Pontiac Repair: Investigating possible Transmission problem, change good luck, transmission flush

Question
Hi Todd,

I have recently purchased a 2003 Montana Luxury. 3.4 V6, Auto Transmission.  I know you are not versed on transmissions but, perhaps you could point me in the right direction.

I have noticed that when excelerating from a near or rolling stop the van appears to delay taking off and I experience what I can best describe as the transmission slipping into gear.  This is not a violent slip and the delay is slight.  It is intermittant.

I am curious about what I need to look for in having this checked out? Is this transmission known for problems? Could this be cured by a simple Transmission flush or in your opinion would that be a temopary fix if a fix at all?  For some reason I am hesitant in taking it to a transmission place because I do not know enough to know if I am being taken.

Any enlightenment as to how to proceed in further troubleshooting would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim

Answer
Hi Tim.

You right Like my intro stated I'm not well versed in transmissions but I'll give it a try. first off take a look at the fluid It should be full. Look at it when the engine is warm to hot. cherck it whith the engine running in park. The fluid shouls look redish or light brown If it's dark in color or smells burnt you have an issue. The longer it slips the worse it's going to get. My guess on this would be a transmission pressure control solenoid in the valve body or a valve body in the transmission. That valve that that solenid controls hangs up in the bode for the valve and causes harsh shifts or sloppy shifts. If this just started you may be able to just get away with replacing that solenoid but if it's been going on for a wehil you need to replace the valve body and possibly a soft part over haul in the transmission which is clutches and seals. If this has less tnan 30,000 miles a flush would ot hurt but it will not fix it. if it has over 60,000 i would have a flush along with a filter change. Good luck :}