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Buick LaCrosse Transmission Problems

gerrycgerryc Member Posts: 9
The transmission in my 05 LaCrosse (CXS/3.6l engine, 25,000 miles)has just started to exhibit hard shifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd gears in city traffic. Am getting a pronounced thud-like sound as it upshifts. No problems with downshifts, however. Operators Manual does not provide guidance on how to check automatic transmission fluid level. There is no obvious sign of trannie fluid on the garage floor. Will take the car in to the dealer first thing tomorrow.

Appreciate any advice you may wish to offer.
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Comments

  • richard60richard60 Member Posts: 2
    Gerry C.

    I have a LaCrosse identical to the car you described and experienced precisely the same problem at about 24,500 miles on the odometer.

    Took the vehicle to the dealer. They had no records of similar problems on LaCrosse models, but mentioned something similar on 2004 Regal and Century models. They kept the car overnight and reportedly replaced some sort of clutch mechanism on the vehicle.

    This took place about 3 weeks ago and just tonight the identical problem has reoccured. I'm taking the car back to the dealer tomorrow.

    Ever since the car was new, low gear/low speed city traffic
    shifts were always jerky...have never experienced anything like this on numerous cars owned in the past. Mentioned it to the dealer at that time and, of course, was told it was normal. I believe there is some sort of systemic transmission problem with the vehicle which is becoming more serious as miles accumulate.

    Have you taken your vehicle to the dealership since posting your message?
  • gerrycgerryc Member Posts: 9
    Richard:

    I did take it in to the dealer. There was no recurrence either as I drove it to the dealer or during their road test. Service advisor suggested it may have been a balky solenoid in the trannie but claimed the hard shifts don't do any harm to the transmission. At this point, ifthis happens again, I will just park the car, turn it off and then turn it on again in the expectation that the problem will go away just as it did the day I took it into the dealer. I suspect this may be a sporadic software klitch which can be overcome by re-initializing the electronics that control the transmission. I'd be interested to learn if you are able to clear the problem as well by stopping and restarting the engine in your Buick.
  • richard60richard60 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your information. I'll give it a try and mention it to the dealer. I'll let you know what happens.
  • rick151rick151 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. Bought it in 2006. It currently has 59000 miles. Started hearing a whinning noise and thought it was the power steering fluid. Checked all fluids and they were find. Took to Pep Boys and they quickly pointed it out to be a transmission problem and to take it to a transmission specialist. I took it back to the GM dealership (a couple of miles from home) to pinpoint the problem. You'll never guess what I was told...
  • madburydonmadburydon Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 La Crosse that has what sounds like the same problem. However, I do have an additional bit of information: Recently my car sat in a florida parking lot for the better part of a day. When I started up from the parking lot the shift problem occured and contiued all the way home (about 60 miles.) Inthe morning everything was ok. Yesterday I was driving in very heavy stop and go traffic and the problem reoccured. About 3000 miles ago the dealer said the fluid was like "sludge" and replaced it. The problem has continued. Have you gotten any satisfaction?
  • miles9miles9 Member Posts: 1
    I have read were there those ou there experiencing transmission problems with Buick. I purchased a new 2005 Buick Lacrosse ledftover in March of 2006 so mt car just celbrated it's second birthday of ownership! Unfortunately I am also about to have the dealership install the fourth (4) transmission so don't believe for a minute that the transmissions are NOT a problem with the Lacrosse's at least. I began to have minor slips & a couple hard knocks similar to those described here in Edmunds at 25,000 miles, pulled in to a gas station to fill up, turned the car off, got gas & got back in, started the car & no forward gears! believe me the same thing will happen at 50,000 miles & now at least for me again at 76,000 & when the transmission goes there are very few warnings, no check engine lights, no information from the little computer, just a hard shift & nothing. Buick has stepped up to the plate and replaced the second with the third at no charge (pretty big of them) becasue the 36,000 mile warranty had expired & it is now in the shop awaiting the fourth transimission! Consider lemon law action as soon as possible if it makes sense in your state, I can't even let my wife drive the car any more because of reliability issues & I thought I bought the car for reliability! Should have kept my 1998 Chevy astro van with 270,000 miles on it!

