Buick LeSabre Transmission

guest · July 2006

I've got an '00 with a strange problem. At a steady speed anywhere between 40-50 MPH (about 1600/1800 RPM)the LeSabre will feel like it's got a miss, or it's trying to shift out of overdrive lockup. It will "buck" two or three times until I either speed up, of take my foot off the gas pedal. This happens about twice a day. The check engine light hasn't come on, so could this be a transmission issue? There's only 59,000 miles on it. I would appreciate any ideas and suggestions.
Thanks!

imidazol97 · July 2006

Simplest explanation is always the most likely. Spark plugs or wires. You've got a 6 year old car. If it is occuring at just the minimum speed to be locked up in 4th gear on the TCC, you're feeling an engine miss.

I'd recommend AC Delco plugs, and or new wires standard equipment level-no fancy red ones from the box auto parts store with the hot rod equipment. I think I got Belden from NAPA. You can change plugs first and see if that fixes it. You might note the color and buildup on each plugs. Label them with tape when you take them out; if one's different than others might indicate other problems.

I still recommend changing wires before 100K miles. If wires break down and create higher voltages, other parts of the spark system are stressed and may fail later.

kcwolfpack59 · July 2006

I agree with Imidazo. Same thing happened to mine at about 75K and 5 years. It was a wire. Threw a check engine light. I understand you need to use genuine Delco wires because some other aftermarket may not handle the voltage. I have owned many sets of OEM Delco wires on various GM cars for years, and this was the first one to go bad. Needless to say, I changed them on the other car too right after that since they were 8 years old and 90K.

classicbuff · August 2006

I'll start with the plugs, and see what happens. Could the engine miss, and not set off the check engine light?
Thanks, Guys!

classicbuff · August 2006

Thanks to everyone who got back to me. Plugs and wires were the answer. The plugs looked worn, but the wires were even in worse shape. The Buick runs fine-and I was all set to go to a transmission shop!
Thanks Again!

leesabre · September 2006

I just had my sending unit replaced, cuz of a gas leak, ran great with the the leak, now its puttering and stomp on it hesitates, then got some power, seems like gas isn't getting there like it use to, cost 500 to fix, know new prob, go fig, plz help,ty

dee41 · February 2007

~~:confuse:~~ :confuse: Has over 100,000 miles. Runs nice and smooth, But will slip when going from 1st into 2nd, will shift fine going from 2nd into 3rd, but will slip some more while in overdrive,or when i push the gas and reach between 50mph and 60mph,It kinda gives a feel as if the car is in neutral. when I let off the gas a little it will then go back into gear again.... Reverse works fine as well. Dose these mean my transmission is going???

keithh1 · June 2007

'97 Buick LeSabre. Bucks at low speed during warm weather but not during cold weather. Throws a code (P0742). Sounds to me like the TCC solenoid. How hard is this to replace? I've done it before on the TH200-4R, but that's a RWD trannie. Is it as simple on the FWD trans? Could the bucking be unrelated?

imidazol97 · June 2007

Have you changed the transmission fluid? I do mine every 36K miles approx now. I do it myself and change the filter every second change.

New fluid may unstick the solenoid. It sounds like it's sticking occasionally since you don't mention it happening everytime you slow down...

I'll check my 98 service manual and see if it's an easy change while changing the fluid and filter...

duddly101 · June 2007

I had the same problem last year. I have a 01 LeSabre, and replaced the transmission,95k, after being told the TCC would be as expensive to repair than to replace with a warrantied tranny. That didnt fix the bucking. In fact it was worst between 25-45 mph with the new tranny. Had it back in, and they reset some codes which were not reset earlier. Still didnt fix the problem. I stumbled upon a posting somewhere that the Mass Airflow sensor can be the culprit. It is an easy DIY, the sensor was 160 bucks at Autozone, with exchange. I replaced mine right in the parking lot. You might get by with cleaning it with electrical solvent, but didnt work for me. Hope this helps.

moonglade · June 2007

I have a 98 LeSabre 3.8 with close to 100,000 miles. When I turn left from a standing start, I get a chattering and bucking, like the drive axle is engaging/disengaging rapidly. I can avoid this by going really, really easy on the gas. Any idea what this is and how to fix it?

imidazol97 · June 2007

Could be lots of things. I'd have to feel what it's doing by driving to guess where to start looking.

