About 6 months ago I had a routine oil change performed on my 2005 Impala. At the time the mileage was about 95,000. I also was talked into having the transmision fluid exchanged. As soon as I left the establishment that performed this on my transmission the car would not go into first gear from a stop without a lot of hesitation. I immediately returned to the place and had them “fix” the problem. They did another fluid exchange and the car did fine - for a while. I now have the occassional problem where if I start off from a dead stop it seems as though the car doesn’t not want to engage in first gear or it sounds like the rear end is trying to spin and nothing is happening. If I keep mashing the gas it will clunk and then go but, if I back off the gas and ease the car forward it will go. I have also had to replace the front hubs. Would this have anything to do with it? The mechanic that did that work said that the rear end problem is associated with the ABS system and that’s just the way it is. It has not always done this. Also the speedometer has quit. Are these related issues? HELP!!!
“it sounds like the rear end is trying to spin and nothing is happening”
I hope you are aware that your car has Front Wheel Drive, so if the rear tires are spinning, that would be a major mystery.
Anyway, I strongly suggest that you get this car to an independent transmission shop a.s.a.p. for diagnosis. Part of the problem could be related to the non-functioning speedometer, i.e.–a bad Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) which supplies signals to both the speedometer and to the transmission should be a prime suspect. However, since this problem appears to have its origin in the transmission fluid exchange, I believe that the problem lies deeper than just the VSS.
Every day that you drive the car in this condition makes the ultimate repair bill more expensive, in all likelihood, so I think you should take it to the indy transmission specialist in your area right away. Don’t take it to AAMCO, Lee Myles, Cottman, Mr. Transmission, or any other chain unless you want to be overcharged for work that may not even be necessary. The old joke is that AAMCO stands for All Automatics Must Come Out, and that is not far from the truth.
Good luck!
Let me guess, when they sold you this transmission flush they did not drop the pan and change the filter before they flushed it. Right?? These lube places are quickly killing off automatic transmissions… Sounds like you’ve got some trash in the valve body and/or pressure regulator valves. Time to see a trans shop.
transman