2009 Outlook XR Intermittent vibration
 

When I am cruising at highway speeds I notice the tach bouncing slight 300 to 500 rpm up and down. Every so often there will be a low pitch rumble that will last for a few seconds with no real rhyme or reason. I cannot feel it in the accelerator or seat, it just kind of resonates through out the cab. It will stop after a few seconds or after i either let off or increase he accelerator. It also hesitates going up inclines at low speeds.
No tranny codes, had transfer case serviced, replaced rear shocks, and tune up done- no improvement
151,000 miles on vehicle

Check to see if you're having a similar experience to these owners.

Saturn Outlook Problems | CarComplaints.com

I did look through that earlier, did not see anything similar to my problem.

Thank you

No double posting please.
Also, registering under multiple usernames is a big no-no, jabeu.


Bump your own thread if you're that impatient.


Thank you

I must have fallen asleep and never posted the response I had typed to this. Sorry.


Do you get shift flares from 3 rd to 4th and/or 5th to 6th and/or any problems with reverse?


Sounds like it MAY be a variant of the 3 5 R waveplate failure in the 6T70 and 6T75 transmission. Mine (2008 Saturn Vue XR) would kinda hesitate going into 3rd from 2nd gear (late shift at higher than normal RPM) with the eventual result being the tranny finally upshifting but not smoothly. Same thing 4th to 5th. I can see this being exacerbated on an incline where it prob just doesn't want to upshift.


I have never heard of a bouncing tach as part of this problem.
Is the engine rpm actually changing (can you hear it), or is it just the needle?
Also, how long of a time scale are we talking....3 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute for the tach boucing?


The other thing that comes to mind is that the torque converter may be slipping. When the 35R waveplate breaks, it can send metal debris throughout the system, including the torque converter, which can then also get damaged.


Codes are not always set because operational parameters do not necessarily go out of spec -- although it drives like crap.


As for the rumble -- anyone's guess but likely related since it seems tied to accelerator movement
Ca

I do not notice any late or rough shifting, but i will keep a closer eye out for it. The tach timing is up and right back down within a second. When it does it i can feel it in the vehicle.
I was thinking it could be a torque converter problem as well.
I did a tranny fluid drain and refill this weekend, would i see debris in the fluid if it is a wave plate problem.

Not sure what you mean by bump the thread. Sorry, there was a problem with my other credentials. It would not let me log in.

In other vehicles the brake light switch will unlock the torque converter. If the switch is very touchy or if you brake with your left foot this can happen on bumpy roads.

Wow. Never would have even thought to think about that (brake light switch).

Can't say for sure what you'd see in the fluid.

However, if you're not noticing the shift "flares" I described, it likely is not a 3-5-R issue

Shifting is good. Tried it in manual as well. Going to make appointment with dealer next week. I will keep everyone updated as to what they find.

Just got the word from the dealer. My torque convertor is failing.
$2,000 to repair, but with history on these transmissions they recommend transmission replacement $4,800.

Going to check some local transmission shops, anyone know what is a good price to expect?

Crap, you're past 100K extended coverage for the 6T7x trannys, which I'll bet you is the root of all evil here. They're trying to sell you a new tranny based on THEIR tranny's crap record because they know that one of the few sources of torque converter failure is from the debris that may let loose from the 35R waveplate breaking and wreck the torque converter. For all you know, they already know the waveplate is broken in your current tranny and so they want to sell you a new one with a redesigned waveplate. BUT they can't do that without selling you a new torque converter b/c they don't want the shrapnel making its way back into the new tranny.

Walk away from these people.

Maybe check w a local shop to see if you can get just your torque converter flushed. Not sure if it can be done.
Out of my area of expertise.

I am not sure what to do. Just get the torque convertor replaced and roll the dice, new tranny, drive it until it all together shuts up (then my only choice is new tranny) or unload the vehicle.

It is in great shape, but I am looking at a lot of cabbage whichever way i go..

Hay Jurich, sounds like you got it nailed! A TTC shudder, don't see it as much in GM converters as we do in Fords. They all went to Plus-With-Modulation type solenoids to get away from this problem, so now when the converter shudders...it's done. Usually contaminates the entire hydraulic system with metal partials. I agree with Derf, I too would say in the early stages if you're not experiencing any other problems. Always a good idea to shop around for prices, shop very in price...and quality. Make sure they have been in business for a while.

Am i safe to just replace the torque convertor. I assume they would be able to tell me if there are additional concerns when they open things up?

Hi again Jurich! At 150K this transmission is most likely worn out. Most automatics will last well past the 100K mark if the fluid is changed around every 30K, unless it is a CVT. But, even with regular maintenance, not many make it to 200K. Of course there are exceptions, I'm just speaking in general.

It is around $3 to 4K to rebuild one, and you won't find one sitting on a shelf...anywhere, unless it is a used one. If you plan on keeping the vehicle, I would recommend having it rebuilt by a reputable shop that specializes in transmissions.

These are known for cracked or fractured wave plate, resulting in a loss of 3rd, 5th and reverse gears. The affected vehicles are anything equipped with a 6T70 or 6T75 6 speed. Just like derf said, so if your not experiencing this problem yet...you will. While the trans is out, may as well address that too, or you'll be paying to have it pulled out twice.

Your 6T70 or 6T75 is known for a host of problems, that can all be addressed during a rebuild. I have provided 2 links, so you can be aware of these issues. This will also give you some good questions to ask when getting prices on your repair. Please let us know what you decide to do, and how things turn out.

Top 10 Common Problems with the 6T70 Transmission
Common-Problems-with-the-6T70-Transmission

Top 5 Transmission Problems with the 6T70 Transmission and Solutions for Repair

Thanks Alpha and Derf,

The vehicle is in great shape and I am inclined to fix it. Thanks for the links I will be checking around some local transmission shops for pricing.