TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

[Summer99]

I have a 99 V6 Camaro... I had for about three years and ever since I have had it, it has threw the code p1870 after driving a long distance on a highway nonstop... My torque converter constantly locks and unlocks itself in fourth when im driving a steady speed (55+) and its even worse when i try to go up a hill... My rpms are constantly sky high all the time when I start off in first or even when Im driving around 60 (usually 3500 rpms) which is causing me TERRIBLE gas mileage.. I mean i can literally see the needle going down when Im on the interstate... My fuel trims going around 70 are about -16! Anyway after a while the tc will gradually completely unlock and my tranny starts shifting insanely hard...like throw me back in my seat hard.. The weird thing is I can turn off the car and let it cool down and everything is great. The transmission itself is fine. I have completely changed out my spark plugs/wires to see if it was a misfire but nothing.... Am i not getting enough line pressure and can a tune simply solve my problem? Or is the TC completely shot and im force to pay out the big bucks to get a new one? The reason I dont think its the TC is because if it was bad,it would have went out three years ago.. PLease help... I want to save my car b4 it ruins the transmission...


thanks
Summer

im getting so many opinions on what to do... everything from i need to install a new tc to something wrong with my valve body to simply i need more line pressure or new o2 sensors...so confused guys

[CDNFB]

Re: TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

What you are describing is a very common problem with the 4L60E automatic Transmission. Please read the following previous postings:

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=51890

Also, use the search function and search for "TCC". You'll get more info from other previous posts.

Bottom line is this, you probably don't need to replace your tranny yet. But get the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Valve in the Valve Body repaired ASAP or you will burn out your transmission and it will need to be replaced.

I had the same problem as you, although not as severe. I didn't have the 1870 code, but I would get the hard 1-2 shift when the car was driven for a while, especially on the highway and during summer (no pun intended). In winter when it was really cold, there was still torque converter slippage, but the heat never built up enough to induce the hard shifts.

[Summer99]

Re: TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

What you are describing is a very common problem with the 4L60E automatic Transmission. Please read the following previous postings:

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=51890

Also, use the search function and search for "TCC". You'll get more info from other previous posts.

Bottom line is this, you probably don't need to replace your tranny yet. But get the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Valve in the Valve Body repaired ASAP or you will burn out your transmission and it will need to be replaced.

I had the same problem as you, although not as severe. I didn't have the 1870 code, but I would get the hard 1-2 shift when the car was driven for a while, especially on the highway and during summer (no pun intended). In winter when it was really cold, there was still torque converter slippage, but the heat never built up enough to induce the hard shifts.

yes i think thats what my problem is ! But what part to buy there are so many choices, Im kind of overwhelmed

[CDNFB]

Re: TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

Hardly any parts at all!

Get a TCC valve repair kit from Sonnex: Approx $60.00
Get a Transmission Filter Kit (filter and gasket): Approx $30.00
Get 6 litres (quarts) of tranny fluid: Approx $30:00

1) Remove the Transmission pan (and drain the oil)
2) Remove the filter
3) Remove the valve body
4) Take the valve body to a transmission place and have them install the sonnex kit for you. Approx $50.00
5) Take the valve body home and install it.
6) Install the new filter and install the pan with the new gasket.
7) Add the new trans fluid.
8) Done.

Now I know that sound easy, but in actuality it is a little more difficult than that. Your best bet if your not mechanically inclined or motivated is to take your car to a reputable transmisison place and tell them you want the valvebody modified with the Sonnex TCC valve repair kit. Will cost you approximately 300.00 and will take about 1.5 hrs. If they try to talk you into replacing the transmission, get your car out of there and find anouther place.

[erasedgod]

Re: TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

I found this:

http://www.transmissionspecialty.com...7754-COMBO.htm

Would that fix the P1780? And if so, would the fix last?

[CDNFB]

Re: TC going out?? Or a simple fix?? Please help guys

Yup thats the kit that you use, and it's a permanent fix.

But....if you left your tranny with the slipping Torque Converter for too long, you might have burned up the clutches and at that point you need a rebuild or new. This is why we say that when you first notice that hard 1-2 shift, even if you dont' have the P1870 code, get the valve body fixed IMMEDIATELY!

Also take note of those step reamers. The tranny place that I bought the Sonnax kit from had them each priced at 250.00!!!! After having a heart attack over that, they told me that they could install the Sonnax kit for me if I bring in my valve body. That's what I did and it only cost me 50 bucks. Sure beats 250 for a reamer that I would only use once.