Won't shift until I let up on the gas, shifts out of 1st at about 2200 to 2500 RPM and then from 2nd to 3rd at about 3500 RPM again once i let up on the gas. Extremely hot weather and just started with the problem 2 days ago. I'm afraid I'm going to get run over on the highway on my daily commute. It seems like the car is gasping for air or fuel. Was a bit better when I turned off the AC. ABS light comes on and off intermittently as well and that problem started about a week ago. Are these 2 separate issues or are they linked?
The first thing you need to do is have the engine control computer tested for fault codes, if none are present check the fuel pressure and do a voltage output test on the Mass Airflow Meter. Most Autozone and O'reilly auto parts do this testing for free, ask for an OBD2 fault code test.
The transmission shifting problem indicates that the vacuum hose and vacuum actuator have a problem as that unit changes ratios when the vacuum is correct
have the battery load tested as the other problem could be low voltage affecting the performance of the ECM
have the fault codes read
also check for a bad cat converter as it may be blocking the exhaust system
SOURCE: My 1994 Grand Prix sedan wont downshift properly and stays in 3rd
change trans fluid / filter
SOURCE: 2003 pontiac grand prix 3.8...the
If you have an Automatic transmission, you are out of transmission fluid. Check the fluid by viewing the dipstick nearest the engine firewall, and if it is low, add one quart at a time. Do not overfill, or you will blow a gasket and have a bigger problem. You may also need to replace your transmission, if problem reoccurs. To see if your transmission is leaking, park for about an hour, on any flat concrete surface and look for red fluid spills.
SOURCE: 99 Grand Am. No reverse
Hello and welcome to FixYa!
Looks like a faulty torque converter to me. If the torque converter is faulty, it shifts hard or may stay on a certain gear. Reverse can be affected too. I strongly suggest that you have a torque converter replacement if that's the case.
Before going to torque converter replacement, please do check the transmission fluid. If it looks or has a burnt smell then it can be the issue too. Burnt fluid may cause irregularities on transmissions operation. If that's the case then go for the fluid replacement first and if it still fails then it's time to have a new torque converter.
Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa! Have a good one!
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