Transmission not engaging in low gear

[talon2swords]

Hello,

I have a 97 Lumina w/ 3.1l engine. Don't know the trans name right now, but it is the general one for that model year.

Several thousand miles ago I was coasting in traffic on day at low speed, then accelerated heavily to merge or whatever. The engine surged/high RPM and transmission would not engage. I let off the gas and then the trans engaged again and would act normal.

Several thousand miles later (last week), I go slow on the on-ramp for interstate, make a left turn and straighten up, then push accelerator fairly hard and car engine does the above surge again, tranny would not engage.

I let off gas and trans. engages. Doesn't do it again...yet, but I'm trying not to strain it too hard.

Have changed the fluid two times since owning car at 60K miles. Now has 110K and recently changed fluid and radiator before this happened.

Wondering if I should be concerned or is tranny about to go out (slipping)? Thanks.

P.S. Trying to get some of the GM AT sealer/conditioner, but local dealership parts guy says he "... hasn't seen that in years." I wonder what they are using now? I guess nothing. I can still order it online though.

[robertisaar]

a 97 3100 would be a 4t60-e.

[talon2swords]

http://60degreev6.com/forum/f103/slippage-tranny-suggestions-t33887

I read the above. Some helpful info.

I'll check the fluid level again, but I'm pretty sure it's ok. Just wondering if it was the modulator or some other shift component causing the issue.

I changed the tubing on the modulator but I guess I could order a new one.

[gpse3400]

Honestly, I think a valve in the valve body is sticking. It has been nknown to happen. As long as it recovers thew unit is ok, its just a pain.

[86FieroSEv6]

Try some Lube-Gard for your tranny, they should have an application chart to make sure you use the right one. I used it in my ZX2 (which are notorious for crappy automatics) and it helped significantly.

[pocket-rocket]

Yeah, don't do the Lucas. I am the friend Ben was talking about in that thread, lol. You will also find that is about the time we did the 5 speed swap in the 91. When I put the Lucas in, 50% of the time the TCC wouldn't work, then 50% of the time it DID work (which would be 25% of the time total) lockup slipped so I would let off to get it to disengage so I didn't ruin it. Stay away from the Lucas...

[3400-95-Modified]

Honestly, I think a valve in the valve body is sticking. It has been nknown to happen. As long as it recovers thew unit is ok, its just a pain.

Touche, I've heard of this issue and sometimes its a valve and others its low fluid levels.

As far as it "recovering" its really not doing that, he's just stopping it from shifting down and using what gear its in, so really there is still a decent issue somewhere with a downshift valve motion.

[gpse3400]

Touche, I've heard of this issue and sometimes its a valve and others its low fluid levels.

As far as it "recovering" its really not doing that, he's just stopping it from shifting down and using what gear its in, so really there is still a decent issue somewhere with a downshift valve motion.

What I mean by recover is the transmission reengages to the next higher gear and or still engages 1st in normal operation. I am not saying it isnt a problem, but it is something that will not become any worse within the time of ownership. It may not be worth tearing down the side of tranmission for unless he deems it so.