03 trans problem finally acknowledged

BRZ71 · February 1, 2005

Had the truck in several times for a strange trans problem. Once the truck is at normal op. temp. , from a stop it will shift from first to second then you will feel a bump. Almost like it is holding out the 1-2 shift to long or slipping into 2nd gear. I do however feel it more in the rear end. It also has a bad tendency to loose its mind when merging off the freeway onto a surface street, you hit the gas and it sounds like the transmission jumped out the truck, pauses, then gets back in and starts moving. I have brought it in and they have told me everytime that they drove it and it feels fine, I am sure it does, you actually have to drive it for more than 30 min for it to start doing it.

Had to take my wife to the airport the other morning, a pretty good trip there and back, so I called the service manager told him the problem and said I would be there to pick him up when I returned. Picked him up and was talking to him about the new trucks when I pulled out of the dealership, in the middle of the conversation he said I felt it. I guess I am so used to it, I didn't even feel it that time. But to make sure he felt it we went into a neighborhood and I made him feel it about 15 more times. He said it is definatly not normal. No sh**, I couls have told him that four months ago. At least he acknowledges the problem now. They are going to take it in until they get it fixed. I am getting a rental, a truck, I told him I was paying on a 30000 truck and was not going to ride around for two to three weeks (they may get it sooner, but with my luck it will be that long) in a cavalier or vibe, while I am paying for a truck. We will see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully they can get it fixed in a day or two, sorry so long just need somewhere to rant. I am however going to New Orleans, Friday for Mardi Gras (live in Baton Rouge) I told them if mine wasn't ready they would have to wait to get the rental back on Wednesday of next week. I would be nice going down there in a rental, and not getting my truck screwed up in the Quarter!!!!!!! Maybe it would be better if they kept it until next week!!!!!!!

Air Biscuit · February 2, 2005

There was a common problem on the earlier NBS trucks (1500s) where there was a 1-2 shift shudder. There is a TSB on it where they replace a solenoid in the tranny. I had it on my 02 but it wouldn't show up until after about 30 minutes of city driving. Don't know if it was fixed for 03 but maybe someone else on the forum knows. Your problem sounds somewhat similar.

Good luck.

Had the truck in several times for a strange trans problem. Once the truck is at normal op. temp. , from a stop it will shift from first to second then you will feel a bump. Almost like it is holding out the 1-2 shift to long or slipping into 2nd gear. I do however feel it more in the rear end. It also has a bad tendency to loose its mind when merging off the freeway onto a surface street, you hit the gas and it sounds like the transmission jumped out the truck, pauses, then gets back in and starts moving. I have brought it in and they have told me everytime that they drove it and it feels fine, I am sure it does, you actually have to drive it for more than 30 min for it to start doing it.
Had to take my wife to the airport the other morning, a pretty good trip there and back, so I called the service manager told him the problem and said I would be there to pick him up when I returned. Picked him up and was talking to him about the new trucks when I pulled out of the dealership, in the middle of the conversation he said I felt it. I guess I am so used to it, I didn't even feel it that time. But to make sure he felt it we went into a neighborhood and I made him feel it about 15 more times. He said it is definatly not normal. No sh**, I couls have told him that four months ago. At least he acknowledges the problem now. They are going to take it in until they get it fixed. I am getting a rental, a truck, I told him I was paying on a 30000 truck and was not going to ride around for two to three weeks (they may get it sooner, but with my luck it will be that long) in a cavalier or vibe, while I am paying for a truck. We will see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully they can get it fixed in a day or two, sorry so long just need somewhere to rant. I am however going to New Orleans, Friday for Mardi Gras (live in Baton Rouge) I told them if mine wasn't ready they would have to wait to get the rental back on Wednesday of next week. I would be nice going down there in a rental, and not getting my truck screwed up in the Quarter!!!!!!! Maybe it would be better if they kept it until next week!!!!!!!

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BRZ71 · February 2, 2005

I had the alt wire fix done on the last trip, got rid of the shudder. This is a solid bump, it is definatly not the shudder. Mine was really bad before the alt fix, in fact I think it did this then but the shudder was more pronounced it kind of felt like the end of the shudder. He did say he was going to do the solenoid switch, as well as some more shaft changes, I think it was the pinion gear and shaft TSB they have. Also a reprog of the computer. I have a 2wd 05 rental with 667 miles on it right now, I do miss my Z71 BAD. The brakes on this 2wd seem awesome though, mine have that king of mushy chevy feel to them. Like the older luxury cars, you can really feel the boost. This thing has breaks like my wife's accord, you touch the petal and the thing starts to stop. You should have seen me lock them up at the end of the Enterprise parking lot. I was used to that short delay before mine started to grab!!!!

biochemist · February 2, 2005

Hello, mine when warming up shifts differently...is this what you are talking about? Also, my 1-2 shift is a little harsh if I drive like an older gentleman...just kind of a firm shift...but if I drive normally...no problem cannot even tell it shifts sometimes. Dealers say the transmission learns how you drive and adjusts accordingly...kind of cool I suppose. But I do notice the shift if I am driving normally around versus taking off real slow and getting it right on the verge of shifting...then it kind of dumps into second and is a little harsh but I think this is purly my driving style that leads to this??...not sure if this is what you mean...do you hear anything...is the bump after it shifts or what?...mine is just a little more firm as I stated under certain circumstances....and when cold the shifts are held longer and it will not shift to OD until it reaches a certain temp...ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING...I am not sure? but let me know, later :chevy

BRZ71 · February 2, 2005

It is really hard to explain, but you would notice it if you drove it, or was a passenger in it. I have been driving this 05 2wd though, all day and the tranny feels soooooooooooooo much different. Firmer more solid shifts, quicker downshifts, no bump, it shifts sometimes and you almost can't even tell it shifted. Way smoother than mine ever was, I did get it used and it is my first 4WD chevy. You KNOW every shift mine makes, I know the 4wd shifts a little different, but the diff between this one and mine is ungodly. For the service manager to point it out on our ride before I mentioned it happened, well it has to be very obvious!!!

