half or so, and then traded it off after owning it 49 months. It had 210,000 miles and the transmission was no better or no worse. The dealer estimated the transmission replacement at $3500 and the car booked for $5800 due to the high mileage. I figured it was time to trade because the rest of the car was original with the exception of the water pump, tires and a battery. I figured it was going to start "nickel and diming" me to death. I traded it for an '11 Impala LT. To be honest I liked the '07 better because it had the 3.9 engine with the Active Fuel Management, which GM discontinued in '08. The 3.5 engine in the '11 LT does not get as good gas mileage as my '07 did.

your story is very odd in that the transmission was slipping from 135,ooo to 210,ooomi and still worked. very odd story.

could be a valve was sticking.

I had an '07 Impala LTZ. At 100,000 miles I had the transmission flushed at the local dealer. That was the first service it had received. I noticed the transmission slipping occasionally at 135,000 miles, and was surprised because of the service about 7 months earlier. I drove it for another year and a half or so, and then traded it off after owning it 49 months. It had 210,000 miles and the transmission was no better or no worse. The dealer estimated the transmission replacement at $3500 and the car booked for $5800 due to the high mileage. I figured it was time to trade because the rest of the car was original with the exception of the water pump, tires and a battery. I figured it was going to start "nickel and diming" me to death. I traded it for an '11 Impala LT. To be honest I liked the '07 better because it had the 3.9 engine with the Active Fuel Management, which GM discontinued in '08. The 3.5 engine in the '11 LT does not get as good gas mileage as my '07 did.

I'm sorry that the '07 you enjoyed so much has been retired - if I can ever be of assistance with your new '11 Impala, please be sure to get in touch here on the forum in a private message with more information.

Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

cgrams I agree with your findings on the 3.9 verses the 3.5. I also have a 2011 with 3.5 and now remeber why I bought the 3.9 in the 2008. The 3.9 gets as good or better mileage than the 3.5 and has the power to motor up and down the hills without shifting or dogging down. I wanted a 3.9 in the 2011 but did not want to buy a LTZ to get it due to the tire life and replacement tire prices on the LTZ. That is an issue for me with the amount of miles I run.

Hi Teegolf. When I bought the 'll LT I could have purchased an '11 LTZ for about $1000 more, but did not want the 18" rims. I also did not care for the color of the LTZ - it was Black. The dealer also told me the 3.5L V6 would get better mileage than the 3.9L V6. That might be true since the newer 3.9's don't run on 3 cylinders with Active Fuel Management (AFM). GM, in my opinion, made a mistake when they did away with AFM. How many miles did you put on your '08 before trading for the '11?

Cgrams, I still have the 2008 with 117K on it. Made the 2011 my daily driver and moved the 2008 to my wife as she does not drive many miles.

HI. I have an 08 Impala SS, 35k miles...started getting a trans slip from dead stop, usually when vehicle is 'warming' (in Minnesota). Took to dealer twice, they can not find any codes, and I cannot reproduce 'on the spot' for them. They have reprogrammed ebcm, and most recently replaced tranny lines (they said there was some evidence they were leaking....(but fluid was full). Well occassionally, still getting slip in first gear. Frustrating, love the car, and it is like new, never abused. Dealer won't help if no tranny code is showing on diagnostics. Looking for 'Sarah' from GM customer service? she has posted here prior...offering assistance...anyone have any ideas? What to do with this car?:disappoin

Welcome to AF. In all fairness to any shop, without experiencing something to confirm an existing condition what would they fix? Codes can be set for some types of trans malfunction but not all, based on what you say this seems like it would get worse and the shop would have a better chance of pinning it down, is it still under warranty?

HI. I have an 08 Impala SS, 35k miles...started getting a trans slip from dead stop, usually when vehicle is 'warming' (in Minnesota). Took to dealer twice, they can not find any codes, and I cannot reproduce 'on the spot' for them. They have reprogrammed ebcm, and most recently replaced tranny lines (they said there was some evidence they were leaking....(but fluid was full). Well occassionally, still getting slip in first gear. Frustrating, love the car, and it is like new, never abused. Dealer won't help if no tranny code is showing on diagnostics. Looking for 'Sarah' from GM customer service? she has posted here prior...offering assistance...anyone have any ideas? What to do with this car?:disappoin

slipage on cold engagement is usually a pressure problem. I would bring to a transmission shop that is recommended and have them replace the filter/fluid and check for proper pressures.