    Signed,

    GM Family Member
  • hitman1970hitman1970 Member Posts: 33
    I am suddenly nervous as my 2006 CXS is sitting at 23,000 miles. Time will tell. So far my car has been pretty much flawless. I enjoy driving it quite a lot.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    This sounds odd. I haven't seen it mentioned before. The transmission is the THM65E I assume. Those are used in the Chevy and other cars with few problems. Now if you were talking Accords that might be different about repetitive failures. I have to sympathize with the person on their 4th transmission! :sick:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • lcbjlcbj Member Posts: 1
    My 2005 Buick LaCrosse with 33K has exactly the same problem of recurring hard shifts that come and go. It is very annoying and worrisome. It always seems to be in stop and go traffic. I am off to see the dealer tomorrow.
  • fordfan_17fordfan_17 Member Posts: 175
    harsh shifting in 4T65E transmissions is a common problem it is caused mostly by a failing EPC (electronic pressure control solenoid) and normally returns a code p1811 Maximum shift adapt or p0741 excessive torque converter slippage. either code can be fixed but either will require transmission removal. if its a p0741 code the dealer will probably want to replace the transmission since dealerships are not to keen about aftermarket fixes to thier transmissions. if code 1811 is recovered the epc solenoid should be replaced.
  • quezalnnquezalnn Member Posts: 1
    I can not get this web site to work with me. However, I would like to read what the dealership informed you of due to the fact I have been having the same issues. I am taking my car back to them Wed. I got a feeling it just might get really ulgy.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    My wife has a 2005 LaCrosse CXL which we intend to keep for a long time so we maintain the car carefully. She only has 20,000 miles in almost four years of driving, but there is a lot of stop and go driving in those miles. I purchased a transmission filter at my dealer with the intention of changing the fluid also.
    I learned that the new Buicks come through with Dextron VI transmission fluid rather than Dextron III. My car has Dextron III, but Dextron VI is compatible with Dextron III. I wanted to upgrade to synthetic Mobil 1, but it only meets the Dextron III spec and not the Dextron VI spec. I found that Valvoline makes a synthetic which meets the Dextron VI spec.
    My Buick dealer recommends their power flush for $119, but that only gets me regular Dextron III as he claims that GM get $30 a quart for Dextron VI. Also the trans filter does not get replaced in a power flush. I am leaning towards the synthetic Valvoline Dextron VI and a filter change, but I would be happy to hear someone else's thoughts.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    It's nice that your dealer is wanting to pad the weekly profit with your flush charge and Dexron VI bill!

    Walmart Dexron VI is $3.89??? Check it out. Your can has only 20,000 and 3 years. Perfect timing for high level maintenance change. Buy a Purolator transmission filter, buy 7 quarts of Walmart Dexron VI, and have a quality local shop change it for you for a fee. He won't make any money off 40% of the filter and the fluid he charges, so expect to pay almost as much as he provided those parts, but use yours. Take back the GM filter or use it. I'd save it till the next change myself.

    Or find a friend or neighbor who has done drains on GM transmissions and has the ability if you aren't into doing it yourself. It requires jack stand for safety and ability to crawl under the car and hold up a transmission pan with part of the weight held by loosened bolts as you let the fluid pour into a large, flat pan.

    The process is simply, remove about 20 little bolts, drop the pan slowly holding it above a large catch pan for the fluid that comes out as you tip it. Gently pry the old filter straight down; slide the new filter neck into the old seal tapping it with your hand to push it up tightly. Replace pan using the original GM rubber seal that's meant to be re used for the lifetime unless it's torn somehow.

