Trans started acting up today

[Dukenukemx]

On the way back home the trans started to act up. Either from 2-3 or 3-4 the engine would quickly jump up in RPM and then engage the next gear. Does this sound like a bad solenoid or it's something more serious? Makes me wish I changed all the solenoids when I had access to the trans.

[SC2BuzzBomb]

Sounds typical for a 12 year old vehicle. I would just keep driving it until it totally craps out, then get a new car.

[Dukenukemx]

That bad?

[Jonnyferrari]

Originally Posted by Dukenukemx

That bad?

Try some lucas trans fix, the stuff actually does some good. Also, maybe try changing the fluid/filter, although you may want to check for codes and bring it to a shop. I am sure you can save it, and if it is cheap it obviously would be worth it. I am not very familiar with our transmission though, so see if you pull a code.

[Dukenukemx]

When I got this car the trans was already very problematic. So I change the fluid in it once a year, along with the filter. Didn't put Lucas oil this year, guess I'll end up getting a bottle.

The transmission which is a 4T45E is commonly used in a lot of GM cars. The way I see it I could go about this 3 different ways. Given of course I'm going to use the Lucas first and drive it until the trans explodes.

#1 Get a junk yard trans. Local junk yards have them for $200 - $350 depending how far I'm willing to drive for one.

#2 Get a junk yard trans from a much newer GM car. I think they kept sticking these trans all the way till 2009 model GM cars? I'm not sure if everything will hook up fine electrically.

#3 Rebuild the trans. They sell rebuild kits though I've never done it. Certainly don't feel like paying some shop $2k to do it.

[Dukenukemx]

Is it possible that this problem is a bad 2-3 solenoid in the trans? There was a massive vacuum leak that just happened today and I fixed it, but didn't solve the trans problem.

Also, I may end up replacing the trans, so is it possible for me to get a newer trans from a junked 2009 Grand AM GT or G6? At least from a Vue? BTW, the Lucas oil did nothing.