Questions and Answers

Buick Regal Weird Transmission Shifts Q. Dear Mr. Vincent Ciulla, Recently I constantly experienced weird transmission shift on my 2003 Buick Regal LS, 3.8 liter V-6, automatic transmission with 20,000 miles. I would appreciate it if you can give me some suggestions. Below are my observations:

1) Once the transmission has shifted to O/D, it is hard to get it out. To get the transmission out of O/D, disengage torque converter lockup, I have to either completely release the accelerator first and then push it again or push it to the floor from where it is. If I don't release the accelerator but continue pushing it, the rpm stays unchanged and the car accelerates slowly. The rpm doesn't increase much, or even no increase, until the accelerator hits the floor. This is very annoying especially when the car runs in urban freeway traffic where short but quick acceleration is needed frequently.

2) Very quickly after the transmission is brought out from O/D, it goes back again, unless the accelerator is floored or at least pushed very hard and deep. From what I see, for instance, accelerating at 75 mph rpm jumps from 2,000 to approximately 3,000, the maximum it can reach at that speed unless floored, and immediately the engine sounds returning to O/D again and rpm drops quickly, even with the accelerator still going down. It looks like the transmission cannot hold. This problem has been observed for the full range of speed where O/D applies.

3) Acceleration is soft/loose below 2,200 rpm. Also, to get 2,200 rpm, I feel I have to push the accelerator down more than normally expected. First shift is at around 17 to 20 mph and the second at around 25 to 30 mph. With the same foot, my Toyota Camry shifts at 5 to 10 and 25 respectively.

No code found and no light on. I am wondering what the problem could be. I would appreciate it very much if you can give me some suggestions.

Best regards,
Bing

A. My suggestion to you without trying to be a wise guy is to take it to a dealer! It's under warranty! There are lots of service bulletins out for this transmission and one or more probably apply to your problem. There are new design TCC solenoids and pressure control solenoids available for this transmission.