It could be a motor/transmission mount allowing movement causing the car to feel like it's quickly speeding up and slowing.
It could be a drive axle constant velocity joint (you don't mention the right kind of noise sound though)
It could be the differential in the transmission.
It could be the transmission.

Does it do it if you put it in 1 and start up? Or in 3 (uses a clutch pack instead of the regular overdrive setting start.

Have someone move car in a parking lot with hood up while you walk beside it to watch for movement in the whole motor/transmission unit.

With car jacked up and jackstands look under at the motor mounts and transmission mount.

I think the fact it only does it turning left is a sign. I think that the low torque of a gentle start is a sign. My vote is motor mount...

odysseus5 · July 2007

My buick lesabre 1997, is hesitating and when i give it gas (especially on the highway) sometimes it does not react at all. I have to coast to allow it to run properly. My check engine light is on and the code is 1870. As i said after taking it easy, it usually runs fine afterwards.

musicgirl · September 2007

Vehicle has 54,000 miles, has had the transmission rebuilt this summer. Vehicle will not down shift into low from dead stop. Starts in 2nd or 3rd gear. Have had 2 solenoids replaced, transmission reprogrammed, battery regrounded. Problems still persists. This is a random problem occuring on a weekly basis. It will on a rare occasion lurch into gear. I can manually shift this into low gear when this occurs and then it will go normally. Looking for any advice. Local mechanics have no idea where to go with this.

wanger1 · December 2007

I have a 93 Lesabre with 169,000 miles on it. The trans starting jumping out of gear as you come to a stop about 4 weeks ago. It only does it in low gear as you stop. Not ever time, but pretty regular. (6 to 8 times a week) I ran a can of sea foam through it for about a week and then serviced it. The filter was pretty dirty. It did ok for a few days and then began to jump out of low gear as you stop again. It acts like it's loosing prime, especially if you make a quick stop. Sometimes it makes a difference when you stop gently and sometimes it doesn't make any difference at all. It still does it. Could this be caused by the control solenoid or do I have another problem? Other than this the trans does not slip and shifts perfectly. It has no hesitation when going into gear. :confuse:

Thanks, Mike

barbara13 · December 2007

When coming to a stop and then starting again the car bucks until it goes into overdrive. Then is fine until another stop is made at which point it may buck one or even two times. The car has about 84K miles. Please help

parku · March 2008

Hello,I have 1995 lesabre car starts but does not move from parking to drive .

imidazol97 · March 2008

Does it have fluid up to the low mark of the dipstick when cold (to the full mark when hot after being driven)? I realize this is probably an obvious check.

Does it go into reverse after a few minutes of idling? Sounds like it needs a major diagnosis by someone on the scene.

imidazol97 · March 2008

I haven't heard that description for transmission problem. Is it an engine problem?

Miles on car? Plugs wires changed in the last 60-70K miles with AC plugs and OEM level wires? Possibly a coil problem reacting to heat. Check each coil tower for cracks or tracing of spark jumping. Check bottom of coil for poor contact to base to which they bolt.

Check connector at the end of the base for poor contacts.

lbmcajun · May 2008

I have a 2005 LeSabre, 167,000 miles. I have a whining/mild roaring sound coming (sounds like) from the driver's side wheel well. Three mechanics have checked the bearing, they all say it is fine, but they also say they do not believe it is the transmission. None of them have any further suggestion except to continue driving the car until it gets worse. Any diagnostic ideas?

