2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Shift Shudder

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NICKLYAINE
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I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with 85,000 miles. I've noticed my car vibrates slightly when shifting. I thought there may be a problem with the transmission so I had it checked out. The repair shop I took it to told me they found no structural damage with the transmission, so I asked them to have the transmission fluid replaced. The car still vibrates slightly afterwards, otherwise the car runs fine. Could another problem be causing this or should I get a second opinion on the transmission?
May 3, 2006 at 8:52 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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is the feeling a shudder or a chatter/ You may have an engine that is misfiring which makes it sould like the tranny is giving trouble.
May 3, 2006 at 10:25 AM
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NICKLYAINE
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[quote:aef80ef4e7="losone"]is the feeling a shudder or a chatter/ You may have an engine that is misfiring which makes it sould like the tranny is giving trouble.[/quote:aef80ef4e7]

There is a slight shudder, but it does not occur with every shift. Anyone who doesn't drive the car regularly probably would not notice it at all.
May 4, 2006 at 6:52 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It may be a good idea to service the transmission by someone experienced with that car. Have him check for metal in the pan or burned fluid. perhaps a service and a good additive will cure the problem. They need to be serviced every 60K miles.
May 4, 2006 at 7:18 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have a technician experienced with this car service the transmission, inspect the pan for metal, and check for burned fluid; a proper service and additive may help. Also consider an engine misfire as a possible cause of the occasional shift shudder.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with 85,000 miles reported a slight shudder when shifting that does not happen on every shift. A shop found no structural transmission damage and replaced the fluid, but the shudder remained and the car otherwise ran fine. The expert said an engine misfire can feel like a transmission problem and recommended service by someone familiar with the car, including checking the pan for metal or burned fluid and using a suitable additive. Transmissions of this type should be serviced about every 60,000 miles.

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