Can I brake my transmission by degreasing and using power washing

NICANAC007

MEMBER
2003 CADILLAC CTS
3.2L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
197,000 MILES

I just got a new radiator, water pump, valve cover
gasket and spark plugs. I had a lot of oil and gunk
that built up in my car. My mechanic wanted to
clean my car with degreased and a power washer.
He took the battery out before power washing. My
car worked fine after that. I found that my check
engine light was coming on because old dirty,
gunk and oil was dripping on to my up stream 02
sensors. After cleaning the 02 sensors, he took the
check engine light off and I drove it around for an
hour and it never came back on. I let it sit for eight
hours and I checked my oil level and it was full
since I just went to jiffy lube two days prior. I started
my car and the car took a second to accelerate
but I got to work thirty minutes away. The car was
struggling a little whenever I tried to accelerate and
I had to step on the gas a little harder. I parked it at
work for three hours and when I went for my lunch
break, I turned the car on but when I tried to
switch to drive and step on the gas, the car would
not move. Where I was parked was also on a small
slanted hill and when I put it drive, it kept rolling
backwards.

Does anyone know if this may be caused by too
much water getting on a sensor, plug, spark plug
valley, or intake? Also, if this is a transmission
problem, how is the power washer and degreaser
related? Do you think my transmission really
broke?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to right turn signal or brake to light up

Honestly, not knowing what he sprayed make it difficult. And, transmissions usually don't go bad all at once, but they can. I have to ask, is the engine reving normally as if it is in neutral or park?

As I'm sure you are aware, there are different control modules (computers) which exist on this vehicle. You really shouldn't spray them with water, especially high pressure. The first thing that comes to my mind is if the transmission control module (TCM) was damaged or water got into the plug. The TCM is located at the right front corner of the engine compartment.

With that in mind, check to make sure nothing was disconnected or loosened by the pressure. Next, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, and unplug the connector to the TCM. Make sure there is no water in it. Don't reconnect the battery until the TCM has been plugged back together.

Here are the directions for removing and replacing a TCM. I am providing this to help you locate and inspect the component.

_____________________________________________________
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT
Transmission Control Module Replacement

Removal Procedure

picture 1

1. Unlock the transmission control module electrical connector by pulling the retainer (2) away from the electrical connector (1).

Important: Twisting or tilting of the transmission control module electrical connector while disconnecting may result in bent or misaligned electrical terminal pins.

2. Carefully disconnect the electrical connector (1) from the transmission control module.

Picture 2

3. Remove the transmission control module from the mounting bracket by pulling back on the retaining tabs (1) to release the control module.

Installation Procedure

picture 2 (Again)

1. Align the transmission control module with the locating pins (2) on the module mounting bracket.
2. Install the transmission control module by seating it fully into the bracket until all of the retaining tabs (1) have engaged the edge of the module edge.

Important: Twisting or tilting of the transmission control module electrical connector while connecting may result in bent or misaligned electrical terminal pins.

Picture 3

3. Carefully connect the transmission control module electrical connector (1) to the transmission control module.
4. Lock the transmission control module electrical connector securely to the transmission control module by pushing the retainer (2) toward the electrical connector (1) until fully seated.
5. The transmission control module must be programmed with the proper software/calibrations. See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning

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Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

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