1997 Chevrolet Astro: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Feb 13, 2002 · Transmission · PA

After leaving a 4-lane interstate section of highway 19 in west virginia, and arriving onto a section with stoplights, the driver noticed a clunking noise while the transmission was shifting from 1st to 2nd. This occurred at multiple lights. During the occurence, the van would also lurch during the shift. We stopped at a rest area, and after allowing the van to sit for about 20 minutes, we restarted. The problem was not apparent when we left the rest area, but about 2 miles down the road, the "service engine" light came on. We drove to the nearest major city to find a dealer to look at the problem. Once we found an open dealer who could download the diagnostics, he informed us that the code indicated transmission slippage. He reset the code, and the van shifted fine. We continued to our destination without problems, and took the van to a dealer the following day. They studied the van, and determined that the valve body had failed, just out of warranty, of course. We spent $1100+ to have the valve body repaired.

Filed Jun 27, 2001 · Transmission · NY

Transmission slammed into gear after accelerating and shifted into next gear. After, slamming into next gear , vehicle shook violently. Dealer stated vehicle was built with a inadequate transmission to hamdle weight of vehicle. Manufacturer dd not plan to solve problem.

Filed May 15, 2000 · Transmission · FL

When van has been driven more than 15 miles, autoshifting from 'second' to 'third' gear is so rough it feels like the van has been hit from the back by another vehicle. When shifting from 'third' to 'fourth' gear there is also a rough shifting but not as violent as the prior shifting.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · TX

Vehicle has a "stop bump" or "drive line clunk" which is "corrected" by lubricating driveline slip yok and driveshaft every 2000 miles. This occurs when stopping and feels as if the car has been bumped from behind, causing it to lurch slightly forward. I've been told that it is not normal operation but can not be fixed. Also the alignment needs to be corrected every two months as it continually pulls to the right (an independent shop said the idler arms are bad). There are many squeaks, bumps and clunks coming from under the vehicle.

Filed Jul 16, 1999 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

Engine check light coming on coincidently with very rough shifting. Dealer states transmission needs replacement, even though an independent transmission shop could find no problem with the transmission. The independent mechanic maintains the problem is in the computer, which is shutting down and causing a full line pressure in the transmission, causing the rough shift. The independent shop dropped the transmission pan, inspected the fluid and visually inspected the transmission. Also kept and drove the vehicle for 2 days. Dealership insists the computer code they are receiving (p1870) indicates a transmission slip, to be remedied by a complete transmission replacement or at least an overhaul. No visual inspection of the transmission was conducted by the dealer -- only relying on a computer code to diagnose the problem. Dealer also stated they have had to replace many transmissions on this model vehicle --- "more than we care to admit." still, an independent shop can find no internal problem and maintains it is a problem in the PCM. Dealer does not want to change PCM and will diagnose only as far as "pulling codes" from the PCM. They cannot adequately explain why the problem is intermittent and only presents intelf under certain weather conditions. When rough shifting occurs, the problem immediately goes away when the engine is shut off and re-started.

Filed Apr 10, 1997 · Fuel system · CA

Clunking noise from gas tank