Hard shifting 4T65E in '99 GTP

**SnowDrift** · 04-09-2014

In reading this, thread, below the symptoms I'm experiencing are nearly identical. The link for the HardShift Solution in the last post doesn't work for me, though. Mine is intermittent to where I may drive for over an hour and never experience a single hard upshift. The next time, though, when it's warm, I might have every shift as it slams into gear.

TCC was replaced about two years ago. Is Lucas the thing to try, at this point? Bill, you mentioned a shift kit, too. I'm not opposed to replacing the TCC again if that's the best solution. If so, what is the best brand out there, to date?

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...light=solenoid

**Below Average Joe** · 04-09-2014

If you go the shift kit route, get a Trans-go kit from ebay. They seem to be the best for the money. My TEP trans came with a Trans-Go kit and I like it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4T65E-TRANSG...1dd11c&vxp=mtr

**02NavyBlue** · 04-09-2014

If your problem is what it is most times, a shift kit will prevent the issues you're having. It doesn't fix the root problem but you will not notice.
Unfortunately I pay attention to my shifts sometimes I think more than the pcm does, so I still notice that root problem.

**SnowDrift** · 04-10-2014

Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue

If your problem is what it is most times, a shift kit will prevent the issues you're having. It doesn't fix the root problem but you will not notice.
Unfortunately I pay attention to my shifts sometimes I think more than the pcm does, so I still notice that root problem.

Are you saying the root of the problem is the solenoid, or are you saying it is something else?

**BillBoost37** · 04-10-2014

Root is the PCS so yes... but, by putting in the shift kit, you limit the movement in the accumulator and do not trigger the max adapt code

**SnowDrift** · 04-10-2014

Ok, so I'm looking at the PCS replacement and not the TCC, right?

Is this the part to buy, or is there a better piece out there?

http://shop.tripleedgeperformance.co...2002-33946.htm

**02NavyBlue** · 04-10-2014

Most commonly the pcs is at fault, i had the same issue, the shift kit stopped the symptoms for the most part, and when replacing the pcs I did notice a difference when cold but still has a slight problem when it warms up. I'm looking at boost valve issues possibly, which can cause the exact same issue.

And yes. That's the best pcs you can get for these transmissions imo.

The tcc won't cause those issues.

**SnowDrift** · 04-11-2014

If that's the source of the issue, then that's what I'll do, rather than just bandage the problem with a shift kit. Does the rack need disconnected? If so, is the best way to do this by taking the pinch bolt out under the boot, or remove the bolts that hold it to the frame? If I recall correctly, from when I replaced the rack, that pinch bolt deal is the pits.

**02NavyBlue** · 04-11-2014

Yeah don't remove the pinch bolt, the two bolts attaching it to the subframe are the easiest way. Also a shift kit is a good thing to have in a trans anyway, I'd install one in a trans that's working fine.

**SnowDrift** · 04-11-2014

Give me a brief overview of the installation - what kind of time are we talking for the install? Am I removing the bottom cover to do this? I put a shift kit in a TH400 about 20+ years ago, but I don't recall much about it. I think I had to remove the valve body.

**02NavyBlue** · 04-11-2014

For the shift kit or for the pcs replacement? Shift kit = bottom pan, pcs = side cover.

I wrote a how-to for a shift kit install: http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...ailed-Pictures

And this is my thread gathering information on replacing the pcs, and more parts in the same area. http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...in-the-Vehicle

Shift kit time would be maybe 2 hours? And replacing the pcs might be up to a day for the first time doing it. I could probably get it done in just over a half doing it a second time.

**SnowDrift** · 04-12-2014

Two valuable links, there. Thanks for the pictures and the step by step on those. I appreciate Bill's input on them, also. I always value his comments.

You ordered an ACDelco PCS, though, right? Why not the Borg Warner part?

I came across this guy, too. This is Part 1 of a 4 part set. He seems a little more sloppy that I think a person should be with the inside of a transmission, but the basics are there. Don't listen to this with kids around - lots of foul language that don't add to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTVpIod6Eas

Bill, what's your opinion on the shift kit? Worth doing for me? I've only got interest in longevity and reliability. This isn't a racer for me. If yes, then TransGo brand?

**02NavyBlue** · 04-13-2014

Originally Posted by SnowDrift

Two valuable links, there. Thanks for the pictures and the step by step on those. I appreciate Bill's input on them, also. I always value his comments.

You ordered an ACDelco PCS, though, right? Why not the Borg Warner part?

It was cheaper but the borg warner is a longer lasting design. I would go bwd if I did it again.

**SnowDrift** · 04-16-2014

Thanks for the information.

**BillBoost37** · 04-16-2014

I'd follow the write up I did to pull the side cover off and make sure to add in the tips that 02Navy has in his thread. The more information the better.

**SnowDrift** · 04-19-2014

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...e-cover-access

This one, correct?

**02NavyBlue** · 04-19-2014

Yeah that's it, I didn't support anything from above when I did mine, I had a 2x4 under both pans holding them up with a jack.

**SnowDrift** · 06-18-2014

Finally getting around to this. Bought a Transgo shift kit, to start with. I figure I'll do both the kit and the Borg Warner solenoid. I see there are several conversations about this recently.

**SnowDrift** · 06-29-2014

I ended up putting the springs in that NavyBlue did the write-up on. Dang, I forgot how much oil this consumed when changing out. I put in 8 quarts and it's still not enough. I'll pick up more tomorrow. Write-up made it nice - didn't have computer access where I was working, but was able to recall the majority of it.

How much oil is lost when changing out the PCS from the side cover?

I unhooked the battery for a couple hours - should be good there. What am I looking for to see if the shift kit is doing its thing or not? Just basically not having the hard shifting issue anymore?

**02NavyBlue** · 06-29-2014

I'm not sure how much is lost from the side cover removal, it's on an angle so a decent amount I'm sure.

If you installed the transgo shift kit as the instructions said to you're basically going to notice that shifts won't get slow when warmed up like they used to, normal up shifts stay pretty much the same. Now downshifts 1/2 throttle and under were hugely improved in my case. They were very slow before but now just as fast as an up shift.