Thread: 98 GP Signs of Trans trouble

So my parents 98 GP is starting to have transmission issues. Car has 158k on it, but really has not be taken care of all that well. Trans fluid was changed 1 time, but way later then i should have been, i'd say around 130k maybe even later. So last week i was driving it, using my GPS, and the GPS failed to tell me i need to be in the left lane. So i jumped the light i was at and goosed it revved er up past 4k and shifted to second and while pulling it hard in second 3-4k RPM it jerked hard, lost power for a second and then came back in the power. Right after that it i smelled something weird. On the way home it was acting a bit strange, sometimes shifts be kinda slow and lethargic, or kinda firm, then the next shift would be normal. Also several of the shifts into O/D were clunky. Today my mom drove it and said it was being jerky sometimes. Fluid color wasn't terrible, decent, still redish.

Sounds like it went into max adapt shift mode on you which would explain the harsh shifts. The computer detected slippage and upped the line pressure in the trans.

Best way to find out what is going on is to have the car scanned at a local parts store that can read trans codes WITHOUT turning the car off. Leave it running and have someone scan it as the codes may clear out if you shut it off.

Once you have this information you can search out what the codes mean or do some digging on here.

I actually work at a parts store but all we have is the basic one only gives the number, and i have a more basic one myself, but mine will give me a few words about what it means. Would i need a more advanced one you think? I could call around to other ones and see if they have the more basic one. Check engine is on, but has been forever for a emission code. Guess i can try reading with mine and see what happens.

If you google search the code number with grandprixforums.com behind it you will likely turn up some suggestions. If not, post the codes here and we can try and help once you've done some digging.

So, we have been driving the car, still does that jerking thing on occasion, but scanned it today just to see what the emission code for the engine light is that has been on for many years, and to my surprise, we have a P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. So there is that, maybe that is what is doing it. Has a 161k now, not sure if it had plugs and wires before.

Maybe, but that code has been their long before this issue began, so didn't think anything of it.

Ill have to look into it the stupid emissions thing then, being laid off, stay at home order, and online schooling, I should have the time. Like u said, probably rusted out line. Few years ago we had issue with it shutting off the gas pump every few seconds, then that stopped. Maybe related.