ONLY USE DEXRON VI FLUID !

keep all paper work and results found.if defects are revealed then go to the dealership for corrective action.

as mentioned the failure drive train codes are not 100%. with no codes and they not making pressures checks is a way out to correct the issue.

dealerships do not repair transmissions. they send out for repair to the cheapest repair contactor.

In reply to maxwedge...Yes I can't disagree with the logic there you present...Sounds like pressure control selenoid to me...a common problem in these impala's...but w/o code or symptoms...kind a stuck for now...I do have drive train warranty left...trying to be proactive...but just have to wait. Hard to do when you like your car!!

with the mileage you now have on this vehicle , this is the time to service the transmission.

do not wait for the transmission to have high mileage. do not believe the owners manual on the 100,ooomi transmission servicing interval.

any slippage is increasing the damage to other components as they become contaminated ,and heat damaged.

As your dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem and there aren't any codes at this time, sounds like your decision to wait for the slippage to occur more frequently may be the best course of action. If you would like for me to get you your specific warranty parameters for your Impala, I'm happy to do that. Please send me the last 8 of your VIN in a private message here on the forum and I'll get that information your way.

Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

Well, it's taken me six months...dealing with the inconsistent transmission 'slip'. Cleaned MAF, guess what, slip is gone!! Last winter I had installed a K and N, oiled filter....seems like lots of 'alleged' problems with this fouling MAF's...I don't know, could have been fouled anyway...but just saying...anyone else run into this with K and N's?

Well, it's taken me six months...dealing with the inconsistent transmission 'slip'. Cleaned MAF, guess what, slip is gone!! Last winter I had installed a K and N, oiled filter....seems like lots of 'alleged' problems with this fouling MAF's...I don't know, could have been fouled anyway...but just saying...anyone else run into this with K and N's?

a dirty MAF will cause a hesitation on throttle increase.

when cleaning and oiling the KN filter follow the instructions. the filter must be properly dried. then apply the correct amount of oil. this takes time.

the film on the small sensor wires cannot be seen in most cases that amount will cause the MAF to no see the air flow amount correctly.


I use CRC MAF cleaner every 20,ooomi. which is when I service the filter.

J cat...thanks for reply...unfortunately spoke to soon...still having a 'slip'...

J cat...thanks for reply...unfortunately spoke to soon...still having a 'slip'...

the problem is when the vehicle is stopped , when first starting to move you feel a slip. this could be the painted white strips at the stop lights/sign. I have found on occasion to get a slip with the paint they are now using.

I would still have this transmission fluid/filter serviced now. 35,ooomi is the best time to do it. If your going to keep the vehicle.

Well thanks for the common sense response j cat...but absolutely not...I actually thought about that, and have thoroughly ruled that one out...when it slips, it doesn't even take that much 'pedal'...it's very odd...all other shifts are perfect 'at speed'...about all else I notice...is when cold (30's or less) it shifts very very soft until warm and rev's, then clunks in first. It can go 150-200 miles between occurrences at this point...I'm thinking either 1-2 shift selenoid, or PCS. But again no codes...so only guessing. Servicing is worth a shot...but fluid is bright, pink and on the mark. would think it would be burnt by now? I'll keep trying...

Well thanks for the common sense response j cat...but absolutely not...I actually thought about that, and have thoroughly ruled that one out...when it slips, it doesn't even take that much 'pedal'...it's very odd...all other shifts are perfect 'at speed'...about all else I notice...is when cold (30's or less) it shifts very very soft until warm and rev's, then clunks in first. It can go 150-200 miles between occurrences at this point...I'm thinking either 1-2 shift selenoid, or PCS. But again no codes...so only guessing. Servicing is worth a shot...but fluid is bright, pink and on the mark. would think it would be burnt by now? I'll keep trying...

bring to a recommended transmission shop . have them do the pressure testing proceedure , and service the tranny fluid/filter.

codes are not 100%. pressure testing will show valves or pump pressure issues.

Did u ever figure out what was wrong with your transmission? The exact same thing is happening to my 2008 impala LT. Have had it to the dealership 3 times now and of course the car will not do it for them. Nothing shows up on the computer. Today it did it when crossing traffic. Scared me as I drive with 2 kids in the car. If you figured it out I would love to know what it is. Thanks!

