Thread: Problems taking off, shudders and clunks into gear

I have a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP with the 5.3L V-8 completely stock. Lately, I have been having an issue with the transmission which seems to be fairly common, but I have yet to find a fix. When the vehicle is started cold, and driving maybe a block or two then stopping at a stop sign or stoplight and then try to take off again, the vehicle seems very hesitant to go, will shudder for a second or two and CLUNK quite harshly into gear about half-way through the intersection. It seems as though it tries to start in too high of a gear??? Vehicle only does it when cold, and no codes have shown up with diagnostics. The vehicle is in the shop right now for this, and also a hesitancy when up-shifting from 2-3 that causes a slight RPM flare. The extended warranty company has sent out an inspector, but the technician at the dealer has been unable to duplicate this problem for him each time he is there. Transmission fluid shows full when running warm in neutral, with no burnt smell or any visible metal. Any help with what may be the issue or anyone with this same problem that has found a fix, I would greatly appreciate it!!! Maybe it is some information I can pass on to the inspector or onto the technician. Dealer is calling out another inspector one more time and will leave the car sit for the entire weekend to make sure it is bone cold when the inspector gets there this time. I will also try to meet the inspector there this time (if possible) to see if I can duplicate the problem for him myself! Thanks!!!

Eddie Jackson,

There are several possibly causes for the problem you are describing. It could be caused by the Input, third clutch housing, a binding 4th clutch piston or the torque converter stator. These are just suggestions; they are not intended as a diagnosis.

It's best to have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician.

Please keep us posted on the results of your technician. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Louis
GM Customer Service

Originally Posted by GMCustomerService

Eddie Jackson,

There are several possibly causes for the problem you are describing. It could be caused by the Input, third clutch housing, a binding 4th clutch piston or the torque converter stator. These are just suggestions; they are not intended as a diagnosis.

It's best to have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician.

Please keep us posted on the results of your technician. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Louis
GM Customer Service

Thanks, Louis for the help!!! It is actually in a GM dealership here in Independence, Missouri right now--the vehicle has 99,980 miles--my warranty expires at 100,000 miles!!! It was in about three weeks ago and they said a motor mount needed to be replaced and would solve the problem, so I had them replace it...as soon as I was driving it off the lot, it did it pulling out into traffic--so I took it back the next morning. this time, the technician at the dealership diagnosed it as "Internal Transmission Failure" and recommended to replace it. But in order for my extended warranty to have it repaired/replaced, their protocol is to send out an inspector to confirm a problem. Now the issue becomes: it won't duplicate for the inspector. It has done it for the technician, and according to them, they have gone through anything it may be outside of the transmission, but once the inspector is there--it won't do it!!! I'm having them leave it sit over the weekend so it will be bone cold and not driven for like 48-72 hours before that inspector gets there. If they are not able to duplicate it, my only other option is to have them drop the pan and check for metal, etc...my warranty company say that would be enough evidence to show there is a problem and authorize the repairs. I've also even considered letting the dealership tear down and do diagnostics on it to find the broken parts, which would then be covered by the warranty--the downside--if for some reason they don't find anything, it will a costly bill to have that transmission rebuilt!!! I'm sure something is not right in it--but am at a loss for what to do next...??? I completely understand where the warranty company is coming from--they have their procedures that have to be done before they can authorize the repair--they have a job just like you and I...

I have a 2007 gxp doing the same thing it doesn't only do it when the engine is cold but it does it occasionally just randomly. Been to the dealer 5+ times have yet to exhibit this behavior for a tech. They said engine mount too I called BS. Really irritating me let me know what you find then maybe I can pass this info to my tech. I'm really wondering if this is a common problem in these cars.

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I had to create an account cause I have the same exact thing happening to my 08 GP GXP. Only when cold (transmission temps below 70) and only in 1 and 2. No other issue and the car has not be drove hard. I drive mostly highway and only have to stop 3 times for my whole 100 round trip.

I would like to know what you find out as I haven't gotten the car to the dealership yet cause I can't get it to do it all the time. Just keep us posted

Update:

The warranty company sent out an inspector last Friday for the final time. Although the problem didn't replicate, another problem arose. He said he noticed there a soft 2-3 shift with sight RPM flare. This had never happened to me before, but started while it was in the shop. He said the shift was out of spec, so that was enough evidence for them to see there was a problem inside somewhere. They authorized a tear-down to find the problem. While tearing it down, they said they found--1) broken 2-3 band (whatever that means, not quite sure)--2) The pump was scored with grooves in it--and 3) "Converter debris" in the fluid. If anyone would like to shed light on what that means, feel free...I'm kind of curious!!! Not really sure if any of this was what was causing my original concern or not as they just tore down to find out what was causing the soft 2-3 shift. They sent an estimate over to my warranty company yesterday to repair the issues they found, and I talked to their adjuster this afternoon. She said she has ordered a replacement transmission as it is more cost effective for them to just replace rather than repair. Still has me wondering what was causing the issue with taking off when cold sometimes. I see this is a common issue and was hoping to figure it out so I could pass on what I knew to everyone else. The car has been in the shop for almost 8 weeks now!!! I only have 20 miles left before the warranty expires!!! Luckily, the dealership provides a loaner vehicle while yours in in their shop. I'm definitely missing my GXP!!! Transmission should be in by middle of next week!!!

Of course mines out of warranty now I gotta save till I can afford to get a tranny from triple edge. I fukin hate this car

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