Thread: No 4th gear, overdrive problem on 98 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

So about a week ago I was getting on the expressway and accelerated to merge with traffic and I heard a loud whistle maybe even a whining sound like something was spinning up and that's when I realize my GT wouldn't shift into 4th gear( or overdrive please correct me if i'm wrong) I can still drive the car as long as its below 45mph it runs fine but, when I need to go faster it feels like it wants to shift but doesn't. I'm hoping for any advice from anyone that may know what could be wrong with the transmission. I checked for error codes and also had them check the electrical to the transmission at a shop and everything was fine so I know its internal. The car has 156,000 miles on it.


98 Pontiac Grand Prix GT

thanks for the replying, can you tell me is that expensive to replace? http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...tch-Shaft.aspx and is this the part I need? also, can I buy the hardened version of the 4th gear shaft and install it without issues on a regular transmission?

Depends on if you can do the work yourself or not. Gotta remove the side cover from the trans and a few other things to get it out and replace it. It is possible to do without pulling the trans.

And yes, get the updated hardened 4th clutch hub otherwise you will be doing it again eventually. Check out tripleedgeperformance.com for details on it as they carry parts as well and Dave (Trannyman95) can answer any questions you may have since it's his site/business.

thanks for the info and website, I usually don't work on the transmission just motor issues but, I found a shop that will charge me $145 to remove and install it back that doesnt include the part/s and labor.

The mechanic is charging $145 just to take it apart and verify that's the issue. I know he's trying to rip me off since that was the same price he gave me if he had to remove the transmission or if I removed it and took it to him. I don't usually mess with transmissions but I can do mechanic work if needed on my the motor so, how hard is it to install a 4th gear shaft? do I need any special tools or gaskets that I need to buy to complete it.