So for the last week I have been having this repeated problem with my tranny. At slow speeds, such as in light traffic, the car downshifts very rough into first gear...seems to be grinding...but more accurately describing it would be to say it feels like when you downshift in a manual too early into first and the car jolts hard. It is happening more and more now and the manual says I should never have to check fluid levels. The car does not have a leak or drip in the differential. Any ideas?

BTW, my car is an automatic.

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2007 Mysterious GXP
INTRUDER Modifications (74)

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Forgetting about what the owner's manual may "suggest" about never having to check fluid levels in the transmission; Is there a dipstick for checking the fluid level like most automatic transmissions have? If so; I would suggest driving the car until it is fully warmed up and then checking the level of fluid in the transmission. But; from the sounds of what you're describing, considerable damage may have already occurred. This sounds like a great time to USE THAT POWERTRAIN WARRANTY!!!! That's what it's there for.

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2007 Mysterious 5-speed purchased 05/04/2007

Current Mods:
1. K&N Drop-in Panel Air Filter (until problems w/CAI's get resolved)
2. Solo-Performance Street Race exhaust
3. BSR Tune
4. GMPP CAI Kit
Planned Future Mods:
1. High Efficiency FMIC
2. Improved IC Tubes
3. Upgraded Turbocharger Kit from Hahn Racecraft and BSR Stage II or III Tune to accommodate the modifications.

Rough donwshifts are a known problem with the 5L40E automatic transmission. It's probably a valve that is sticking or is cracked. You should take the car in for servicing. Be sure you can tell them exactly how to duplicate the problem so that they can address the issue and get it corrected on the first visit.

ME

Thanks guys...I will actually take the tech for a ride to reproduce it, that way they can't argue and say that they couldn't duplicate it.

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2007 Mysterious GXP
INTRUDER Modifications (74)

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Exhaust Sound Clips

automatics don't rev match on downshifts... so if the clutch engagement isn't soft enough it will seem like a rough shift, in reality it's just the same as not blipping the throttle when downshifting a manual.

thats only apparent when slowing down though... if you are getting on the gas and it's shifting rough then you have a problem...

So you're saying it's normal?

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2007 Mysterious GXP
INTRUDER Modifications (74)

TEAM SOLSTICE 2008
Supporting Member of Solstice Forum

Northeast Mod Meet
Friday, January 2, Saturday, January 3 and Sunday, January 4

Exhaust Sound Clips

No, it's not normal.

Me