Transmission does not shift?

Tiny
MICHAEL P WOODFINE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
So I replaced my car’s transmission filter and the pan. Worked fine for a few days but now it will not shift into any gear except drive. But when in drive it will only slightly move forward before stopping and repeating this. No other gear will catch. What is wrong in my transmission?
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
First, are you certain you properly installed the filter and the small o-ring where the filter fits into the valve body? It sounds like that has come apart and the fluid is not circulating. Thus, it cannot shift into any gear. I assume you checked fluid level and it is full. Remember, the fluid is checked with the engine warm, running and then you can remove the fill plug to make sure the level is at the bottom of the hole.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL P WOODFINE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Im almost positive the o-ring and filter are in place because it worked for 3 days prior. I took an hour and a half drive on a highway doing about 100 km/h when I arrived in the town and dropped speed to 50 km/h the gears would not change. Smoke rose from the engine as it was revving too high. I took a guess and thought it might be the clutch
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
What type of transmission fluid did you put back in?
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL P WOODFINE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Dexron III ATF
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACQUELINE COTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 77,000 MILES
Wont shift into gear, to move the car.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
I was afraid of that. The correct fluid should have been Dexron VI. The newer fluid has different friction modifier additives. Pouring the wrong fluid can ruin the transmission.

I learned that the hard way with a Toyota. Spec called for T-IV and added Dexron III and after transmission failed.

At this point you may want to look into replacing the unit and flushing out the cooler lines to prevent contamination.
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+1
Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Do you mean it will not move the shifter from park?

Can you be more specific?

Roy
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EHILTON16017
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 2.2L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Speedometer stays on 0 mph, and power steering message displayed. Steering works fine. Tried replacing TCM, cleaning connectors, checked all fuses, grounds, battery, alternator. Nothing works.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

The idea that the speedometer isn't working indicates an issue with the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). The sensor's signal is used to determine shift points. Have you replaced the VSS or checked wiring to it?

_____________________

There are two different possible automatic transmissions used on this vehicle. I am going to provide the directions for replacing the VSS for both. You should be able to identify the transmission that matches yours by the pictures. All attached pictures correlate with the directions.

______________________

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt L4-2.2L VIN F
MU3
Procedures MU3

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the left front wheel.

Pic 1

2. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector (2).

Pic 2

3. Remove the retainer bolt.
4. Remove the retainer.
5. Remove the VSS.
6. Remove and discard the O-ring.

Installation Procedure
1. Lubricate a new O-ring with DEXRON III transmission fluid Saturn P/N 121019223.
2. Install the new O-ring.

Pic 3

3. Install the VSS retainer. Install the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) assembly.

4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the VSS retainer bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.).

Pic 4

5. Connect the VSS connector to the VSS (2).
6. Install the left front wheel.

_____________________________________________________

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt L4-2.2L VIN F
4T40-E/4T45-E

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery negative terminal.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the electrical connector at the vehicle speed sensor.

Pic 5

4. Remove the retaining stud and the sensor. Pull straight out in order to avoid damage to the case.

Installation Procedure
1. Clean and dry the vehicle speed sensor.

Pic 6

2. Notice: Install the vehicle speed sensor and the retaining bolt.

Tighten the stud to 12 Nm (97 inch lbs.).
3. Install the electrical connector at the sensor.
4. Remove the safety stands.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
Tighten the terminal bolt to 15 Nm (11 ft. Lbs.).

__________________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EHILTON16017
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you! But we ended up replacing the alternator, battery, and TCM. We also connected green wires and blue wires behind the radio that had both been cut. These were random suggestions, not really sure which one fixed it. We think it was from connecting jumper cables on backwards.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Welcome back:

I didn't realize the jumper cables were reversed. Chances are the TCM was damaged. Regardless, I'm glad to hear it's working again.

Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 7:22 PM (Merged)

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