P1870 help
05-06-2009, 07:33 AM
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P1870 help my 99 camaro 3.8 auto 4l60e trany started shifting very hard from first to second. And tcc was locking and unlocking constantly.Scaned and got code P1870 any help on what I need to fix this or is trany toast?
05-06-2009, 08:55 AM
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I'm not a trans expert but when you set the P1870 you will get hard shifts. I've had a couple of cars that set P1870. GM has a service bulletin and the fix was to replace the valvebody because of a worn check ball seat.
I don't know if that's your problem just saying there's hope that your trans can be fixed without a complet rebuild.
I don't know if that's your problem just saying there's hope that your trans can be fixed without a complet rebuild.
05-06-2009, 09:03 AM
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U can pull the valve body and look for a check ball stuck into the metal separator plate. Would be a good time to install the trans-go kit and a new trans-go plate.
05-06-2009, 02:36 PM
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ARGH! The dreaded P1870 code! 
My old 1996 Firebird 3.8 did this several times. At first, when it would happen, I would just clear the code with the scan tool and it would go away for a good while. Then, it got worse and started throwing the code every drive. I finally took it in to one transmission shop, and they said the tranny needed to be rebuilt. Then, I heard of some kit that Sonnax makes (I think). I don't know what it is, but another transmission shop put it in and it fixed the problem for good.
I think all that kit does is modify the valve body and eliminate PWM for good, but I'm not sure. Hopefully this helps some.
My old 1996 Firebird 3.8 did this several times. At first, when it would happen, I would just clear the code with the scan tool and it would go away for a good while. Then, it got worse and started throwing the code every drive. I finally took it in to one transmission shop, and they said the tranny needed to be rebuilt. Then, I heard of some kit that Sonnax makes (I think). I don't know what it is, but another transmission shop put it in and it fixed the problem for good.
I think all that kit does is modify the valve body and eliminate PWM for good, but I'm not sure. Hopefully this helps some.
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05-06-2009, 08:34 PM
#8
Take the spring to a hardware store, and get one about the same diameter, and a little longer, and stiffer.
05-06-2009, 08:40 PM
#9
Pull the spring out of the tcc regulator valve bore and get a stiffer one and put in it. You don't have to buy the kit. And, as said above, if it's a high mileage unit, you may have a worn converter clutch as well.
Take the spring to a hardware store, and get one about the same diameter, and a little longer, and stiffer.
Take the spring to a hardware store, and get one about the same diameter, and a little longer, and stiffer.
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05-06-2009, 08:41 PM
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OK. Now I have a question. Why is it that the V6 F-Bodies tend to have this issue more than the V8's do? Or am I completely wrong and V8's also are plagued by this issue? My 96 V6 had this issue as well and it was at about 95,000 miles or so, bone stock. The 2000 Formula that I have now is at 105,000+ miles and shows no sign of this.
05-06-2009, 09:12 PM
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OK. Now I have a question. Why is it that the V6 F-Bodies tend to have this issue more than the V8's do? Or am I completely wrong and V8's also are plagued by this issue? My 96 V6 had this issue as well and it was at about 95,000 miles or so, bone stock. The 2000 Formula that I have now is at 105,000+ miles and shows no sign of this.