Here is what I found out, the guy that owned it bought it to tow a travel trailer, found out he really needed a 2500, traded it in and bought a 2500. He did go to them with the specs of the trailer, and the Z was what they recommended with the heavy duty towing package. It was also in immaculate condition, did get it from the dealer but you could tell it still smelled like new and only had 17000 miles on it. He is a mayor of a small town here and drove a city car during the week. Did only tow 5 times with it though. I thought this may have blown the rearend or the drivetrain in some way, but the service manager said he really doubts it. Either way I don't care, they said they will either fix it or buy it back and give me a good deal on an 05 Z. If they can get my payments around the same and the overall price close, I will be happier than a pig in sh**. I do love the truck though, and if it didn't have this problem would be totally satisfied.

biochemist · February 2, 2005

OK then, I read where yours does this after 30 minutes...I guess we ARE NOT talking about the same thing...I just notice mine shifts a bit differently depending on the cold weather and how I DRIVE IT, all dealers in my area (and others) say normal....anyway, let us all know how it turns out....could you explain what you mean by BUMP...I do not get it...same as a frim shift, or it shifts then it bumps, do not understand I guess, but would like to learn all I can. Is it really hard shifting from 1-2...I assume it is very noticable but not sure what BUMP means? Just trying to figure it out...Thanks and let me know,

caremd99 · February 2, 2005

Biochemist - mine acts exactly the same as you describe.

biochemist · February 2, 2005

Biochemist - mine acts exactly the same as you describe.

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Sorry hit the wrong button, read below...

biochemist · February 2, 2005

Biochemist - mine acts exactly the same as you describe.

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That is cool, this is on your 04 I would guess? I would assume you think this is normal...I was trying to help this guy out here but I cannot really get what he feels...how do you like your truck... Later,

Of course on your 04...duh!

BRZ71 · February 3, 2005

It is definatly a bump after the shift. It literally feels like it shifts out of first but not completly then kind of slams into second, almost like it is holding the shift out too long between 1st and second. Something I have also noticed is in tow haul the 1 to 2 shift is kind of like a lurch. I tried the tow haul on the one I have right now, other than holding the rpms out the shift is a little firmer. Not like mine at all. My personal opinion is that it is a slip between 1st and 2nd. We will see, no update from the service dept as of their time of close today. Here is what it does truck starts moving goes to shift, shifts 1 to 2 seconds later you feel a bump in the rear end. truck continues to accelerate the whole time. Like I said it feels like a bunp, but I think it is acctually a slip. In tow haul the "slip" is so annoying that the last time I towed something I didn't bother with using it.

biochemist · February 3, 2005

It is definatly a bump after the shift. It literally feels like it shifts out of first but not completly then kind of slams into second, almost like it is holding the shift out too long between 1st and second. Something I have also noticed is in tow haul the 1 to 2 shift is kind of like a lurch. I tried the tow haul on the one I have right now, other than holding the rpms out the shift is a little firmer. Not like mine at all. My personal opinion is that it is a slip between 1st and 2nd. We will see, no update from the service dept as of their time of close today. Here is what it does truck starts moving goes to shift, shifts 1 to 2 seconds later you feel a bump in the rear end. truck continues to accelerate the whole time. Like I said it feels like a bunp, but I think it is acctually a slip. In tow haul the "slip" is so annoying that the last time I towed something I didn't bother with using it.

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SECONDS later...wow that is strange. Maybe a leaf spring? Probably not...A couple of us say ours shifts differently when cold and under different driving styles...but what you say is not the same...wierd, not read that on here before...it must be quite noticable then...you do not have to hunt for it I guess? Let us all know what you find out...

BRZ71 · February 3, 2005

I will. It has been driving me crazy for a couple of months now. I think it has the tech puzzled. I didn't hear from them today, not a good sign. Every other time they have called to give me an update. I will call in the morning and try to get one out of them. I do know the Service Manager said there were a few things he cold try????? Maybe they are just going down the list. I think it is something bad in the tranny, but I am not Mr Goodwrench !!! They have never offered me a loaner in the past, so I fear this might take a while.

BRZ71 · February 3, 2005

Got a call from the Service Dept this morning. The claim to have found the problem. Bad pressure control solenoid in the vlave body of the tranny. Will be picking it up today once it is ready. Hope that "really" is the problem, kid of leary after all the times it has been in there for this. I guess to change that would require a half a** tranny flud change. I wonder but doubt they will change the filter while they have it open. Should have just told them to do that anyway, I am at 26000 miles. I will give a final update to this once I get the truck back and can verify that was the solution.

PunchT37 · February 17, 2007

Yep. I just repaired an `03 trans this morning. `03`s produced on or before 4/01/03 you replace the pressure control solonoid with an updated one [forgot the part #] AND reprogram the pcm. Ones produced after 4/1 all you do is reprogram.