LBM

imidazol97 · May 2008

Can you describe more about the sound? How loud? Change with speed? Can you feel it in the steering wheel? In the floor? Does the sound change if you move the wheel for a left curve or a right curve. That can make a wheel bearing sound out more. But I have read some people with difficulty diagnosing a wheel bearing.

Check the wheel bearing for play, up/down, left/right with the wheel jacked up.

How are the tires? Worn unevenly? More than 5 years old? Tire tread hardens with age and can cause a sound from the knubs that is reminiscent of snow tires at a low volume in the old days.

Has anyone put the car on supports in front and driven the wheels with the motor through the transmission?

Number 1 would be wheel bearings if the tires are okay.
Number 2 would be the differential inside the transmission.

Frankly you might save yourself some trouble by going to a good Buick garage for a diagnosis, whether or not you intend to let them fix anything.

lbmcajun · May 2008

The sound is difficult to describe. It is a mild whining/roar. Not a loud roar like you normally hear with a wheel bearing. Does not change sound when turning. However, it DOES change with speed. In fact, below 35 mph is only barely noticeable, and below 25, cannot even hear it. Tires are almost new. A mechanic did put it on supports. They said the sound was less pronounced with the wheels off the ground. ?????

What is the cost of the differential inside the transmission ? $2,000 or more ? If yes, I'll just trade it.

Thanks much!!

LBM

imidazol97 · May 2008

Was the sound there before the tires were put on?

What tires do you have? I'm curious about the tread causing a vibration.

But actually I believe it's a wheel bearing.

Jack it up. Rock the wheel around and compare one side to the other looking for looseness. Be sure you're not getting ball joint movement, though.

Have someone rotate the tire and put your hand on the solid frame of the car to feel for vibration from the bearing.

The description sounds like a wheel bearing I had. You're at 157K miles. A bearing is possible.

lbmcajun · May 2008

After taking it to the fourth mechanic (including the Buick Dealership, who could not figure it out), the problem IS the wheel bearing. The last place I took it was a transmission place. He ruled out the transmission right away, and in 30 minutes, said he would bet his next pay check it was the bearing. THANKS FOLKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!

BTW, I learned something about transmission in my search. If any of you have a hard thud at times when shifting gears, and it is only now an then - according to the transmission guy AND the dealership - it is the computer - but neither knows how to fix it, or what makes the computer do that. And also, it will not show any code when checked. If you park the car, turn off the engine long enough for the computer to reset, and re-start the engine, the probloem goes away - until the next occurance, of course.

barbara13 · May 2008

Thank you so much for the information regarding the "bucking" that appears to be a transmission problem but goes away and then cannot be found by code. It sounds like the computer may be the problem as once the car sets and is restarting the problem appears to go away. Thank you for your response.

whitewall · June 2008

thanks for the info on the "hard thud". I have a 2004 LeSabre and have noticed this kind of noise from time to time but like you said there really doesn't seem to be any pattern as to why or when. I was concerned that this was an early sign of a the transmission going bad but the car runs great in every other respect.

imidazol97 · June 2008

>If any of you have a hard thud

It sounds like the transmission computer has gone into safe mode and makes a firm, quick shift to protect itself. If I understand the programming from what has been explained, the computer is always measuring the length of time for the shift to occur; that it adjusts the next shift to get the proper firmness. If it measures too long a shift period, that particular solenoid is taking too long to effect the shift and the clutch pack is slipping. So the computer speeds up the shift time to prevent slipping excessively which is hard on the clutch packs.

When the computer restarts it probably is retesting to see if the problem is really there. It finds no problem so it's back to normal shift times. My guess is the problem could be something other than computer. It could be connections or something else erratic in the transmission.

