Transmission Problems

[jgooder]

My 2004 Vibe with 23,000 miles started slipping out of gear when it was accelerating. Took it to the dealer, and they say that it needs to be replaced. I do like the car, but I'm not very happy that it needs such a major repair job at only 23k miles.Anyone else experience transmission problems?

[jgooder]

Yes, automatic. Base model. No AWD.

[jgooder]

Dealer said it was the first of it's kind that they've seen. They also said that they've never had to fix any Vibe transmission until mine. I was a little dubious, but I've found no other mention of Vibe transmission problems on the Internet. They're putting in a whole brand new transmission, so I'm not too upset about it. The worst thing about it is that I have to drive 1996 Buick Le Sabre until it's fixed.

[ColonelPanic]

Glad to hear they're getting you fixed up... It is odd to see one go at that kind of mileage though (but certainly not unheard of.) I have to say, the automatic tranny is the one thing that hasn't given me any grief thus far.Do keep us posted on the outcome!

[jgooder]

Dealer put in a new transmission. Just like new. Oh happy days.

[ColonelPanic]

Good to hear that they've got ya fixed up! Hopefully that will be the end of your tranny troubles!

[mrbix]

My 2004 Vibe with 24,000 miles has developed a problem where it "slips" in 1st and Reverse when the engine and transmission are cold. I can barely get out of the driveway, trying to keep the engine speed below 2500 rpm while doing so. The problem is still present to a lesser degree when the engine is warmed up, but at least the car is driveable. I took it in to the dealer's service department today. After a couple of hours of diagnosis they told me they need to pull the transmission to "see what's going on inside." I don't think this is a good sign in an 18-month old car.

[ColonelPanic]

Ahh, our lovely automatic eh? Not that I speak from experience or anything. It isn't much fun!From what you've described, I'd guess the difference in cold and warm performance is probably related to the pump, I was seeing the same things. The pressure mine was putting out was insanely low, something like 70 psi instead of the 200 or so that the dealer said it should have been putting out at a cold idle. When they dropped my transmission to scope it out, they found there wasn't anything left on it that could have been salvaged. If something similar has happened to yours, you'll probably be looking at a new tranny, I doubt they would want to rebuild it - but if they want to try rebuilding, I would question it for future reliability's sake. There's no telling what is messed up in there right now.I'm rather curious to see what your dealer finds out on yours - please keep us posted! Two dead automatics in a month, how 'bout that. I thought 63,000 that I saw from mine was unacceptable for a failure of this magnitude, but 24,000 is even more pathetic! Not a good sign at all! I'm very sorry to hear the news. But once you get a new transmission in there, it will shift, so keep looking toward the positive side, I guess! and EDIT:Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »I have to say, the automatic tranny is the one thing that hasn't given me any grief thus far.Oh fortune, how you mock me!

[mrbix]

I just got my Vibe back from having the transmission repaired by the dealer. The service technician found, using some diagnostic procedures sent to him by GM, that the "slipping" was due to debris in one of the transmission valve bodies. The debris was probably the product of wear and tear on the clutch plates. To fix the problem he drained the fluid, removed the valve body and cleaned it, and then refilled the transmission. I started it cold and drove it home. It seems to be working okay. I will post an update if I have any further problem.The repair was done under warranty coverage. I had to leave the Vibe at the service department for two days, and they arranged and paid for a rental car for me. I was very pleased with the service.

[mcgusto82]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Oh fortune, how you mock me!i hadn't noticed the date on the original post and as i read your post on the tranny being good to you.. i thought you were being sarcastic. then i noticed the original date. i thought to myself. ohh wait about a year. so a year later...ohh how it DOES mock you. lmaotf

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »ohh how it DOES mock you. lmaotfYes, oh yes, how it does! mrbix, that rocks! Glad to hear they took care of you. Let's hope that there are no further issues with that thing.

[pingber]

regarding your tranny repair --- my tranny just completely failed after 56000 miles on an '05. Its grinding, crunching etc etc so its in the dealer today for diagnosing (they're charging me for that too!) ... Of course, its not under warranty ... did your dealer pick up any of the cost of the tranny? If so, how did you approach the problem with them???

[ColonelPanic]

Fortunately, I was still under the GM Protection Plan which I purchased before the factory warranty ran out., so it cost me nothing out of pocket... except gas for the rental.I suppose you could try to get the dealer to work with you, but being almost 20K out of warranty I doubt they'll goodwill it unless you had it in for a transmission concern before the warranty ran out.. The dealer isn't the place you want to be for a transmission in these cars, GM charges over $4,000 just for the parts alone (transmission and torque converter.) I hate to see you have problems there, that really sucks!

[pingber]

Hey all --- it turned out that it WAS the left wheel bearing ...grinding/crunching is all gone, just left with that good ol' Vibe tire noise.