Please Help!

[angeno03]

I have a 95 sts with 97,000 miles and it just started shifting funny. At about 43 mph, the tranny seems to slip and up go the rpms. The check engine light comes on at the same time. When i shut of the car the chech engine goes away but then comes back when i hit 43 mph. Thanks guys for all you do. Oh yeah, checked codes and only history codes are present.

[BodybyFisher]

ost the history codes. I don't think that your year posts codes for the shift solenoids, someone confirm that.

It is possible that you just have shift solenoid problems, is it shifting past second gear? (important question)

[angeno03]

ost the history codes. I don't think that your year posts codes for the shift solenoids, someone confirm that.

It is possible that you just have shift solenoid problems, is it shifting past second gear? (important question)

Yes it does. It will shift to 3rd then when its supposed to shift to 4th it goes haywire. At around 42 mph. it drop backs down to 2nd and check engine light comes on.

[BodybyFisher]

ost the history codes. I don't think that your year posts codes for the shift solenoids, someone confirm that.

It is possible that you just have shift solenoid problems, is it shifting past second gear? (important question)

Yes it does. It will shift to 3rd then when its supposed to shift to 4th it goes haywire. At around 42 mph. it drop backs down to 2nd and check engine light comes on.

That drop back to second is a default mode, it is sounding like shift solenoids to me, I will let others who have direct experience with the shift solenoids comment, I don't think the 95 with OBDI will set a code for them.

[lothos]

I did the A and B shift solenoids in my 95 STS. Had almost the same exact symptoms. I remember it throwing a code though, looked it up in my chiltons book. If I remember right, there is a code for A shift solenoid and a code for B shift solenoid. You should just replace them both at the same time. I got a deal on mine ($200 bucks), but I was quoted around 350-450 for a tranny shop to do it.

[angeno03]

I did the A and B shift solenoids in my 95 STS. Had almost the same exact symptoms. I remember it throwing a code though, looked it up in my chiltons book. If I remember right, there is a code for A shift solenoid and a code for B shift solenoid. You should just replace them both at the same time. I got a deal on mine ($200 bucks), but I was quoted around 350-450 for a tranny shop to do it.

Is it something a novice person could handle or is it a pretty big job?

[Regis]

I did the A and B shift solenoids in my 95 STS. Had almost the same exact symptoms. I remember it throwing a code though, looked it up in my chiltons book. If I remember right, there is a code for A shift solenoid and a code for B shift solenoid. You should just replace them both at the same time. I got a deal on mine ($200 bucks), but I was quoted around 350-450 for a tranny shop to do it.

Is it something a novice person could handle or is it a pretty big job?

That's a relative question. What do you consider novice to be? It's bigger than a wheel bearing job. In fact it's bigger than many possible fixes but definitely doable if you are willing to listen to the members with personal experience on this board, have the right tools, and most importantly Time. One thing I've noticed, and you probably have too, is that when you've never fixed something before you need a lot of extra time. I've never done shift solenoids and would love to give it a go if the need arose. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of extra time should I need it because of a screw up. So, for me, the cost is well worth paying my mechanic to do it. But then again I have the luxury of having a talented mechanic that's honest.

[BodybyFisher]

As Regis noted, its not hard, but its not easy either. We have had members do it successfully and members fail.

The most important thing is,

to make sure that all of the check balls are back where they belong

replace any gaskets that need replacing

use the bracket for the new solenoids

and torque to spec

we can supply the diagrams and procedure if its not already posted someplace

Here is a photo of the solenoids

[angeno03]

To the shop she goes. I told the mechanic that I thought it might be selinoids and about this site. He didn't sound like he liked the fact that people actually do some research on there own, instead of just dropping the car off and waiting for a estimate. I guess now I just wait and see what he has to say. I wish I could do it but last I checked there were only 24 hrs in a day. I will post the results. Thanks for the help!

[lothos]

I would check the codes that you're getting too, I was throwing a P094 "Transaxle Shift A Solenoid" code. I believe the solenoids come as a kit, and you should replace both the A and B solenoids at the same time.

Also, don't let them talk you into a transmission flush.

Here are two links to information on the problem:

http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/lofiversion/i....php/t8481.html

http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/lofiversion/i....php/t1189.html

[fivepointohman]

Hello, The shift solenoids are bad in this car... Replace them both.. Parts cost about $25 Dollars for the solenoids. I would say you need to know something about mechanics to do this job, but it's not a bad job to say the least. Where do you live? Anywhere in NYS?

[angeno03]

Hello, The shift solenoids are bad in this car... Replace them both.. Parts cost about $25 Dollars for the solenoids. I would say you need to know something about mechanics to do this job, but it's not a bad job to say the least. Where do you live? Anywhere in NYS?

Minnesota. It's too late just got back from shop. It was indeed the solenoids. GM does sell them as a kit. Mechanic replaced both and she runs like a dream now. Off to the dealership now to see what they will give me on a trade. My wife wants a newer one so wish me luck. Oh yeah, thanks for all the help guys. It's pretty nice talking to the mechanic and actually acting like I know a little something.

[BodybyFisher]

Hello, The shift solenoids are bad in this car... Replace them both.. Parts cost about $25 Dollars for the solenoids. I would say you need to know something about mechanics to do this job, but it's not a bad job to say the least. Where do you live? Anywhere in NYS?

Minnesota. It's too late just got back from shop. It was indeed the solenoids. GM does sell them as a kit. Mechanic replaced both and she runs like a dream now. Off to the dealership now to see what they will give me on a trade. My wife wants a newer one so wish me luck. Oh yeah, thanks for all the help guys. It's pretty nice talking to the mechanic and actually acting like I know a little something.

There are two reasons why this board is good, first, for do it yourselfers to get help and second, for members to get educated so that they are knowledgeable when they go to their shop.... Glad we could help, and very glad it was an easy fix.