My guess and comment would be to drive the car briskly to make the transmission do more adaptation to the shift quality and time. The occasional problem might go away.

pacecar68 · July 2008

I have a 1996 Buick LeSabre w/ 126K on the odometer....I recently had the transmission serviced (pan drop method). After service, transmission would "slip" in the AM; it would not move until I drop down through all the gears. Return to the shop and they added transmission fluid. They said it was at the correct level. Problem remained. I added a full quart before a 300 mile trip and all fine the next morning; no AM slip from then forward. Car then needed a new radiator. I noticed a continued drip after the new radiator. Shop determined the leak to be transmission fluid from a cooling line. The shop checked the transmission fluid level (fine) and I did as well (fine), but the AM slip is back. What the heck is wrong with the transmission? :confuse: Is there some "air bubble" in it and should I just add more fluid a pint at a time until the AM slip disappears again?

Thanks for reading!

rudwil · July 2008

I have a 1995 Buick Le Sabre with 100K miles on it. 85K I put on myself. Last summer while driving to North Carolina from New Jersey and cruising at 65MPH, the engine burped. (cut off, all indicator lights came on, speedometer needle jumped about 15MPH higher and then everything went back to normal and we were running again) Whole incident lasted about 5 seconds. This reoccured two more time over the next three hundred miles. When reaching our destination I shut down the vehicle and unloaded the car. Shortly afterwards I started the car again to park in another spot and the car would not go in reverse. I shut down the engine, restarted and all worked fine. Next day I had the transmission serviced and everything checked OK. Over the next week the burp happened two or three more times but always started so I have driven it like this for the past year. (Mostly local ) Local mechanic could not access the computer and advised going to a dealer. Dealer saw no codes but replaced the crankshaft motion sensor. kept the car fo a week and wanted to shotgun some other ideas but with no guarantees, $500 later I took the car back with no cure. Have replaced the spark plugs also.
Really not sure where to go next. Thought trouble might be temperature related but there is no pattern to when it happens.

Any clues would be a great help. Rudy

imidazol97 · July 2008

> the engine burped. (cut off, all indicator lights came on, speedometer needle jumped about 15MPH higher and then everything went back to normal and we were running again)

Can you explain a little more. Are you saying the motor shut down, stopped, and you were coasting, and then the motor restarted all on its own? The motor won't restart by the transmission turning it while the car is moving.

Is it possible the motor just slowed but kept turning at idle speed then picked back up.

My two things to suggest would be to carefully check all battery cables for corrosion at both ends. Especially check between the two positives if yours has the one on top of the other. Pull back the plastic layers on cables to see if the copper is corroded down into the cable. Check for battery post problems.

Next would be based on the statement from another board Pontiacs that the computers in 94 and 95 have a higher probability of flaking out. The computer itself is not expensive. I believe someone got one at AdvanceAuto for $100+. You reuse the PROM chip from your old computer.

You need a competant mechanic. If he can't connect to the OBD 1.5 cables for H bodies in 94 and d95 for his code scanner, find someone else. If you're into throwing money at it, I'd replace the computer myself. Junkyard, Advance, elsewhere. Do some shopping. Some new parts are bad also so don't buy junk!

palexander · July 2008

Bought 03 Lesabre 2 years ago used. Transmission started sliping about 1 month ago. Had transmission serviced filter and fluid with lucas trans additive. Car has 85k miles. Now in the morning, cold car will not go into gear without lite rev and switching between drive and reverse. After about 1 min car goes into gear. It shifts a little ruff but seems to be ok until it's parked overnight. Then we repeat above. Any suggestions, help or solutions out there?

imidazol97 · July 2008

My feeling is that additives are the wrong thing to put into a transmission unless you're putting a bandaid on until you want to get it fixed.

I know little about problems because they usually are rare, unlike with some other cars. Are you sure the mileage is 85K? and not more? Was a carfax run to look for mileage change since you bought the car used?

Otherwise the pressure control is the only thing I've heard mentioned as occasionally causing a problem. I don't know if the whole transmission needs to come out. It may just be the side plate removed to access. But that's not easy! In this case if you take it to a trans shop they'll probably try to sell you a replacement transmission or a complete teardown. I'd take it to a good Buick deal to get a diagnosis. Find one with a good referral.