    Myself, I left the original filter in place until my second drain at 60,000 miles on my 03. The filters should be good up to 100,000.

    You drain out half the fluid in the process and replace it with the synthetic blend Dexron VI--that's the advantage to the new Dexron. It's recommended for any car that came with Dexron III and later.

    If you didn't have 3 years or more, I'd suggest waiting until 30,000 or 36,000 to do the drain and refill but you seem to want to take good car of the car with preventative maintenance, so do it somewhere in between that suits you.

    Don't do the flush. Just regularly keep changing the fluid by draining and refilling.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Thanks for your detailed reply. I think I will buy the synthetic Dextron VI and change the fluid and filter myself this weekend. As you say the process is not difficult. I have done it before on my four previous Regals before the LaCrosse.
  • kairnskairns Member Posts: 8
    Hard transmission up shifts are a common problem with these transmissions caused by a weak or faulty electronic solenoid. Most times this conditions can be corrected by turning the motor off and re starting. This re-sets the computer that controls the transmission.

    For more information on these transmissions go to
    http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Transmission_Info.html
  • redriver1redriver1 Member Posts: 3
    Well I have a 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXS with 1400 miles on it. I put it in the shop because the transmission is going out on it. I took it in Friday, January 29, to have it checked. It took the technician over 30 minutes to hear the problem I was hearing. There was no computer indication of a problem. The dealership called GM technical center (what ever that is) and they had no ideas. So I had to take it back in today so they can tear down the transmission to determine the problem.
    I hear a clicking sound if I am slowing down between 35 to 20 mph. The clicking sound will go away if accelerate when it is clicking.
    So I am posting this to see if anyone has had a similar problem with their Lacrosse. Also I am hoping that GM is monitoring these forums, because this is the last GM product I will ever buy. The Lacrosse was suppose to be the new and improved GM model. Well they fell way short of my expectations for this car. I am sorry to you GM workers because this is an indication that you will continue to lose jobs with this type of quality.
  • asctonyasctony Member Posts: 46
    Fully understand your frustration. However, anything mechanical, electrical, technical, etc., can go wrong regardless of the product. I had a Toyota RAV4 for 8 years. Finally bought 2010 LaCrosse CXS. Gave RAV4 to daughter with 62,000 miles. It was not in the recall of ~4 million cars by Toyota. Like they say in Jamaica 'Pooo-Poooo Happens. Let them fix it and then let us know what happened. Good Luck.
  • cooterbfdcooterbfd Member Posts: 2,770
    ".. I hear a clicking sound if I am slowing down between 35 to 20 mph......"

    Is that the only problem, or are there drivability problems with the transmission? It seems odd that they would go through the trouble of tearing down a tranny just for a clicking. Good Luck and keep us posted.
  • jdinazjdinaz Member Posts: 5
    I also have a 2010 Lacrosse with the same issue. Interestingly enough just started searching for someone else with the same issues I have been having with this car and wanted you to know it is not just your car, mine has 1494 miles on it and I have been wondering what that clicking is, but have just been ignoring it thinking I am just hearing things.

    It only seems to do it in 2nd gear I believe, and when you accelerate is gone instantly. Doesn't seem to impact performance so I just turn up the radio a bit and ignore, although it sounds like down the road the issue will continue to get worse.

    I WANT to love this car so much, it is beautiful inside and out, in a month of ownership I am already having serious concerns with the quality. I want to buy American so badly, but this may be my last GM car.

    Unfortunately the clicking is minor in comparison to the other problem that developed for me, I will start a thread on that issue in a few mins but needless to say I was going down the freeway at 80 mph and the whole car went dead on me, just black. No power steering, power brakes, nada... whole electrical system seems to have fried. It was towed to the dealer where so far they can't figure it out either which brought me to these boards to see if anyone else had that issue.

