nelestorm1

Cavalier transmission slipping and grinding

I'm experiencing a strange issue with my 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (gasoline engine). It has 169675 km on the clock. The check engine light and transmission indicator light illuminate intermittently. The transmission slips, shifts uncleanly, and emits a grinding noise during shifts. I pulled the error codes, and it points to a defective torque converter lock-up clutch. Could a failing automatic transmission converter be the culprit, or am I missing something obvious?

A 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is experiencing transmission issues, including slipping, unclean shifts, and grinding noises, with the check engine and transmission indicator lights intermittently illuminating. Error codes suggest a defective torque converter lock-up clutch, which aligns with symptoms like engine surging and gear hunting. The suggested solution is to replace the faulty converter, but a full transmission assessment is recommended due to potential system contamination, leading to a repair cost of around 2120€.

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4 comment(s)

Converter fault sounds plausible given the symptoms, particularly the grinding and slipping. Engine surge can also happen with converter failure. Have you noticed any changes in engine RPM at constant speeds? Does it feel like it's hunting for the right gear? Automatic transmissions can be tricky.

Yes, I have noticed some engine surging at steady speeds, almost like it's briefly losing power then catching up again. The gear hunting you mentioned is spot on as well. If it is the converter, is a full transmission replacement necessary, or can just the converter be swapped?

Given those additional details, it's highly likely your automatic gearbox converter is the issue. While it's possible to replace just the converter, with that mileage, I'd strongly advise a full transmission assessment. Damage from the converter failure might have contaminated the whole system. Best bet is to get a professional opinion from a trusted workshop before proceeding.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions and offering that advice. I took it to a reputable shop, and they verified the converter was indeed failing. The repair, including some collateral damage within the transmission, came to around 2120€. Appreciate the help!

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CHEVROLET

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CAVALIER