BTW, what color was the transmission fluid? Remember additives are like going to the hospital and telling them to just remove something in case it helps your problem! Changing the fluid and filter is good. And I believe one poster in another discussion suggested that Lucas is meant to be put in and then drained shortly after rather than being a long term use item. Maybe I'm mixing up a different Lucas product someone talked about... so don't take my word as gospel.

Just get her checked--I'm betting on the pressure control module.

rudwil · July 2008

Usually the incident is so short lived and the engine is fairly quiet so I am really not sure that it shuts down completely. However, in a few instances. it did not restart and I coasted off the road, put the transmission in PARK and restarted easily. Will check the cables and report back.

imidazol97 · July 2008

Another possibility is the MAF sensor. You can try tapping on it with the plastic handle of a screwdriver. Tap different ways, different positions, from different directions, and if you get a burp from the idling motor, that may be your problem. Ideal is if you have someone with a similar motor who has a MAF sensor on theirs that you can switch since you know it's working okay.

rudwil · July 2008

Checked the cables at both ends. They are clean and in good shape.
Will tackle the MAF sensor next. Thanks for the ideas.

rudwil · July 2008

Tapped on the MAF sensor with no results. Disconnected the MAF cable, CHECK ENGINE light came on and engine ran rough. Reconnected and back to normal idle. There are two other sensors on the throttle body. One is about a 1 1/2 inch diameter cylinder, 1.0 inches long with a right angle, 4 lead connector. I disconnected this and the idle increased slightly. Took the car for a twenty mile ride with no burps but car stalled just as I was pulling into my driveway. (may be a coincidence) Will try to run it this way for a couple of days to see if there are any other clues.
There is also another 3 lead sensor beneath this unit with an orange connector on it.

Can you identify these sensors?

imidazol97 · July 2008

The idle air control is the round one. It adjusts the bleed air to maintain a good idle; it adjusts for the air the bleeds around the throttle plate when it's closed since it blocks almost but not all the air.

The other sensor is a throttle position sensor. It measures how the throttle is opened. You can put an analoge ohmmeter across two of its leads and move the throttle. The resistance should change gradually. If it jumps that means the potentiometer windings have a worn section. That sends info to the computer telling it how much you have the throttle opened requestion GO. If the windings give the wrong throttle opening, the computer tries to give fuel for a different amount of air than the throttle plates are letting through.

rudwil · July 2008

Since the engine seems to run without "burping" when the IAC is disconnected, I have the IAC on order and will replace it and will get back to you. I will check the TPS also, as you instructed.

Thanks again.

rudwil · August 2008

Checked the TPS with my analog ohmmeter. varied the throttle setting several time slowly and had nice smooth change in resistance reading.
Received and replaced the IAC. Ran great on a 40 mile run. Next day it burped again and today it burped frequently and stalled completely twice.
I'm wondering if the fuel could be cutting off intermittently. I had the fuel pump replaced about a year ago but this problem didn't start till months later.

laurie10 · November 2008

I own a 2000 buick Lesabre with 130,000 miles. Twice, once about 2 months ago and again today, I almost get to work and it starts to hesitate and buck and there is a shrill sound. I travel about 30 miles to work. I am able to park the car and work 8 hours then drive home with no problems.
The first time I brought it to my mechanic he drove it around and said he didn't notice a problem. Any thoughts.

terrydana · March 2009

I have a 92 LeSabre. The trans jumps out of gear as you come to a stop. It only does it when I stop. I can get it to go back into gear by shifting into neutral and back to drive. Other than this the trans does not slip and shifts perfectly. It has no hesitation when going into gear.

imidazol97 · March 2009

Needs to be checked but I don't know what goes wrong. The adjustment of the cable to the transmission from the shift lever may be out of adjustment. It snaps into place where it rotates the part on the top of the transmission. I believe a slide lock pulls up and snaps back down with the cable in place but I'm not sure where it's supposed to set.