    Stinks, was loving this car and was telling everyone how American cars were finally on the right track... And now within a month I may be back in a Lexus, we'll see what they find...
  • redriver1redriver1 Member Posts: 3
    Well it is now Feb 22 and the Lacrosse CXS is still in the shop. I am still not sure of the details of the problem. However, the dealership is waiting on a part kit of two bearings and a shaft.
    After two weeks I got tired of talking to the dealership and contacted the Buick Customer Service. It took a 30 minute call to get past the first level of Customer Service to get to the second level of Customer Service. This Customer Service representative was very nice to let me know that there are approximately 830 of these part kits on back order. So I am assuming that I am not the only person with a transmission problem with their new Lacrosse. I spoke with this Rep for the first time on Feb 16.
    On Feb 19 the Rep called me again to let me know that there has been no change in the parts back order issue. However, he had talked with the dealership and they were asking for a new transmission. The Rep told me that he has passed this request onto the appropriate levels in Buick. He said that he would call me back on Feb 23 to let me know if he had received any answer to this request. It is funny that when I requested a new transmission on Feb 16 the statement was, "That is not possible." So it is interesting that the longer they pay for a rental car the better it is looking at spending a little money on a new transmission.
    So I had my car for six weeks and at the end of this week it will be in the shop for four weeks. I really like this car and know that anything can happen to a car. But when parts are not available there is a major problem in the GM system. I was given a Cadillac STS with only 3900 miles on it. The rental agency said that it had just come out of the shop with failed power steering. GM continues to display their quality levels are still very low and Toyota is looking better!
  • smarty666smarty666 Member Posts: 1,503
    sounds a little bit ridiculous for you to be going through this on a brand new car! just shows GM still has not gotten it all together yet! Since your car has been in the shop for over 4 weeks do you not qualify for lemon law in your state? I know in NJ, where I live, it goes by if the same problem has been fix 3 times with no resolution, which you obviously are not at [OR] have the car at the dealership for more than 2 weeks consecutively during the same calendar year, which you might qualify for!

    I hope things work out the best for you! Lots of luck!!
  • fthormanfthorman Member Posts: 1
    I have an AWD, when leaving my driveway in the morning, on what I believe to be the 2-3rd shift. I have had the trans NOT make the shift!! The engine will free rev, If I let off on the "gas pedal" the trans will than go into the next gear (3rd) and life go's on. This will only happen once in the morning, once every other week. Have had the car at dealership, with the car over night, with out the same problem occuring for them.
  • blimpyblimpy Member Posts: 8
    I guess all the transmissions problems went away. Would be nice if you guys would list your motor/trans config instead of just LACROSSE.
  • waytoolaidbackwaytoolaidback Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2010
    Seems like they have a big problem with the tranny! Our 2010 is in the shop with tranny problem and we've only had it a few months. Its been in the shop for thee weeks now awaiting parts that seem to come each time with missing parts in the order claims the service manager. They are paying for my rental but that doesnt cut it for me. Today i called buick customer service and I expect to hear back from my district rep by monday. GM has to know about this problem, and they should issue a recall because something is terribly wrong. Our problem started with the car idling a little high and i let that go but a few days later it didnt want to shift into gear. Finally shifted into gear and heard a loud noise but it drove ok after that. The check egine light came on and onstar reps said it was a transmission code. Took it to the dealer that day and they have been trying to fix it since then. Im pretty fed up but what can you do? Hopefully this District rep tells me something positive. How can you sale cars and know that there will be problems within 2000 miles of leaving the lot. I normally by BMW's but thought i'd give the Buick a chance since it was so nice inside and out, I will not let GM lure me in like that again. UPDATE TO COME!
  • waytoolaidbackwaytoolaidback Member Posts: 3
    Seems like they have a big problem with the tranny! Our 2010 base model is in the shop with tranny problem and we've only had it a few months. Its been in the shop for thee weeks now awaiting parts that seem to come each time with missing parts in the order claims the service manager. They are paying for my rental but that doesnt cut it for me. Today i called buick customer service and I expect to hear back from my district rep by monday. GM has to know about this problem, and they should issue a recall because something is terribly wrong. Our problem started with the car idling a little high and i let that go but a few days later it didnt want to shift into gear. Finally shifted into gear and heard a loud noise but it drove ok after that. The check egine light came on and onstar reps said it was a transmission code. Took it to the dealer that day and they have been trying to fix it since then. Im pretty fed up but what can you do? Hopefully this District rep tells me something positive. How can you sale cars and know that there will be problems within 2000 miles of leaving the lot. I normally by BMW's but thought i'd give the Buick a chance since it was so nice inside and out, I will not let GM lure me in like that again. UPDATE TO COME!
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    I am certainly hoping that you are the few with tranny problems. As to the third gear thing, 09 Malibu has issue. It is mostly a colder weather thing during the first couple of shifts. It has a long delay going into third when second is released. It feels like it is slipping, third clutch taking too long to fully engage, and the tachometer shows just that. AFAIK, this is the same tranny. It might have slightly different parts in some areas for controlling shift and also computer programming may differ some. Build would have been prior to AUG 09.
    This worries me because it could be indicative of a problem leading to destruction of tranny. It might be indicative of an internal leak where there is no longer enough fluid flow to certain parts to build adequate pressure. Many of the circuits are in parallel and this could result in premature wear to bearings, gears, etc.

