my friend read an article about the 4-speed automatic that states that an electronic trans solenoid will fail around 140,000 miles or so. Means a new tranny is necessary. Anybody know if its true?

anything that is electrical is bound to fail at any given time,but to put a certian milage on it ,no,it is impossable to do.

my buick's 4 speed auto lasted to 165kmi with SF bayarea use i've never had electrical failure,yet. my newer lucerne with e-shift might be different.

that's what I thought. thanks. if it does happen around 140,000 (I have 120,000 on it now, bought it with 106,000) is a 4-speed auto to a 5-speed stick a practical possibility? if the solenoid does fail, i'd like to keep the car running if i possibly can.

An auto to manual is a really hard thing to do you need basically everything clutch pedal clutch linkage and a tranny with a bellhousing that bolts where the auto was. you also need to cut a couple of holes and potentially fabricate mounting brackets and hardware where the automatic didn't match the manual.

now that u mention that... it depends on how often the fluid was changed. it shifts well? also does it exhibit any slipppage on a slight grade? if not it could be ok. i've seen more clutch pack failure than electrical.

it does shift well. Haven't noticed any slips on down or up shifting and hills. I may have to check the packs if it does fail, thanks for the suggestion.

I was betting that it is, and I do love new challenges. If it does fail I will look at it for sure.

Im at 122,000 now, and the shifting is suddenly very difficult. Check engine and trac off mlights are on, feels like improper meshing of the trans gears or possibly the torque converter. Neutral or park to drive or reverse is extremely hard in particular, and so is 1st to 2nd, the torque converter lockup between the 3rd to 4th shift is also difficult. Ideas?

Yeah its VERY true... unfortunately, but its an easy transmission to replace though... lol

Thanks for the advice!