Did I screw up my transmission?

[ajf3]

Hi all, Recently got the tranny service on my 03 base automatic for the first time... I was at 70k instead of 60k, but it was running ok as far as I could tell.They flushed & replaced the fluid & filter & of course after I took it in I read some post somewhere about how "transmissions usually blow up right after changing the fluid when there wasn't a problem before." I figure this is superstitious thing like pocket kings are ace magnets, etc but I've been paying close attention since getting it back the other day.It seems to be shifting smoothly at regular speeds, but when driving fast - especially when going up a big hill the tach seems to wind up a lot higher than I'd expect before the car shifts. I say expect because while I've driven this stretch a lot in the car I can't say I've really paid much attention to the tach during the hill climbs.I was driving a stretch of 22 through the pa mountains that's like a 3 lane highway in each direction. While climbing a huge hill at around 80mph the pedal was basically floored at times - I was driving it a little hard on purpose once I noticed what I thought was weirdness to see what it would do & so I could post it up here to get your thoughts.The worst I saw was it ramp up to almost 6k before shifting. It only went that high once, but did spend a lot of time doing the shift at around 5k.It it normal for an 03 base auto to rev up that high, or am I looking at some problems?Thanks!

[GrayFox]

I don't know about driving much on hills (I've gone up a few) but when you floor the car it will go to the redline then shift up. Sounds pretty normal for hilly driving in our little 4-banger someone else might be able to give a more informed opinion tho...

[joatmon]

I only drove an auto tranny VIbe once, about four years ago for a short test drive, so I really do not know how they behave, or what is normal for them. I do know that most auto transmissions will adjust shift points depending on throttle, shift at higher RPMs (or not at all) when it is floored than they would if the RPMs were down in the 2-3K range. So maybe it's the way it's supposed to be. If so, you'd feel a lot better about it now if only you had paid attention to how it behaved before having it serviced.

[Petrucci914]

If it is just revving higher before shifting there shouldn't be any issue. That's actually a good thing because you'll be producing more power now. It's also possible that they unhooked your battery and reset your PCM and now it's relearning shift points. And now that the tranny is all clean and in heaven it may be finally performing like it should. As long as it's shifting normal and now going way over redline there shouldn't be an issue. If you start getting weird shifting behavior and noises, then there's a chance for issues.

[prathman]

Sounds normal based on your description. As ANO said, when the throttle is wide open the transmission should go to or very near redline before upshifting since that gives the best performance. If you're driving a bit more aggressively now then the transmission will naturally be shifting at higher rpms than before.

[WaveAction]

you know..when i had my sunfire..never got the tranny serviced and i had about 110,000 kms on it before i sold her, and nothing was wrong with it at all..still shifted smoothly..responded when i gave her

[ajf3]

Hey - that's good news then! I forgot about how it learns the shift points - I bet that's it since the clock was off when I got it back...Thanks for the info!

[keithvibe]

I does sound a bit high to me. Although I don't spend much time in the 80mph range. BTW... 80mph on 22... (removed)... I would only think if it's up around 5-6grand and the OD is off I would say that is normal. If you have it floored Yes it will hit 6grand before shifting. That is normal. I have seen my tac get that high before.. one last thing... slow down LOL

[ajf3]

Hey - I had to get back from a work trip for trick or treating with the kids... Altoona to Pgh in around 1:45 It was the new highway stretch from Altoona to Ebensburg & then from there to blairsville where I was making tracks.I don't normally drive that fast at all, but I have a radar detector a clean record and a cousin who is a state cop out that way - 'twas a calculated risk!

[goodvibe]

Sounds like you're fine but you definetly should have changed it sooner. People only have problems from changing fluid late when they left the initial fluid in too long. The new fluid cleans out the sludge from seals etc. and you can get leaks or expoe problems with internal seals. Did you use type IV fluid? Dealer? Trans fluids vary a lot in their adds and friction qualities.

[ajf3]

The garage who did the work picked up the fluid and screen for me from the Pontiac dealer. Next time I'll buy the Toyota fluid since it's so much cheaper though.