Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

[camaro1999]

My car runs smooth. I haven't been in a long drive for a long time. Yesterday I had to go to a long drive(100 miles in highway). Then I entered local road and had to stop in the traffic sign. Then when I moved, it gave me a jerk while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear. Then fine from 2nd to 3rd and 4th. Again stopped and then accelerated, same jerk from 1st to 2nd gear.
I then stopped to get gas and some food. It took around 10 mins. Then I moved, no jerks, nothing, everything smooth. Then I drove back, got to my town, had to stop and then move, again jerk. Stopped for five mins to drop a video. It's smooth, no problem. I guess it only happens when it's hot or long drive....
No idea, anyone else having similar problems???
:(
thanks for info

[Camarorulz]

No clue, do you not have an SES light? Could be the tranny overheating...? I would have it checked out by a mechanic.

[camaro1999]

no SGS is not on.
i only noticed it when i drove long
and it becomes fine when given rest for a while
:(
sucks
just trying to prevent mechanic visit.

[FunkZ]

How's the tranny fluid level?

[Everglades W68]

Coil packs and/or wires?

[black98V6]

I had a friend with a simliar problem with his auto tranny in a 99 silverado. Basically the same 4L60E transmission, turned out his torque converter was screwed and he let it go so long it destoryed the tranny, same symptoms when it was cold everything was fine but after it warmed up started jerking on the shifts. I suggest you get it to a mechanic now because if it's the same problem you really don't want to be dealing with a rebuild.

[ramy]

The problem with your transmission is the same problem I had. There is a little modulator in the transmission that gets hot on those long trips and it gets stuck. I don't remember exactly what it is call but I had the same problem with my 1999 Firebird and had to take it to the shop to get it replaced. Mine was under an extended warranty so it only cost me $100.

[Jerriko]

That sounds like its the torque convertor lockup that is getting hosed. There's a torque converter clutch built into your converter that helps with gas mileage over extended trips by physically 'locking' the two halves of the TC together. In the valve body, there is an electronic valve that controls the lockup. Yours seems to be getting stuck over the long trips. Have it checked out asap. It will puke your trans.

[sick_46]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

did you ever figure out what was going on?
mine is doing the same thing.
A friend of mine says its the converter lockup solenoid, he is a gm tech so i guess i should listen to him huh.
well let me know if it was something different

[97rs4life]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

Sounds like it is time to upgrade the valve body in the trans. It costs around 300 bucks to get fixed. Eventually the 1870 code will be thrown. Doesn't mean your trans is toast or anything, just need to replace the valve body. The 4l60e is notorious for this part wearing quickly. My brothers firebird had this problem on long trips, replaced the valve body and it runs perfect now. A good kit to get is the Sonnax kit. Do a search for it and you will find tons of info

[CDNFB]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

Sounds like it is time to upgrade the valve body in the trans

Absolutely! You are seeing the beginning of the TCC valve failure. The problem will progressively get worse until hard 1-2 shifts will always be happening. And if left un-checked, you will burn out your trans.

Search for TCC valve, or Sonnax and you will find all that you need to know.

[mobilelectronics]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

mine does the same exact thing! i mean exactly exactly. what have you done and is it fixed yet?

[97rs4life]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

$300 for the sonnax valve body kit and install and everything will be fine again. Your tranny is not shot, just needs the updated valve body. Very common for the 4l60e

[bluovlh8er]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

hey ill just but in lol. my 98 does the same damn thing! on long trips it jerks. po1870 comes on sometimes.... i clear the code and it goes away for about a month. HEY would the valve body cause the rpm's to fluctuate a little? while at a steady speed?

[CDNFB]

Re: Gear shift with a jerk only when long drives :(

Short answer: Yes.

Long(ish) answer: The TCC valve in the valve body controls the torque converter lockup so:
worn TCC valve = no full pressure to the converter for complete lockup = torque converter slippage (which can vary in degree) = RPM fluctuation (but not always) = heat build up = PCM defaults Trans pressure regulator to High pressure = hard 1-2 shift.