I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu which I'm having problems with the transmission shifting from 3rd into overdrive. It hesitates and rocks and the rpms just start jumping up and down. When I drive in drive 3, it didn't seem to do it as bad but still does it. My check engine light was on, so I changed the air flow sensor, o2 sensor, and catalytic converter and it still does it!!!! I'm wondering if changing the transmission fluid and filter would help? I've heard doing that also could end bad n make it slip even more? And if so, how much would it cost to get the overdrive replaced in the transmission? If anybody has had the same situation and got it fixed please let me know thanx
Having same problem as everyone else. about 45-55mph it starts to pulse/rev/etc. i'm hoping that the mass air flow thing will work. I have an '04 Chevy suburban that just started doing the same thing. will get that fixed and see from there....if that doesn't fix it I've heard it could be something electrical with the tranny.
At 65mph shifting from 3rd gear to the overdrive the enginee hesitates; the rpm down suddenly to 1000 rpm, and it recovers in 1 second. This problem is more commun in hills, hot temperatures and when the car is heay loaded. (five persons)
The problem with surging while at highway speeds usually when going up a hill or accelerating is caused by a dirty mass air flow sensor. It is really easy to clean.
The mass air flow sensor is located between the air cleaner and throttle body. You can get a can of mass air flow sensor cleaner at any auto parts store. You will need a screwdriver and a T-20 TORX security bit to remove the sensor. Once removed just spray the sensor clean and let it dry. DO NOT TOUCH the sensor. Very easy to damage and about $120 to replace.
I fixed the shifting problem by replacing the Mass air flow sensor. To see if you have the same problem, disconnect your the connector from the old one and drive around for the day. It should go away. I found the shifting problem only occurred when it was hot outside.
- Jim W.,
Westville, NJ, US
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During highway driving speeds 55-75 while going up hill, cruise control on or off it does not matter, the transmission pulsates about every 2 seconds between overdrive and 3rd gear. You can watch the dash tach vary about 300-400 RPMs as the rocking motion puts the driver to sleep. This scenario repeats constantly while climbing hills until the vehicle is on level ground. The Chevrolet dealership has installed a new fuel pump and adjusted the cruise control to no avail. After spending $600 needlessly, I concluded my own diagnosis when manually shifting into 3rd gear only to experience smooth sailing up the hill.
After the car warms up, cruising in overdrive at about 45 mph and then slightly applying the gas the transmission with pulsate between overdrive and third up to about 55 mph.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu which I'm having problems with the transmission shifting from 3rd into overdrive. It hesitates and rocks and the rpms just start jumping up and down. When I drive in drive 3, it didn't seem to do it as bad but still does it. My check engine light was on, so I changed the air flow sensor, o2 sensor, and catalytic converter and it still does it!!!! I'm wondering if changing the transmission fluid and filter would help? I've heard doing that also could end bad n make it slip even more? And if so, how much would it cost to get the overdrive replaced in the transmission? If anybody has had the same situation and got it fixed please let me know thanx
- Troy M., Fairchance, PA, US