Transmission downshifting issue?

Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,000 MILES
Truck is downshifting at normal RPMs. Sometimes it's up to 4,000 RPMs before downshifting or sometimes I can feather the gas pedal to get it to shift.
Monday, May 8th, 2023 AT 3:47 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I'm confused. Is the issue related to downshifting or upshifting? You mention it won't down shift until (at times) 4,000 RPMs. You shouldn't even feel it down shift.

Let me know. Also, have you checked for diagnostic trouble codes?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, May 8th, 2023 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
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I'm a bit surprised that there isn't any code yet. I only have an ABS light on. A prior code of C0110. The scanner says there's no current code but when I try to turn off ABS light it comes back on the next cycle.
Otherwise, there are no codes. I pretty sure I mean downshifting. Maybe I have the terminology wrong. When I press on gas pedal and speed up the transmission usually downshifts? When it hits 3,000 RPMs to about 1,500-2,000 RPMs. Now it's going all the way up to 4,000 RPMs before it downshifts or sometimes not at all and I have to feather the gas pedal to get it to downshift. It does this for the next gear too. Sometimes when I press on the gas it just bogs and I have to floor it to get through the intersection or to switch lanes.
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Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 AT 5:13 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
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I'm starting to think it's a transmission solenoid but not quite sure which one.
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Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 AT 5:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

It could be a pressure solenoid causing issues. Is this the original transmission? Is the fluid clean and full? Do you know when it was last serviced? I ask because I've seen partially plugged filters cause issues.

Let me know. Also, let me know if your scan tool can read can-bus-related codes. Here is a link showing how it's done. Let me know if this is something you can do.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I believe it is the original trans. I bought it used and there weren't any records. The fluid was dirty and maybe a 1/3 of a quart low.
I changed the fluid and filter. And put in some lucas stop slip hesitantly because I knew I might have to do it again to replace solinoid(s). It didn't solve the problem.
Is it possible that the speed sensor on the rear rear wheels could be causing this and my ABS light to come on?
My scanner doesn't have Can Bus so I tried having some of the auto parts stores scan it and they didn't detect and codes either.
So I suppose it's probably a solenoid problem.
Some answers say it might be the 2-3 or a pressure solenoid. I thought I saw that solenoids weren't that expensive so maybe I should just replace both?
Sorry if I'm not really quick about all this. I have a ruptured disc and sciatica that is slowing me down majorly. I'll wait for your next thoughts before I start throwing parts at it.
Do the trans repair stores have a special scanner that wouldn't cost alot? Or would it be cheaper to try and buy a scanner with Can Bus reader? I thought I heard someone say that there were some on Amazon for $35. I haven't looked but it sounds good to be true. When I bought my scanner I'm pretty sure a Can Bus scanner was about $500.

Thanks to everyone that replied.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

An ABS sensor can cause different types of issues. A wheel speed sensor can cause shift issues as well if there is a variation between different sensors.

As far as the issue is concerned, it could be a pressure-related issue. If we don't have a scan tool that can read all codes, you can check the pressure. I attached the directions below.

Also, if we have an ABS light, it could be any of the wheel speed sensors. As far as a scan tool, you can get them for not too much money. I attached a pic below to show you. That is from Amazon. What it is capable of I can't say, but it indicates CAN capabilities. And yes, our scanner cost $5,000.00, but it does everything except wash the windows. LOL

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
  • MEMBER
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My scanner did have can his for brakes. I can turn everything on and off. So does this mean it's probably a voltage issue or the pump is faulty?
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Friday, May 19th, 2023 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

We need to know if the wheel speed sensors are working properly. I'm not sure what was being turned on and off. The speed sensors don't provide a signal until the vehicle is moving. Are you able to watch their signals while the vehicle is moving?

Let me know. Also, the wheel speed sensors can be checked individually with a voltmeter or multimeter.

Take a look at this link:.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

The only problem with this type of test is you may get a voltage signal from the sensor, but it may be off.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, May 19th, 2023 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
The wheel speeds worked, were all equal, and matched the speedometer. I put new brakes, rotors, hubs, and sensors on the front last year.
All valves and feedback were off. DRP was not active. The ABS stop state was off. The ABS relay was on. Differential pressure was okay.
Other DTCs listed under ABS were.
C0035
C0550
C0201
U1041
C0040
P0306
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The codes are related to power variations and signals. See the definition for each below.

C0035 and C0040 are related to an erratic signal from one of the wheel speed sensors to the electronic brake control module. (EBCM)

C0201 indicates the power to the ABS valve solenoids is less than 80% of the battery's voltage.

C0550 The EBCM detects an internal malfunction.

Now, the one that stands out that would be my first check is related to the U1041. If there is a power loss or low voltage to the fuses in the rear fuse box, I suspect it can be causing all the codes above.

Take a look at the pics below and let me know if you are comfortable performing the tests or if you have questions.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
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I'm not sure how to check these. Do I use my meter and plug it into the various sockets?
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

These things can be checked using a multimeter or voltmeter. You are checking voltage to make sure it is within the manufacturer's specifications.

Here is a link that explains how to test wiring. Let me know if it helps or if you have questions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
It turned out that my transmission and eventually lack of power issues were all caused by a clogged catalytic converter. And I never had a DTC until the truck barely moved. After it warmed up it would gradually get slower and slower. Begining around 40 mph until it would just stop. I verified it was clogged by getting a loaner bore scope from AutoZone tool program. I removed the position one oxygen sensor and fed the cable in that way, when everything was cooled down. You don't want to melt it in there while your exhaust is hot.
Thanks for your help 2carpros!
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Thursday, November 7th, 2024 AT 2:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm happy to know you were able to resolve the issue. Certainly, a plugged catalytic converter can cause a major power loss.

Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed. Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, November 8th, 2024 AT 7:53 PM

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