1870 ::groan:: i know

ANYTHING TO DO WITH MAKING YOUR VAN MOVE EXCEPT FOR THE ENGINE ITSELF.
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Topic author
leadtrombone
I finally get the smurf thing
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1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by leadtrombone »

ok so the 'puter has thrown a p-1870. transmission component slipping. And the 1-2 shift is like a boot in the butt. especially when the gas is on. but only when hot.

I don't have a tranny cooler, or temp guage, i don't tow anything yet. It shows up after 10-20 minutes of hiway speed driving. In town i usually don't feel the issue at all.

I have read the threads here and some at various other sites and have gotten a bit more confused as to what needs to be done.

i found this page http://www.gmcfaq.org/safari-gmc/hard-s ... 05562.html

the part that interests me is this:
This is an infamous problem with 4L60E transmissions.  I’ve had it happen to two of mine -both ‘97 vintage. Question:  Are you getting a service engine soon light?  Or has it thrown any codes. If you’re having the same problem I did then you’ll get a P1870 code.  The code means "internal slippage" or something to that effect.  The hard shift is caused by the PCM commanding maximuim line pressure for the shifts in order to accomplish the without burning up the clutch packs.  The hard shift is actually a good thing. The cause, however, needs to be corrected.  Usually, it can be traced back to the TCC Valve in the valve body.  GM changed out their indestructable cast iron valve body in ‘93 for an aluminum one.  The TCC valve can wear the bore in this softer material, allowing fluid to get past, which lessens pressure in the circuit that applys the torque converter lock-up.  The slippage can also be caused by another TCC valve in the circuit.  That one is called the TCC apply valve and it’s housed in the body of the pump. Sometimes it does not seal completely in it’s bore. In the vast majority of the cases, it’s the TCC valve in the valve body causing the problem. The fix is to 1.) replace the valve body at great cost (if out of warranty) or, 2.) Ream and resleeve the TCC bore & replace with a new valve from Sonnax.  Sonnax also makes a TCC apply valve with a teflon seal that can be inserted in the bore which is located in the side of the pump.  The TCC apply valve is accessable with one of the solonoids removed from in front of the valve body.  The Sonnax TCC Valve runs about $60, and the reamer goes for about $75.  I think the TCC apply valve costs around $25.  The job can be done without dropping the tranny in about 2 hours by a backyard mechanic -less if you have a pro do the job. There’s a lot of good technical reference material at Sonnax’s web site.  Go to http://www.sonnax.com for more info.

so basically it doesn't sound so bad.

I also had found this same description of issue and fix on a testimonial type letter from or for a tranny shop but i cant find that anymore.

Has anyone done this fix. How was it, did it work. What else did you do while you had it open.


The other part of the problem is... according to my mechanic friend, and from what i saw as well, the fluid smells burned and looks rather brown.

Am i looking at a full service or rebuild here.

what all part am i going to need to get to to what needs to be done (what else should i do while having the thing open?)???

do go ahead and get the new(better) tcc and tcc apply valve and the reamer and go at the valve body, other things i should replace while i am in there. Should i just have a whole rebuild done at a shop. New Tranny and thats it... Hmm

The van has 230000+ miles on it.

as alway i appreciate any advice or tips. (sparkplugs through the wheel wells save me a lot of headache...)

Thanks Guys..
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

Image
P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon
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Smiliesafari
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Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by Smiliesafari »

Burnt smell and brown fluid = seriously damaged clutches. There's no bandaid fix. Time for a major rebuild.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I agree with Skip, might be time to plan a rebuild especially with 230k+ miles. It has served its purpose.

I fixed my P1870 code by replacing the TCC solenoid spring with a longer, stronger inner pump spring from a 700R4. I then switched to Amsoil synthetic and installed a monster trans cooler. Since these mods were done, the code never came back.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
leadtrombone
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 2:36 am

Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by leadtrombone »

ok sorry. i am seriously on crack here. i only have 130k mi not 230. don't knw what i was thinking there. sorry.

But. still.. same on the burnt brown fluid then???

anyother advice.

Worth it to do the rebuild/maintainence myself or .....

what peices would need to be replaced for sure..
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

Image
P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon

lockdoc
I sleep in my van
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Location: Plymouth Township, PA

Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by lockdoc »

Like said earlier, if there is brown, burnt fluid there is no easy fix. Clutches have burned. There is no way to bring them back from the fire. I personally think it is worth it to do the rebuild myself. You need to do a lot of studying first and you will need a least a few specialty tools to do the job. It's not for everybody though.
Current:
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van
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kings-x59
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Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by kings-x59 »

Lock would know, he pulled a 4l60e, hauled it up a set of stairs, sprung his back, rebuilt it in his kitchen, and plugged it back in over a weekend....if I do recall correctly.
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.

name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....

Topic author
leadtrombone
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 2:36 am

Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by leadtrombone »

Well i got some time to do the research. I won't have money to have it done for a while. and the time is a stickler here.

I can't do it at home (not allowed). and i don't have another vehicle while i use our auto shop. (do it yourself. But proper shop with tools lifts etc.)

Anyone think it could be done it 8 hours or so....?????!

Right i think thats pushing it.

Well. any specific rebuild info would be great (links or otherwise).

So the clutches being burned out means that they would have to be replaced... Right?
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

Image
P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon
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Smiliesafari
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Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by Smiliesafari »

8 hours? Not a chance. Another approach would be to buy one from a salvage yard and do a swap. This could be done in 8 hours.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Start reading here...Lockdoc's 95 2WD rebuild
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
leadtrombone
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 2:36 am

Re: 1870 ::groan:: i know

Post by leadtrombone »

8-[ :cry: :-k :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :partyman:


ok. that looks like alot more than i can do myself right now. and that is kinda what i thought.

if indeed the transmission needs that level of rebuilt i guess i am going to have to take it somewheres..

Looks like its doable. I have a place with the tools and such. But just not the time...


Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate your frankness... Time to do some thinking..
1999 Safari SLE. Stock. Proud owner since May 2010. So far I love it..

Image
P1050479 by leadtrombone, on Flickr

The old cars - my progression to here (most recent first)

1996 Honda Passport
1988 BMW 320i touring
1989 BMW 520
2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2002 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab
1989 BMW 320i
1990 Toyota Tercel EZ
1991 Mitshubishi Mirage
1970 Mercedes Benz 250 Saloon
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