Transmission slip and shudder

BUICK LESABRE
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CIGAINERO
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1997 Buick Lesabre with a 3.8 liter engine and automatic transmission. It has 79,000 miles on it. When I accelerate in the first gear it grabs and pulls fine but when it shifts to second or other gears under load it has started slipping and shuddering. It also seems to shift a little harder. The problem showed up yesterday. Three hundred miles ago. I replaced the transmission fluid and filter and it all looked great in the pan with no metal filings or debris from drive bands. The fluid level is fine. I checked it several times on level ground and after it warmed up. I replaced the fluid about three hundred miles ago with Dexron Mercon III. Can anyone tell me what the problem may be? Thanks for any help. Mark Cigainero
Jul 1, 2007 at 6:31 AM
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RHONEY22349
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  • 13 POSTS
This sounds like the transmission has a accumulator seal that is leaking. Here is a guide to help you remove the pan and diagrams below to show you what to replace:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers
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Apr 2, 2008 at 2:38 PM
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DENNYP
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,824 POSTS
You could have a PC solenoid issue causing the harsh shifting, and burnt second gear clutches causing the shudder. First, check the transmission fluid and make sure it is still clean and full.
Apr 2, 2008 at 2:52 PM
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LISADEXTER40
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  • 0 POST
I had this problem cost me $1,200.00 for a rebuilt transmission.
Aug 29, 2018 at 8:35 AM
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