Did u ever figure out what was wrong with your transmission? The exact same thing is happening to my 2008 impala LT. Have had it to the dealership 3 times now and of course the car will not do it for them. Nothing shows up on the computer. Today it did it when crossing traffic. Scared me as I drive with 2 kids in the car. If you figured it out I would love to know what it is. Thanks!


since your out of warranty go to a recommended transmission repair shop that can read the transmission GM codes and perform a pressure diagnosis.

the dealership does not repair transmsissions. they contract out to a low bid shop to repair transmissions ..ALL they do is remove / replace transmissions.

SO WHAT TESTS DID THE DEALERSHIP DO ?

did they measure pressures ? read transmission codes ?

or did they just go for a test drive and then charge you $12o.oo

Since when do dealerships not repair their transmissions?

Since when do dealerships not repair their transmissions?

the transmissions are replaced with a GM new if required from GM or if the vehicle is well into the warranty GM has repair contract to repair a damaged transmission that requires internal repairs/rebuilding.

dealership removes transmission and has it repaired then installs it.

small repairs like changing a connector/filter/fluid/pans/solenoids they will do. anything that takes short time they will do. rebuillding a damaged worn transmission they send out. this is done to increase profits and not tie up techs for a long period of time. also techs at the dealership would not be there if they had the ability to do a rebuild on GM transmissions.

I am surprised they did not sell her some repair story or change a part .

I am not out of warranty. I still have the power train for 13k more miles. Each time I have had it to the dealership they drive it and say that nothing happens. This last time they hooked it up to a computer and said there were no codes. Transmission fluid is fine they say. I called today and said that as soon as they have a rental for me then I am gonna drop my car off. They can drive it as much as they like. Drive it to lunch, drive it home, drive it to the grocery store, whatever it takes for them to feel this slip. I was hoping that the guy who originally posted on here with the same symptoms had figured out what was wrong with his. At this point if nothing happens I am ready to get rid of the car, I feel it is becoming dangerous for my and my kids. Also while researching about this problem I have noticed that many people are having problems with the door locks. Well my back door locks do not work either. Man I am fed up with this car :(.

I don't know were you worked, but GM trannys only get completely replaced, if the cost of repairing the tranny costs more than a SRTA would.......If it's less, then it's repaired at the shop....

I don't know were you worked, but GM trannys only get completely replaced, if the cost of repairing the tranny costs more than a SRTA would.......If it's less, then it's repaired at the shop....

I can say that not all GM dealerships do a complete rebuild on the transmissions. I guess it is possible some have a tech that can and if so give them an area of the shop to do the work at a lower wage/cost than a contract shop.

some get GM new that is possible . but not at the close of a warranty.

In reply to maxwedge...Yes I can't disagree with the logic there you present...Sounds like pressure control selenoid to me...a common problem in these impala's...but w/o code or symptoms...kind a stuck for now...I do have drive train warranty left...trying to be proactive...but just have to wait. Hard to do when you like your car!!

6/13/2013 Update, well over one year later, finally found a dealer willing to look into this problem, with pressure line testing...and wala...yes valve body reconditioning...one month left on warranty...but finally resolved. Why did it take soooo long to get resolution.....very hard to consider purchasing any more GM products...too bad...many years with them..

6/13/2013 Update, well over one year later, finally found a dealer willing to look into this problem, with pressure line testing...and wala...yes valve body reconditioning...one month left on warranty...but finally resolved. Why did it take soooo long to get resolution.....very hard to consider purchasing any more GM products...too bad...many years with them..

08chev08,

I am glad to hear you were able to have your vehicle repaired. Sorry to hear it took so long. If you ever need assistance please do not hesitate to reach out.

Erica Tiffany
GM Customer Service

6/13/2013 Update, well over one year later, finally found a dealer willing to look into this problem, with pressure line testing...and wala...yes valve body reconditioning...one month left on warranty...but finally resolved. Why did it take soooo long to get resolution.....very hard to consider purchasing any more GM products...too bad...many years with them..

with techs that know what there doing this is not all that complex. GM went bankrupt and the good techs left for greener pastures. now I guess there coming back.