Thread: 1997 Grand Prix GT -Mechanic says no first gear? Can this be a bad ingnition switch?

Replace the switch first, it's less expencive than a transmission lol

Yes also if the switch is causing any relays to switch on and off, your TCC circut being interupted can cause the transmission to act very funny including locking up the converter to make it seem like the transmission is in kind of like a "limp mode" or abuse mode

what rpms are you running at 55?

Welcome to the site

Here is the fun way to test for 1st gear:

1. Drive to stop sign with no traffic or people
2. Engage E-Brake. (This step may be skipped if tires have little to no tread left)
3. Turn off TCS
4. Stomp on the gas pedal hard.

If the car does a burnout, then you have 1st gear.

If 1st gear is still not enguaged, trying to launch hard in 2nd from a dead stop will be a good way to burn out the transmission...especially if shes having other electrical issues due to the switch...

Not exactly a bright idea

I said that its the fun way. And it is.

I never called it the smart or logical or boring way.

I am 98% certain that she has first gear anyway as it would be very noticeable if she didn't. Coming out of stop signs in 2nd gear would be painfully slow.

I only hit 4th gear when cruising in the expressway. So rpm drop twice means 1st gear shift to 2nd, and 2nd shift to 3rd. All normal sounding to me.

Also, the transmission in the 97 is vacuum controlled anyways.

Both of my 97's are 100% eletronic, 96 was the first year for the 4t65hd to come out in the SSEi's that was the last of the vacume controlled units

" ’97 GT cars should be steered clear from. If you plan to mod and have not bought one yet, don't. They use a very weak vacuum powered transmission (4T60E)."

Taken from the untouchable and undeniable http://www.grandprixforums.net/safel...0-a-67580.html

Your 97 is a GTP. It got the 4t65e.

I have a 97 GT. It has the vacuum 4t60.

Basically in 97 GM was extra stupid.

Jen,

Welcome to the site.

At a full stop, pull the shifter back to the 2 position. Then drive normally to about 45mph. If the car shifts once, then you do have first and second gear. Our transmissions will shift to 2nd at about the 10-25 mph area based on how much you press the gas, less pressing means it'll shift sooner.

The car running poorly can make it shift funny, however it won't keep the car from using first gear. A throttle body cleaning and tune up sound like they are in order if you decide to keep the car.