2006 ESV Tranny Slippage from 2-3

[shawner]

Hey everyone -

I recently purchased a used (92K miles) ESV and it's flippin' awesome. It was very well-maintained, but I have a concern. I live in an area where I don't often get over 40 mph (neighborhood) and I've recently noticed the following occurs:

- Starting from 0 mph, shifting from 1-2 is normal.

- Shifting from 2-3, the engine RPMs raise slightly prior to actually getting into 3rd.

- It also seems to 'slide' into 3rd versus shifting directly from 2nd to 3rd.

- This only happens at slower driving conditions and doesn't happen under a load or trying to get up to 45-50 mph, or entering a highway.

I do not have any 'check engine light' nor does it show any codes while plugged into a computer. Is it me or does is it possible that this is the beginning of a transmission problem?

Many thanks for any input.

[BodybyFisher]

I trust you have checked the fluid?

Smell your fluid and see if it has a burned smell to it.

If you do not smell burned tranny fluid, at 93,000 miles, it is due for a tranny fluid change. Unfortunately it sounds like you are slipping and I don't think that a fluid change would make a difference but if you want to take a chance, change your fluid and use Dextron VI. Your caddy may have come from the factory with Dextron VI, as it was introduced in 2006, but if it didn't here is an exerpt from a web site with details that I provided a link to.

Let us know how this turns out, and we are glad you are enjoying your Caddy, Welcome Aboard.

http://www.sandyblogs.com/techlink/2009/05/dexron-vi.html

When compared with earlier automatic transmission fluids, DEXRON-VI offers these improvements and benefits:

- enhanced performance of both new and older transmissions

- longer ATF life (160,000 km/100,000 miles normal, or 80,000 km/50,000 miles severe). It is important to refer to the owner manual because certain vehicles recommend a normal service drain interval of 150,000 miles (240,000 km).

- consistent shift quality throughout the life of the transmission

- extended transmission life.

To achieve these benefits, DEXRON-VI offers significant improvements in these operating characteristics:

Friction Stability (improved 100%) -- Friction describes how the fluid behaves when transmission clutches or bands are engaged. A fluid with poor friction characteristics leads to grabbing, chattering and slipping (fig. 2).