A4 trans slipping
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
A4 trans slipping
Hello everyone
I'm new at the Corvette forum, great tech info here.
I own a 03 coupe Ls1 with an A4 tranny with 41000 miles.
Took the car out the first sunny day here in New York and after 10 miles on the highway @ 70 mph the tranny slipping on third gear, made it back to my garage checked for codes with the scanner- none
No check engine light.
Checked Trans fluid color and level- Ok
I checked All-data for any factory tech info, found one that stated the valve body may be dirty and solenoid 2-3 shift may be clogged.
Clean and replaced filter.
I went ahead and replaced with a new solenoid and filter filled with
Dex 3.
Road Test vehicle
Same results, Tranny slips on 3 gear only.
1st and 2nd OK
4 gear will not enter obviously if there is no 3rd.
I've worked on vette's in the past, ASE mechanic for years, C3 and C4. But here I'm stuck.
Oh, almost forgot battery went dead during winter. R+R with new Optima battery.
Any info guys, Thanks most appreciated.
I'm new at the Corvette forum, great tech info here.
I own a 03 coupe Ls1 with an A4 tranny with 41000 miles.
Took the car out the first sunny day here in New York and after 10 miles on the highway @ 70 mph the tranny slipping on third gear, made it back to my garage checked for codes with the scanner- none
No check engine light.
Checked Trans fluid color and level- Ok
I checked All-data for any factory tech info, found one that stated the valve body may be dirty and solenoid 2-3 shift may be clogged.
Clean and replaced filter.
I went ahead and replaced with a new solenoid and filter filled with
Dex 3.
Road Test vehicle
Same results, Tranny slips on 3 gear only.
1st and 2nd OK
4 gear will not enter obviously if there is no 3rd.
I've worked on vette's in the past, ASE mechanic for years, C3 and C4. But here I'm stuck.
Oh, almost forgot battery went dead during winter. R+R with new Optima battery.
Any info guys, Thanks most appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Hello everyone
I'm new at the Corvette forum, great tech info here.
I own a 03 coupe Ls1 with an A4 tranny with 41000 miles.
Took the car out the first sunny day here in New York and after 10 miles on the highway @ 70 mph the tranny slipping on third gear, made it back to my garage checked for codes with the scanner- none
No check engine light.
Checked Trans fluid color and level- Ok
I checked All-data for any factory tech info, found one that stated the valve body may be dirty and solenoid 2-3 shift may be clogged.
Clean and replaced filter.
I went ahead and replaced with a new solenoid and filter filled with
Dex 3.
Road Test vehicle
Same results, Tranny slips on 3 gear only.
1st and 2nd OK
4 gear will not enter obviously if there is no 3rd.
I've worked on vette's in the past, ASE mechanic for years, C3 and C4. But here I'm stuck.
Oh, almost forgot battery went dead during winter. R+R with new Optima battery.
Any info guys, Thanks most appreciated.
I'm new at the Corvette forum, great tech info here.
I own a 03 coupe Ls1 with an A4 tranny with 41000 miles.
Took the car out the first sunny day here in New York and after 10 miles on the highway @ 70 mph the tranny slipping on third gear, made it back to my garage checked for codes with the scanner- none
No check engine light.
Checked Trans fluid color and level- Ok
I checked All-data for any factory tech info, found one that stated the valve body may be dirty and solenoid 2-3 shift may be clogged.
Clean and replaced filter.
I went ahead and replaced with a new solenoid and filter filled with
Dex 3.
Road Test vehicle
Same results, Tranny slips on 3 gear only.
1st and 2nd OK
4 gear will not enter obviously if there is no 3rd.
I've worked on vette's in the past, ASE mechanic for years, C3 and C4. But here I'm stuck.
Oh, almost forgot battery went dead during winter. R+R with new Optima battery.
Any info guys, Thanks most appreciated.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Yes I think your right, I have notice from other owners these trannys are not the strongest. The good old days with the turbo 400 are over.
Being the fluid clean and no dtc codes I though maybe a program issue because of the battery going dead.
thanks Chaase
Being the fluid clean and no dtc codes I though maybe a program issue because of the battery going dead.
thanks Chaase
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Sometimes I miss the TH350 I had in my old firebird. I am suprised my A is holding up. I have a lot of extra hp and a fair number of passes down the strip and it has held up so far.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 3
From: NW Chicago, IL/Clearwater Beach, FL
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
The 3-4 pack has been a problem with these transmissions since 1982. There are many upgraded clutch packs available. I just installed a Raybestos z-pak in my fresh 4l60. I figure I will r&d it in my own car before selling it to others.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue Nebraska
Recheck your fluid with trans temp to at least 195 degrees, I believe. Shift it from reverse, to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then back to park then recheck.
Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to just flush out your fluid and refill.
My A4 went out in January, same thing, 3rd started slipping, but like at 35-40 MPH.
I had to get it rebuilt, costed $2,000.00 got the Raybestos Z-Pak kit as well. So far so good... Best of luck to you, let us know how it goes!
Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to just flush out your fluid and refill.
My A4 went out in January, same thing, 3rd started slipping, but like at 35-40 MPH.
I had to get it rebuilt, costed $2,000.00 got the Raybestos Z-Pak kit as well. So far so good... Best of luck to you, let us know how it goes!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver WA
Usually when a tranny starts slipping, it's because a seal has got brittle and hard from the heat, and has lost its seal. When this happens, it starts leaking and loses pressure to the clutch pack. The only fix is a rebuild. This is why it's important to run a tranny cooler and don't let the fluid get too hot. It kills the seals. Once you lose your seals, there goes the clutches.
You can try (as a last resort) pouring some Berryman B12 in it, drive it a little, and change the fluid. If it's a sticky valve, that might help losen it up. But chances are slim that it will work.
You can try (as a last resort) pouring some Berryman B12 in it, drive it a little, and change the fluid. If it's a sticky valve, that might help losen it up. But chances are slim that it will work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
just a thought
I might throw ina bottle of Lucas Tranny fix while under there checking the fluid levels....it's worked well for me before on my trucks 700-R4. For 10 bucks it is worth a try....
hth
Sully
hth
Sully
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,267
Likes: 40
From: Phoenix AZ
You always check the auto trans when at operating temp and engine running.
If it was slipping more than a few times , that clutch pack is toast. Even it it is low and you add more fluid, that clutch pack is on its way out. Hopefuly you fill er up and it lasts a while.
If it was slipping more than a few times , that clutch pack is toast. Even it it is low and you add more fluid, that clutch pack is on its way out. Hopefuly you fill er up and it lasts a while.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Tunnel Hill GA
You can get an rpm trans that will handle anything you do or style driving for the same price as a local rebuild.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks guys for all the info
I'll recheck the tranny level with 195 F temp and engine running.
As soon the weather gets better. My garage has no heat.
Fill to level and road test - if fail, I will give Rodney a call at rpmtransmissions.
thanks again
I'll recheck the tranny level with 195 F temp and engine running.
As soon the weather gets better. My garage has no heat.
Fill to level and road test - if fail, I will give Rodney a call at rpmtransmissions.
thanks again
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
This is where I'm going if mine gives me any more trouble. Had all seals replaced (for the second time!) as well as bands the last time in shop...$1600!!! So far, no more leaks and it shifts perfectly. I am holding my breath!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04