Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DBβ LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSPONTIAC1993LEMANS FWD L4-98 1.6LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSCUSTOMER INTERESTA/T - INTERMITTENT 2ND GEAR START IN D2 WHEN COLD
1993 Pontiac Lemans FWD L4-98 1.6L
A/T - Intermittent 2ND Gear Start in D2 When Cold
1993 Pontiac Lemans FWD L4-98 1.6LSECTION A/T - Intermittent 2ND Gear Start in D2 When Cold
Bulletin Number: 93-7-10
Reference Number: 277151
Publish Date: 12/92
Subject:
PRODUCT INFORMATION-POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT SECOND GEAR START IN D2 WHEN COLD
Models Affected:
1990-93 6000, SUNBIRD, GRAND AM, GRAND PRIX, LEMANS AND TRANS SPORT MODELS W/3T40 TRANS
TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS:
1990-93 HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 (RPO MD9)
TRANSMISSION MODELS:
ALL
CONDITION:
Some 1990-93 vehicles with HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 transaxles may intermittently start out in second gear when the gear selector is in the intermediate (D2) range, and ambient temperature is low.
CAUSE:
A pressure calibration change was made during the 1990 Model Year to enhance transaxle performance during heavy throttle operation in the intermediate (D21 range. At low ambient temperatures, transaxle fluid viscosity increases and may not exhaust quickly enough from the governor circuit to return the 1-2 shift valve to the downshifted position. This results in a second gear start.
CORRECTION:
No correction is necessary or available for this condition. As the transaxle warms up, fluid viscosity decreases and no longer affects the normal operation of the 1-2 shift valve. This condition does not create any durability concerns.
Reference Number: 277151
Publish Date: 12/92
Subject:
PRODUCT INFORMATION-POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT SECOND GEAR START IN D2 WHEN COLD
Models Affected:
1990-93 6000, SUNBIRD, GRAND AM, GRAND PRIX, LEMANS AND TRANS SPORT MODELS W/3T40 TRANS
TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS:
1990-93 HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 (RPO MD9)
TRANSMISSION MODELS:
ALL
CONDITION:
Some 1990-93 vehicles with HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 transaxles may intermittently start out in second gear when the gear selector is in the intermediate (D2) range, and ambient temperature is low.
CAUSE:
A pressure calibration change was made during the 1990 Model Year to enhance transaxle performance during heavy throttle operation in the intermediate (D21 range. At low ambient temperatures, transaxle fluid viscosity increases and may not exhaust quickly enough from the governor circuit to return the 1-2 shift valve to the downshifted position. This results in a second gear start.
CORRECTION:
No correction is necessary or available for this condition. As the transaxle warms up, fluid viscosity decreases and no longer affects the normal operation of the 1-2 shift valve. This condition does not create any durability concerns.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.