code 1870 Help!

[pete99firebird]

Hey Guys, I was hoping someone could help me out with a tranny code p1870. The car is a 99 firebird 3.8L A4. The car had 44,000miles on it. I have been getting the symptoms of hard shifting, they only last until I put the car into park and back into gear. I have had it happen 4 times in the past two months. I just got the code yesterday, I checked the tranny fluid and it is topped off, looks nice and red, no burning odor. 2miles after checking the fluid level the check engine light went off?? Anyone have any ideas what could cause this? Am I doing any sort of damage if I continue driving the car? I seems to run and shift just fine now. I hope I am not looking at a rebuild...errrr

Thanks

Pete

[2001NBMZ28]

Don't know, but when the code is set the PCM commands maximum line pressure and other things. Here's some info on the code: www.ls2.com/boggs/a4/DTC%20P1870%203.8.htm I'd change the filter and fluid first and see what's in the pan, then see if it persists.

[Cutlass]

That code usually indicates the torque converter clutch is slipping because the valve body is worn out. If thats the case get a GM reman valve body or a there is a guy on Ebay who sells them and I've fixed 2 vehicles using his VB's.
His name is donnylester of Central Valve Bodies.

[PushroD]

Pete,

Actually, GM has issued tech bulletins regarding this issue on the 4L60E, as listed:

99-07-30-005 General diagnostics page.

01-07-30-23B This is the most current bulletin, it basically states to replace the valve body with an updated design.

The good news here is that you may not necessarly have to R&R the transmission! I managed to get a brand new GM valve body assembly from our parts department for less than $350 bucks, and it is replaced without pulling the transmission!

Good luck with it!

[0rion]

do you have any mods done to the car?

[Cutlass]

Pete,

Actually, GM has issued tech bulletins regarding this issue on the 4L60E, as listed:

99-07-30-005 General diagnostics page.

01-07-30-23B This is the most current bulletin, it basically states to replace the valve body with an updated design.

The good news here is that you may not necessarily have to R&R the transmission! I managed to get a brand new GM valve body assembly from our parts department for less than $350 bucks, and it is replaced without pulling the transmission!

Good luck with it!

Wanted to point out the typo
01-07-30-023B

and the GM Valve bodies are listed as remans in the parts catolog, not brand new.

[pete99firebird]

Thanks for all the info fellas, you guys are a great resource! This is good news that I may not have to rebuild the entire trans just the valve body. Orion- no mods to the car it is currently stock.

[PushroD]

Ahh, my mistake, nice catch Cutlass! I'll have to check, I was pretty sure that valve body I got from parts was brand new... Hmmm.