    The part delay may not be unusual. Stocking parts is no longer a common practice.
    If GM has determined the source of the issue, then they go back to transmission builder and then it moves on to their parts supplier if it is a manufacturing flaw. If it is a design flaw then you get a much larger circle of departments involved to come up with the fix.
    Supposedly, every transmission leaving the build sight gets a runup test before being shipped to GM final line, vehicle assembly. I suspect they are not doing cold soak or hot run tests.
    Older transmissions with lots of miles often displayed the first signs of failure by being slow to engage until they warmed up. Excess wear, cracked metal or rubber parts would cause internal leakage not allowing enough pressure to build.
    If there has been a part change the transmission builder will get the new parts first.
  • redriver1redriver1 Member Posts: 3
  • shiftybuickshiftybuick Member Posts: 1
    Hello, there is a service bullitin out on this and from what I can see the problem is with the 2nd and 4th gear clutch pack in the transmission, do not wait for the mileage specefied for trans oil change as this will make things worse as the oil will turn to mud, my 2006 started early with the hard shifts occasionally and now at 73000 miles and no more warranty the trans is really bad, just a matter of time before the big expense will hit, I am really disapointed other than this this has been one of the better GM cars I have owned but will not buy another.Mine is the Canadian version Allure.
  • curtsinthezonecurtsinthezone Member Posts: 5
    Interesting problem. Our Lacrosse is about 2 months old. We noticed from the beginning that the transmission acted odd. When decelerating the gear shift around 30 was not smooth. The car actually felt like it was applying the brakes. When the shift occured the tach would rev the drop dramatically.

    This is not the smooth transition that we are use to in a buick.

    The car has been to the dealer twice. Once for the first oil change and once for the trany. The technition believes that the calabration is out of sync. After the tune up it seems a little better but the problem is not completely resolved.

    It will need to be watched.

    That said, the car seems to operate well in every other aspect. Acceleration is fine and the ride is smooth and quite.