It could be transmission/motor mounts allowing movement causing the shifting change. Could be internal.

mikes36 · March 2009

I have a 94 Lasabre with 110,000 on it. For the last 2 years I have had trouble at start up getting the transmission to engage. At first it needed to warm up a couple minutes and then would run fine. Lately it doesn't seem to matter how long it warms up, it just won't engage on it's own until I race the engine with it in gear. Even then it seems to gradually take hold until after a few seconds it will go. After that it is fine unless I stop for more than an hour or so, which then requires me to start the process all over. Can't believe the tranny is "shot" or it just wouldn't go at all, any ideas?

imidazol97 · March 2009

Was thhe transmission serviced with regular pan drops and filter changes? It's possibly a stopped up filter, but at this age 14 years it may be more. Sludging from old transmission fluid gumming up stuff would be high on my list.

lilhog · March 2009

I have a 95 Buick LeSabre that recently developed a trans problem. Sometimes you could put it in first gear and it won't go anywhere. When it does go, it goes very slow. I asked a mechanic and he said it was the orbital. To rebuild it is about $1700. ( I asked another mechanic and he said that was about right)
Well I found a guy selling a trans out of a 1995 LeSabre (front wheel drive like mine, with the same engine. The 3800.) He is selling the trans for $350.
My question is a parts dealer told me that Buick made two transmissions with different gear ratios.
Does anybody know how to tell if the trans for sale will work in my car?
Or how to tell the gear ratio of the transmissions?
Thank you for taking an interest in my post.

aharper · April 2009

I have a 1993 Buick LeSabre with 190000 miles. When the car is first started and until it warms up the transmission pulls and shifts fine, will even spin the tires on gravel. But after it warms up (about 3 miles) it is just like the trans shifts to neutral. There is no slip or warning of any kind. When it does this you can't go in any gear or reverse. After the car sets about 15 minutes you can go another 3 miles with no slip or any thing then the cycle starts over. I don't think this would be a clutch problem because there is no slipping. Could it be some type of electrical problem? where do I start?

jcarter817 · April 2009

A tranny shop mechanic on another board said he adds a bottle of Lube Guard after rebuilding these transmissions and has not had a transmission returned with problems right after rebuild since. Advance Auto here in Memphis sold me their last bottle yesterday. My tranny has 233,000 miles on the odometer so this is not a perfect fix, but I now only have to warm the tranny up 3 or 4 minutes versus 20 minutes before the car will finally go in any direction. A lot better. Not perfect, but a lot better. This same transmission is also in several Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, Cadillacs and maybe Chevrolets so this is a common problem.

imidazol97 · April 2009

Is the morning sickness at startup requiring warmup time a factor of a pressure control module that ages? I'd do some asking at some transmission shops. If they suggest it's the module, I believe that one on the '60 is changeable from the bottom pan. It'd be worth a try. However at 233000 miles, it doesn't owe you anything. Compare that to the 40K mile trannies Honda Odyssey owners have been finding for years.

vanderbar · July 2009

LeSabre 1993, front drive, 145K miles.

This just started last night. I was going through a drive through and I was hearing a creaking noise coming from the left front wheel while just idling through the parking lot. It does not make the noise when I use the brakes.
What could be wrong? Bearing, or disc?

stephen987 · July 2009

If it's a high-pitched chirp and goes away when you press the brake pedal, this is a brake wear indicator. Time for new pads.

wheeldeals · August 2009

Sorry Mike. Believe it. I had a 1994 LeSabre that the tranny went out at 89,000 miles. Did just what yours is doing only your's lasted longer than mine. It cost me $1,800.00 to rebuild at a private garage and that was seven years ago. I've also had a tranny go out on a 1995 Park Avenue with 96,000 miles and a 1992 Riveria under 100,000 miles. These Buicks have a weak transmission. It's the only cars that I've had tranny problems with. The rest of the car will last for ever.
Jim

Buick LeSabre Transmission

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