Automotive question: i have a 1997 Chevy Astro conversion van. i just got it a couple of weeks ago..?

Question

while driving it around town on the side streets i dont have any problem with it. we took it from northern Ohio to extreme southern Ohio (on the highway) no problems got off the highway driving on side streets come up to a redlight stop then go to take off and the transmission does a REALLY hard shift like the motors going and it takes a second for the tranny to catch up. once it cools off it doesnt do it on the side roads so we checked the fluid added conditioner anyways and the check engine light came on (bad gas was part of that put cleaner in the gas tank and that went out) but another code came up with something to do with an internal part in the transmission but doesnt say what. does anyone know if its just a module or the torque box or what it may be? i hate taking it to a transmission shop because the trannies have many sensors and it could be one but they will tell you the entire tranny needs rebuilt when it really doesnt.. thanks for your help !

Answer 1

You have a shift solenoid, that could be sticking, try having changing the transmission fluid ,,and add some "trick shift" to it.Also put an transmission cooler on it.It will mount between the grill and the radiator and you can  connect the transmission lines to it.They are bout 50-60 dollars.Get a big one,it will help keep your tranny cool, especially on long trips and save wear and tear on it.

Answer 2

Take it to a Chevy dealer.  Not only will they know the code, but they will have seen it and will be able to explain what needs to be done to repair the van

Answer 3

What was the code that you pulled? I would think it would be the torque converter seems to be going if the shifts are really long and harsh between each one. That is what happened to the civic, I kinda helped it though by putting more horsepower than it was used to...