    It is just this nagging hicup in the gear change at 30 mph.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    I'm not sure why but newer vehicles seem to have eliminated the over-run clutch in transmissions so that even in drive engine braking is compelled. Older vehicles often needed moving from drive or OD on the selector to start engine braking.
    To me it would just make more sense to coast as far as possible and not bring engine braking into play unless perhaps the brake is applied.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    curtsinthezone,
    Please keep me updated on your situation.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    I hope it is not a problem per say. There were similar complaints on Malibu as well as other pertaining to shift. I and some others came to the conclusion that the computer learns driving habits and self programs accordingly. Perhaps you are doing quite a bit of stop and go driving or have been recently? This style would seem to bring automatic downshifts more forcefully. If you drove where most of the time you were doing a long roll to the stop with only light braking near the actual stop it seems to use less forceful downshifts. I have yet to figure why they don't use an over-run clutch which would maximize the rollout and MPG.
  • crankeeecrankeee Member Posts: 298
    Rider: Since our 94 pontiac B'ville we have noticed engine braking on hills where the car would "hold" the same speed for the most part. Very noticeable on newer vehicles i.e. 2010 Lacrosse. Personally, maybe due to getting used to it, I like the programming feature since you do not have to ride the brakes (in the smokies and on the Wheeling, WV Hill). Prior cars we did have to pull it down to a lower gear- like a manual to brake with engine. I agree it may help m,mileage by coasting but at what speed?
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    I generally don't ride in very hilly or mountains. Older vehicles with override clutch would positively engage when pulled from D(OD) position. It seems these 6 speeds are not as good at engine braking when applied. Even pulling down a gear or more they are hesitant to engage depending upon speed and engine RPM, so it is necessary to apply brake to get you within the allowed range for that gear. That is if you want effective engine braking for a high grade.
    Obviously coasting without engine braking should help MPG at any speed, assuming the engine efficiency is not horrible at idle. Rollout of newer vehicles can be very lengthy without any braking. A tap of the accelerator can move you a long way. This is much the principle that those who competed for most mileage on a vehicle used in contests. Most did use standard transmission, but once they got it rolling at the desired speed, they'd clutch and kill engine, allowing a long rollout. When speed decreased to the desired point, they'd pop clutch and restart to increase speed again. There are some that competed locally and got 100 miles on a gallong.
  • crankeeecrankeee Member Posts: 298
    edited March 2011
    Newer , jointly developed 6-speed is obviously programmed for economy preference with fast upshift and slow to downshift in my experience. We use the tap up tap down for really big grades, but as you have posted the new on board diagnostics appears "to learn" your driving mannerisms and the car becomes gradually easier to drive IMO. I have read about flashing or reprogramming certain transmissions and computers to take out the initial bugs (we had it done once and that car was very driveable and economical forever after. Big key with the Lacrosse 6-speed and the higher revving 3.0/3.6L DOHC engine family is to keep the RPMs up on big hill climbs. At 80 MPH, the car will climb all but the steepest, at 70 it lugs due to lower RPMs and as speed drops off it shifts down and then back up searching for economy. Very frustrating to some drivers who do not use tap system at all. At 55-65 the car gets phenomenal MPG (31-33) on level road if gas gets to $5 that may be tolerable. BTW- per new oil change forum -what interval are you using?
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    My opinion of the engine braking is that it is not very good on this vehicle. I was reminded of that yesterday as I cruised back across the Savannah River. A very high bridge allowing largest containter ships. As you come to the bottom and exit into Savannah, there is a 25MPH curve. As I crested I started downshifting, all the way to 1st. Engine was revving quite high and it was not slowing me much so I still had to brake a lot. I suspect that it has to do with VVT and that it is not moved to an engine brake solution. That is it is more like a diesel when coasting until you employ the Jake as far as engine braking. On the 3.6 it might be for pollution reasons or they just did not add effective engine braking timing to the valve train.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    This is a very old post I'm replying to, but felt it necessary.
    There is some discussion about replacing older transmission fluids with the newer Dexron VI synthetic. By now dealers should know, but DIY may not be aware.
