LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: Why is Transmission Making Noise When Changing Gear?

There are a few things that can go wrong with your Camaro or Firebird's transmission that would cause it to grind. Read on to learn how to diagnose it.

By Bassem Girgis - March 9, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1996-2002).

A grinding noise coming from your Camaro or Firebird's transmission is a scary sound. The issue could be something simple, but it can also be more complicated. Going to a transmission shop will cost you a lot of money, and fixing it would cost you even more. This guide will help you diagnose the issue, and it could also help you fix it entirely. So if you hear your transmission's gears grinding, read on to learn how to make it go away.

Camaro and Firebird Why is Transmission Making Noise When Changing Gear

Materials Needed

  • Socket
  • Drain pan
  • Torque wrench
  • Funnel
  • Flashlight
  • Jack and jack stands

Step 1 – Check fluid's condition

It could be old.

Transmission fluid is often one of the most neglected services on cars. It does not need to be serviced as regularly as engine oil, but ignoring it entirely will only end in tears. For most street driven vehicles, changing the gear oil every 50,000 miles or two years is completely acceptable. However, depending on your driving style, you may need to replace it more often. The first step to diagnosing any transmission issue is to check the fluid's level and condition. Use the dipstick to determine the color of your fluid. Good transmission fluid should be pink in color, so if it's brown, it's time to replace it. If the transmission fluid's color is nice and pink, but it's low, just top it off with a funnel through the dipstick hole, then check for any leaks around the transmission pan.

CAMARO FIREBIRD TRANSMISSION FLUID AUTOMATIC MANUAL T56 4L60E
Figure 1. Transmission dipstick.

If the transmission fluid is in good condition and level, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check transmission's wiring

They could be worn or cracked.

The wiring connected to the transmission could affect its performance in various ways. If you have bad signals going to the transmission, you could face issues such as grinding noise, slipping, or hesitating. The best way to check that is to raise the car, go under there with a flashlight, and check the condition of the wires. Follow the wires with the flashlight to detect any wears or cracks. Bad wires mean bad signals, so replace the bad wires as soon as you can.

CAMARO FIREBIRD T56 4L60E TRANSMISSION WIRING
Figure 2. Inspect the wires around your tranny.

If the wires look well, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check transmission's filter

It could be dirty or clogged.

The transmission's filter is inside the transmission's fluid pan. Raise your car, and secure it with four stands to keep it leveled. Remove the front bolts on the pan first, and let the pan drain in your drain pan. Remove the rear bolts, then remove the pan. Replace the filter, then re-install the pan, and torque the bolts to nine ft/lbs. Refill your transmission through the transmission's dipstick using a funnel.

CAMARO FIREBIRD LS1 T56 4L60E TRANSMISSION PAN
Figure 3. Transmission filter is inside the transmission pan.

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