transmission problems

I would like to know if anyone has had any problems with the 1999 Pontiac grand am, it has only 30,000 miles on it. it is an automatic transmission and when it shifts is knocks or something, its not smooth anymore. I tired filling up the transmission fluid but I would like to know how far I fill it up, should it be at the top? It did not come with a dip stick or anything to see how filled up it is.

anyway any help will be appreciated, thanks.

Thats my worst fear.
The damn thing didn't come with a dip stick and it's virtually imposible to get to it to fill it up.
My advice to you is take it to your dealer or a transmission guy, they'll put it on the diagnostics and tell you within seconds what's wrong.
It may be nothing but I would check it out ASAP.
You see with the new vehicles they have an electronic sensor which is to tell you when the trans fluid is low, and thuse no use for a dip stick, In any case you never have to check your fluid for the trans unless you notice a red fluid comming from the car, or the indicator light tells you so.
Either way never fill it up all the way.
Check your manual for fluid levels and dates in which to change your fluid.

:eek:

:wtf: :crying: :crying: :crying:

I have a 1999 Grand Am with 33,000 miles on it. I purchased it last October before I had surgery on my arm which left me unable to drive for about 2 months. It had 28,000 miles on it then and I paid a used car dealer about $11,000 at the time. The usual 30 day used car dealer warranty was the only thing I left with. I waited for 3 years to finally afford the car I wanted. My pretty Silver v6 w/fancy gadgets. I live about 5 miles from work and my family is all near by. I travel to NY and other places for fun but, do the math....5,000 miles I put on this car. I have already had to replace the CD player stereo with one from a junk yard because I wanted my controls on the steering to still work. Somehow I scathed out of that one.

GET THIS. There was a noise in my car....engine light came on....scared, I took it to an authorized Pontiac dealer in my area. It cost $85 just to walk in the place. They told me that my transmission needed to be 'torn down'. "TORN DOWN?"....this is the newest car I have ever owned. The original owners warranty was over when I purchased it. I have placed my case with GM, who apparently, now does not want to contact either me or the dealer. The transmission should cost around $5000 they tell me (if I go thru the authorized dealer)...but even so....taking it to a maaco or whatever....probably still $3000 and I owe now more than the car is worth.

HOW CAN A TRANSMISSION GO AT 33000 MILES AND NOT HAVE THE COMPANY STAND BEHIND THEIR WORK??????????? HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN? What am I gonna do. I am sick with worry. Sick I tell ya. It doesnt even qualify for a lemon law f-up cause I didnt buy it new.
OH MY GOD WHAT AM I GONNA DO?????????????????
SEEMS THAT THE WAY IT GOES.....SHE SURE IS PRETTY BUT AINT WORTH A PIECE OF COW DUNG. :swear: :feedback:

dam i have a 1993 grand am lol just chillin in my driveway and man that car hade some peoblems lol i would tell you to get rid of it grand am's arnt ment to last at all lol ya i do feel you on the radio i replaced that shit 3 times and i still havent goten to the cd player but i would say you shouldent fill your shit all the way up but if your trans has problems shifting you might need more than just trans fluid i hope you work things out :smile:

Originally posted by avenger851456
.
You see with the new vehicles they have an electronic sensor which is to tell you when the trans fluid is low, and thuse no use for a dip stick, In any case you never have to check your fluid for the trans unless you notice a red fluid comming from the car, or the indicator light tells you so.
Either way never fill it up all the way.
Check your manual for fluid levels and dates in which to change your fluid.


I'm struck with fear just by reading this you have to check the fluid just like any fluid. ATF tells a lot about what your tranny is doing. So figure out a way to check it. As far as 33,000 miles a failure, I've seen a lot last less than that. GM puts the weakest transmition in the car they can get a way with. I mean why do you think you get a 4L60E in Firebirds? Anyway, if they need to tear it down they'll probably come back and tell you to get a "new" trans. Very rarely is it cheaper to fix one than replace it.

Boy you guys need some help there is some mis-understanding here!

1. I have rebuilt these transmissions they are called the 4T40E trans, Their is no internal sensor built in to tell you that it is low on fluid.

2 The transmission filter is good for 100K miles but the fluid isn't!

3. The reason the trans goes bad is a lack of maintenance, abuse, or a defect in a part. I had a customer who came in for an oil change I told him at 24K miles he should have the fuel filter replaced! This guys states I never had a problem with it so it don't need changing. Moral of the story is do your preventive maintenance!

4. 86 dollars for a tech to run tests on your transmission is cheap. SOmetimes we have to hook up a pressure guage to fully diagnose the car, their is no magic 8 ball we can shake to find out what's wrong. It takes time to find the problem! I recently went to my doctor my son needed his check up. 100 dollars for 10 minutes that works out to 500 dollars an hour! How many of you guys ever ask what a doctor charges an hour or a plumber? Why are you guys soo hung up on 1 hour of labor to run all needed tests to figure out what needs to be done. Doesn't the Doctor charge more for every test he does? We don't

5. This tranmission doesn't come with a dip stick but it has a filler plug, along the lines of a rear diff in a truck, pull the plug run the engine fill the fluid in the trans till it comes out the plug. Just so you know the plug is on the passenger side forward of the right axle shaft.

6. When ever you buy a new car, used or new buy an extended warranty with it, pay the money up front for the peace of mind later on. We have customers with 100K warranties on them they come n with a problem and leave with the same amount of money in their pockets. Cars are getting expensive to fix one little problem can cost you more than 500 dollars to fix.

7. Have you tried an rebuilt transmission they are not as much as a dealer rebuilt but you get an excellent warranty with them. Try doing a search for Jasper engines and trans. Its still going to cost alot or you can put in a junkyard trans.

8. Most used cars on the lots are old rental cars that were abused by who knows who becareful of what you buy.

9. Grand Ams are a good car that can last along time if taken care of.

Hope I cleared yup some things for you!!

just a quick question seeing as you are a mechanic and know a lot more than me, and sorry if this is already listed somewhere. But is the transmission in my 96 GA SE 2.4 the 4t60e ?

well i have a 94 ga 3100 and yes it is....

for your own comfort and if unsure just look under the car at the transmission pan its etched right into the metal in big letters....

Also i have a 94 ga 3100 i have 233 000 kms on it and runs like a champ. My dad is a mechanic and builds street rods for a hobby... and he checked over my engine this sat... and said its running so good he would swear that only 50k is on the engine.. and this engine has never had a head gasket or LIM gasket changed.. otherwise no major work.. orignal tranny which isnt in great shape but otherwise very solid car...

But i know what too look and do my research before i make the big purchase... So the point is there are good cars out there and there are bad cars ... and just because a company puts one with a problem or 2 dont mean they all do....

Go look at consumer reports and see for yourself