95 Chev Cavalier Transmission Problem

Hi there,

I've got a 95 Cavalier (automatic) and it's having some transmission problems. When in gear, either driving or stopped at a light, I can feel the car vibrating, almost pulling a few times per second. I don't feel it when in neutral, or when coasting (down a hill, etc). It seems the worst when in gear, at low rpm's (in 5th gear between 50 and 70 km/h).

I've heard something about transmissions doing this, but can't remember where or how it's fixed.

Any help is much appreciated!

Mark Don't be too quick to suspect the transmission.

Is it possible that the engine's power is fluctuating?

Does it feel like the transmission is slipping at all? There are few symptoms that the transmission can produce.

Does the check engine soon light come on at all? For the heck of it, I'd go to an Auto Zone and have them scan for trouble codes (hey... it's free). Just to rule out anything that would be so easy.

How is the transmission fluid level? How long has it been since the fluid and filter has been changed? GM makes pretty soundly built front-wheel-drive transmissions. They usually can take a lickin'. But if it's 4 quarts low with burnt brown fluid... well that could just be it.

Can you describe the problem in any more detail? Does it feel like the transmission is grabbing hard suddenly? Does it feel like the power is shuddering?

I'm thinking it just might be time for a tune-up....... Is it possible that the engine's power is fluctuating?

I really don't know. Could be.

Does it feel like the transmission is slipping at all? There are few symptoms that the transmission can produce.

Doesn't seem to be slipping.

Does the check engine soon light come on at all? For the heck of it, I'd go to an Auto Zone and have them scan for trouble codes (hey... it's free). Just to rule out anything that would be so easy.

Not at all. No lights of any kind.

How is the transmission fluid level? How long has it been since the fluid and filter has been changed? GM makes pretty soundly built front-wheel-drive transmissions. They usually can take a lickin'. But if it's 4 quarts low with burnt brown fluid... well that could just be it.

I haven't checked fluids yet, but I've got to go in for an oil change soon, so I'll get the transmission flushed and new fluids put in. We'll see what that does.

Can you describe the problem in any more detail? Does it feel like the transmission is grabbing hard suddenly? Does it feel like the power is shuddering?

Yep, it's grabbing. But it's a very quick thing. We're talking more of a "shudder" for lack of a better description. But it's caused by the car grabbing the road, wanting to go faster. It's weird.

I'm thinking it just might be time for a tune-up...

Could be! Sounds like bad spark plug wires to me. A tune up would be a good place to start.

keep us posted. Linger1974 wrote:Yep, it's grabbing. But it's a very quick thing. We're talking more of a "shudder" for lack of a better description. But it's caused by the car grabbing the road, wanting to go faster.


Shudder is what the pro's call it (I believe) so it's a perfect description.

If you have never had the tranny fluid changed, then do it if you can afford to. Your tranny will love you for it. (Might not like the power flush if it hasn't been done in a while, but a fluid change and flush using the transmission's own pump would do it wonders)

I'm still thinking it's time for a tune up. But the feeling of the car grabbing at the road and wanting to go faster makes me think of the transmission too. Also have your engine and trans. mounts checked. These can cause similar complaints.Car Repair Talk's forum.