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1993 Eldorado ETC
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47 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
When it's even remotley cold, or hasn't been run for a few hours, my transmission will not engage for more than a few seconds. Ex. I put the car into a forward gear and it will wait 10-20 seconds before actually engaging. Anyone know what could cause this?

BTW I ended up having to buy an aftermarket oil cooler since my auxillerary Cadillac cooler has been discontinued (wasn't a popular option it seems). It sucked since I had to cut the original lines & discard the original mounting bracket, but it works.
 

· Registered
1993 Eldorado ETC
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47 Posts
Discussion Starter · #6 ·
lol I'm just being a know-it-all. Well, along the tranny service line, a while back when I got my car back from the dealer, the Service Trans Fluid light was on...I'd never seen it before. Since they'd just finished replacing the PCM (and the fluid was bright red and topped off), I thought it was a glitch. I reset the light.

My question is this now: if the fluid is still red can it still require a service? Should I replace the filter & gasket along with a flush?

Thank you, Ranger, you're always a big help :)
 

· Registered
94 ETC,97 STS
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3,531 Posts
It's taking that long to build pressure and fill the passages with fluid. Another possibility is a sticky solenoid but I'd think it would act up more than just cold start.

Wear in the seals (pump seals too) would be the likely cause.

I'd verify, from your receipt, that the trans was serviced. Flushing is not recommended for this ( or any ) trans. Search the posts for info if you'd like. It pushes dirt backwards and leaves the sludge in the pan.

Another idea...if it started after changing the cooler...the cooler may be draining back into the pan. Possibly the factory filter had a check valve to keep it from draining back. I havn't gotten involved with this to know. If someone else knows maybe they can add that. I'll try to look in the manual later.
 

· Super Moderator
2010 DTS
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89,562 Posts
93ELDORADOETC said:
My question is this now: if the fluid is still red can it still require a service? Should I replace the filter & gasket along with a flush?
The filter is in the side cover and only gets replaced on tear down. There are two screens that you just clean if needed and reuse. Likewise the gasket is reusable.

As Zonie said DO NOT FLUSH. Go to the Technical Archives at the top left of this page and read up on "Transmission flushing".

I wouldn't think you need it serviced, but it can't hurt. Probably replacing the PCM tripped that message. How many miles on it?
 

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45 Posts
my 1995 STS acts up as well and I need help BAD!!! First off she has about 189K on her and I paid $4040.00 exactly for it two years ago, when she had 162K on her, did a tune up and new exhaust when I first got it, was told that I needed new mounts then, never got around to doing, the dogbone style ones up top are showin some wear, My tranny was acting up reving hard into second, and always wanting to slam back down to like 1500rpms right when you let up of the gas, even at interstate speeds, Im pretty sure the tranny needs some work. About a year ago, I had a problem where it wouldnt start at all, I ripped apart the steering column thinkin it was the ignition swith, wasnt that, so I had it towed up to Cadillac where the said the transmission transponder switch was messed up and the car couldnt tell wheather it was in park or drive. That was $450 right there. Now present day im stuck with the same dilema, go to start it and nothing no wanting to start or even a turn over, it just clicks from under the hood, like the something is relieving presure, (have yet to get the recall fixed on the fuel rail) Sometime though about a month ago, it would go in and out, like go on a streak where it would start for like 3 or 4 days and then go on a 2 week streak of not starting, and now its been sitting for atleast 3 weeks on its longest sitting period to date. Im pretty sure but not positive its not the starter, not the alternator, replace the battery today, and Im clueless what it could be. I can pull up trouble codes but most of them arent on the online look-up thing that everyone on here uses. If anyone can share info that will help I would appreciate it. Someone also said something about the ignition coil?? INPUT NEEDED!!
 

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94 ETC,97 STS
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3,531 Posts
Does moving the shifter make any difference when you're starting it? If that doesn't affect it, it's most likely the battery/cables/starter.

Have the battery checked and clean the cables while the battery is out. Examine the cable ends to make sure the wiring has't corroded under the plastic covering.

If that doesn't fix it, it's likely the starter. In case you don't know, the starter is under the intake manifold.
 
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