    When the newer first came out it was listed as backwards compatible but Ford & GM apparently had enough issues that they came out with a bulletin saying not to do it. The apparent issue was that clutch plates started coming apart on older transmissions, pre- the year that they started coming off the line.
    It is possible the newer transmissions had new clutch plates or that it is the effect of having previously been worked and soaked in the older formulation. If it was the plate construction, presumably newer synthetic compatible plates would be available for rebuild, at least in transmissions that spanned the changeover.
    I did get by with a change from whatever was in the 96 Aurora transmission at 125K to AAMCO synthetic, off the shelf. I drained, filled, then disconnected cooler line to allow it to pump new fluid from pan forcing old from torque convertor out the disconnected line. I'm sure I got at least a 90% change. And I saw no bad from 20K miles, except the solenoids seemed to be going bad which was common with older fluid.
    Although this was occurring around the same time that most transmission shops would not change fluid if you were around 70K and had never done it before, I do not know if changing to synthetic influenced that decision.
  • mary101mary101 Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone, I have recently purchased a used buick with now around 83,000 miles on it. Now I have had the car around four months and I do have a lot of stop and go traffic as well as been driving long distance. When I first got the car I had to do a few repairs but nothing major. But I did notice that sometimes shifting seemed unusual. I took it and had a diagnostics test done, but they said nothing was found. However now it seems to be getting worse and I do not know which way to go or where to start with trying to figure out the problem. When stopping and then starting to go it seems like it is struggling and then the first shift is really hard and jerks the car after that the second shift is rough to but after it hits about 35 to 40 it runs smooth. Please anyone with any suggestions will be of appreciation. I am really worried and can not afford to lose this car right now so I am trying to figure out the best wa to go. Thanks.
  • e_net_ridere_net_rider Member Posts: 1,380
    Did you take it to dealer or transmission shop?
    I'd say it needs a proper diagnosis from either.
    There are so many parts in a tranny and they need to work together. The hard shifts could be from a programming problem or something as simple as a sensor. But the sensor might be really hard to get at.
    You might want opinions from both.
    That is not an excessive amount of miles, but fluid and filter should have been changed before this point. I'm not talking flush, just drop pan, change filter, and refill. However, if fluid looks and smells bad it is likely too late.
    Some transmission shops have hand-held units they can hook up and monitor while driving and they can be very good at locating issues. They would pinpoint if the computer is delaying the shift or if the command is sent to tranny and for some reason internal to tranny there is a long delay. They can give live info on pressure regulation and temp sensor.
    The big question, is it the tranny or the computer or some engine sensor. If the computer has ever been replaced, it needed programming to your vehicle. Or maybe just re-programming.
    Good Luck.
  • trouble20trouble20 Member Posts: 1
    I have a Buick Lacrosse 06 purchased new. Problems occured with the transmission four months after. The very hard shifting jerks was between 1.5 and 2 on the RPM. Dealer couldn't find problem. My car was under warrenty plus an additional warrenty coverage that I had purchased. I spent more time at the dearlership over the past few years regarding this problem. When this occured again,and not the last with the odometer reading 65 thousand miles the dealership informed me that they still couldn't locate problem. I was at a local mechanic for an oil change and briefly mentioned the problem. He went to a technical web site which stated that this model bulletin was sent out in March, 2008. The bulletin number I have is 08-07-30-002A. I took the printed copy to the dealership when the warrenty for GM was about to expire because the transmission started to shift hard again and they rechecked and the same answer no problem. That extended warrenty that I had mentioned earlier I was told by the dealer it ran concurrently with the GM coverage. Now that the car is out of warrenty the shifting is worse and the car will be engaged and not move while the RPM excellerates and the spedometers stays at 0. Then the engine will engage. Good luck
  • lefttoyotalefttoyota Member Posts: 2
    I have had two incidents where my 2010 Buick LaCrosse has stopped cold. The first time I was at a gas station. I finished pumping gas and when I went to start the car it would go no faster than 5 mph. It then shut off. I was driving on a busy highway at about 70 mph and the car shut off. Now the car is having issues with the powersteering and leaking. The car only has 33K miles. Has anyone else had these problems?
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Lefttoyota,

