1996 Chevy Lumina Lumina: Check Engine Trans code.

Tiny
CELINA268
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
Transmission problem
1996 Chevy Lumina Automatic 136, 00 miles

We have a 1996 Chevy Lumina. About 136,000 miles. Two weeks ago I got the transmission fluid exchanged. About a week ago I was driving home, about 2 miles total distance, and I glanced down to notice the temperature gauge was just under the red. I parked at home and looked at the radiator overflow tank, it was completely empty. I filled it, let the car sit for five hours, and checked again. Empty, with no puddle. Car sat again, checked, and empty again. I took the car in and they replaced the radiator bypass hose, as well as the serpentine belt. After they replaced the hose they went to rerun pressure checks and couldn't get the two radiator fans to turn on. After a day and a half it was determined that our computer was shot, due to a faulty wire-which cause all the other problems as well. They put in a used computer and reran tests. Instead of looking for the faulty wire, they explained they could run the fans off the battery. We got the car back and it didn't overheat. However, our first time on the interstate, over 50 mph, the check engine light came on. We took it in and it was a transmission code. Mechanic said he thinks the transmission wasn't getting cooled properly because our fans weren't working the way they should have when the wire was bad. I checked the fluid, it was still clean and full. It also doesn't smell burnt. My question, does this mean we need to replace the transmission? Or can a repair be done to the transmission cooling line? Could we just change the filter and fluid again? Could this have happened because the mechanic bypassed the wiring? What should be our next course of action?
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 12:57 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Celina268,

Thank you for the donation.

Get a free scan done at Autozone and let me know the exact trouble code so we can proceed from there.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
CELINA268
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Auto Zone gave me a code of P1870. It says Transmission component slipping. Transmission is in 4th gear with TCC engaged and the ECM has detected excessive slippage when comparing the input shaft speed to the output shaft spped. Probable causes: Trailer towing (which I'm not), Low transmission fluid lever (which I just had exchanged and is still full), and Internal transmission fault :(

I'm guessing the old computer wasn't working right and that's why it never picked this up. Just wondering if this means we need a new/rebuilt transmission or if there is another fix that can be done? If we do need a new/rebuilt transmission, how much will that cost us?
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Situation looks grim and symptoms indicates a failing transmission.

Prices ranges place to place so you would have to enquire around for local conditions and costings.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
CELINA268
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Is it okay to drive as long as we stay out of 4th? At least for a little bit to by some time to look for a new car?
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
CELINA268
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  • 5 POSTS
Someone also told me that there was a TSB for GM vehicles with this particular DTC. It involves replacing the valve body. What does that mean? Could that be not as grim as needing an entirely new transmission?

Thanks for your help?
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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I could not find any TSB for the trouble codes in our database.

After googling around for the trouble code, it seems some are corrected by replacement of the valve body.

Did you recheck the fluid level?

If the problem had occurred after replacement of the fluids, reconfirm with the shop that the correct specification fluid had been used.

As the fluids are still clean, it might not be a problem with with the cooler hoses.

I would advie getting the cooling fan not running correctly rechecked.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2010 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
CELINA268
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  • 5 POSTS
We got the transmission rebuilt. Got the car back, drove to work, and the check engine light came back on. Went to Auto Zone again, and the code is the same, P1870. I know it shouldn't be slipping in 4th the day after we get it. Checked the fluid level, it was low, put some in, would be full, the low again. The transmission place is closed Saturday and Sunday. We don't have another vehicle. Is this safe to drive until Monday? What could be causing it to slip again? Are there any engine reasons for a failing transmission? I just poured 2500 into my car. I hope this can get fixed.
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 8:41 AM

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