Expert: Robert Summers - 6/9/2009

Question
I have an '01 Monte Carlo SS with 98K miles on it. The transmission won't stay
in 4th gear at speeds above 45 mph. It will shift into second, then third and
into 4th when accelerating slowly. But, when my speed gets up to 40-45 mph
it drops back into third.  If I accelerate harder the tranny will shift 1,2,3 and
stay there. No 4th gear at all.  I have dropped the pan and the fluid was red,
not brown or burnt smelling and there weren't any metal shavings in the pan
or filter. Is there a problem with one of the electrical components in the
tranny?

Answer
Hi Matt.... sorry but trannys except manual ones are a constant pain for me so i just send them to a trans guy...if you have a scan tool, hook it up and drive car, watch the readings under shift solonids and see if they all come on as it shifts...i suspect that you have a 4th gear shift solonid gone down and not holding under pressure...i know it isn't much but i hope this helps