    I’m sorry to hear about these incidents with your LaCrosse. Are you currently working with a dealership towards resolving your concern?

    If you like, Customer Service is available to help you work with your dealership towards a resolution, or to look into warranty/recall information on your specific vehicle. Please email us with your name/username, contact info, last 8 digits of your VIN, and involved dealership.

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • buick55buick55 Member Posts: 1
    I am having a similar problem with my 2010 LaCrosse , but with mine the car after being on for a lil while goes into a parking brake mode. The engine light turns on, the parking brake light turns on and the car slows to 1 mph. Sometimes before this happens the doorlocks go nuts rapidly going up and down.
    I video'd the park brake problem on my iphone and posted it to show the dealer whom has tried to fix it 3 times.. My next move is lemon law because it is a potential danger to drive with my family on the highway.
    heres the link..http://youtu.be/tVtKRS2v2Sg
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Buick55,

    I see you're already working with a dealership - are you planning on revisiting them again? If we can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us via email (send your name/user name, last 8 of your VIN, contact information, and the name of your dealership).

    All the best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • lefttoyotalefttoyota Member Posts: 2
    Each time my car shut off, the car displayed similar actions as shown in your video. Tthe engine light came on, the park assist would turn off and then the car shut off. The best experience of all was calling the Buick customer care to get the car towed. I was told they would tow the car to the nearest dealer which was not near my home and I would "have to get myself home". I called the dealer for assistance only to get nowhere. So I am sitting in a parking lot after rolling the car off a busy freeway. No one seemed to care that a brand new car had just stopped while I was traveling over 60 miles per hour on the freeway. And then to be told to find myself a ride home was a bit more than I could stand. It amazes me how excited they are to sell you a car but show no ownership when the car has a problem. I guess I should be grateful I did not lose my life.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Lefttoyota,

    I am interested to hear how things have gone since your last post; would you mind posting an update?

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • curtsinthezonecurtsinthezone Member Posts: 5
    When we got our Lacrosse my wife and daughter both complained of being able to smell gasoline inside the vehicle.
    Of late I have been able to smell it as well. What could cause the odor of gasoline to seep into the car?
    Please advise.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    curtsinthezone,
    I would recommend speaking with your dealer of choice. Please keep me advised on your situation and progress. I look forward to your response. Have a great weekend!
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • deanatldeanatl Member Posts: 2
    I get a p0716 & p0717 code when the engine light come on. The engine light may stay on for a while then will stay out for a while. It's like it goes through a test when the engine is started and if everything is okay the light stays out. So okay, it may be a transmition input speed senser or it may be intermitent wiring; not sure which but to change the input speed senser they want to drop the engine/transmition out to get to the transmition to remove a cover on the transmition to get to the speed senser. I am not sure how these speed senser act when they go bad. Are they intermitant or do they fail completely? This is a 2006 Buick Lacrose with a 3.8 engine and 45,000 miles. Does anyone have any thought on this or Recommendations before I spend the money and time to drop the engine out?
  • butterfly1123butterfly1123 Member Posts: 4
    Hello buick 55. Well I'm sorry for your problems with your car, but it seems as though you and I are in the same shoes, along with a few others. I also have a 2010 Buick Lacrosse with the same problems. My doors lock and unlock repeatedly while driving, my car shuts down while driving, leaving me with absolutely no control of this car, then afterwards here comes the malfunction light and park light, with no warnings prior to shutting down. I've been stranded, my car has been to the dealer multiple times and I've spoken with GMC multiple times. I have also posted it on you tube. I can go on and on with this lemon, but all I can say is seek help. Seems like the dealership and GMC isn't worried about the potentially dangerous and potentially fatal incidents that can occur due to these malfunction vehicles. Trust, I have expressed my concerns and more about this, about my safety, my family, and the safety of others around this car, Im not trying to kill myself or anyone else. I've been fighting this matter a few months after I purchased my car, straight off the delivery truck. I'm not stopping until I'm heard, my life and the lives of others is worth it.
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