# Transmission shifts hard

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-shifts-hard/61933>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chevrolet, ls, impala\
**Created:** [February 27, 2011, 1:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-shifts-hard/61933 "2011-02-27T13:37:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gamillerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de0a6/32.png) [@gamillerman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gamillerman)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 1:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-shifts-hard/61933/1 "2011-02-27T13:37:00Z")

</div>

Every so often while driving in the city my car starts shifting rough between 1st-2en and 2en-3rd gears. If I stop; turn off the engine and then restart it stops. The car has 107,000 mi. and the fluid has always been changed as recomended. Do I have a shift selonoid going out somewhere?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 2:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-shifts-hard/61933/2 "2011-02-27T14:25:12Z")

</div>

sounds like the pressure control solenoid. It will have to be scanned, and if it has the right codes I think it’s P1811, will need a line pressure test done. If I remember correctly, this solenoid takes around six to eight hours to replace.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 3:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-shifts-hard/61933/3 "2011-02-27T15:07:04Z")

</div>

Its true that the pressure control solenoids in those transmissions have been a problem. There was, in fact, a TSB from GM about it a long time ago. I don’t know whether that TSB is still considered in effect or has been superceded, but either way a new PCS only may or may not help.

Here is a great website by a transmission tech who apparently loves this transmission (it is a 4T65E): [http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/](http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/)

Look under 4T65E Problems and you’ll find a description of the intermittent hard shifting problem associated with a P1811 code.

Of course, that only might be your problem. You’re going to need to take it to your best local, independent transmission shop for a diagnosis.

And even though your fluid has been serviced as recommended, most manufacturer transmission service recommendations are terrible. A pan drop/filter change every 30K is best.
