Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Jukeboxnut on 26 March 2013, 21:35:01

Title: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: Jukeboxnut on 26 March 2013, 21:35:01
In the latest issue of Car Mechanics there is an article on Automatic Gearboxes.  They state that the 4 speed GM gearbox (4L30E) is a good unit but they recommend if you own a BMW or a Vauxhall with a GM box you should really replace the torque converter lock-up clutch solenoid as soon as possible as they are prone to failure.  They also mention  that a filter and oil change is a good idea on lower mileage units.

I changed the oil and filters on my auotobox when I bought the car at 89,000 miles, as recommended here and it is still as sweet as a nut at 115,000 miles.

I have seen no mention of converter solenoid failure on my rather infrequent visits to this excellent forum, has anyone here experienced problems with this and is it easy to replace if necessary?
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: TheBoy on 26 March 2013, 21:40:46
They do fail, but not that often.  I've seen more issues with other gearbox solenoids TBH
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: Jukeboxnut on 26 March 2013, 21:45:18
Thank you for the quick reply TheFatShadow (love the name), put my mind at rest.  By the way at 6 foot tall and 8 1/2 stone soaking wet I must the  TheThinShadow.
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: STMO123 on 26 March 2013, 21:52:04
Thank you for the quick reply TheFatShadow (love the name), put my mind at rest.  By the way at 6 foot tall and 8 1/2 stone soaking wet I must the  TheThinShadow.
Tunnie is 7' 6" and weighs 3 stone nothin.
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 27 March 2013, 08:53:38
Like it, so they mention the lockup solenoid which rarely causes issues, overlook the other solenoids which are more prone to faults and totaly forget the dam thrust washer which is the major issue!
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 27 March 2013, 19:47:30
Thank you for the quick reply TheFatShadow (love the name), put my mind at rest.  By the way at 6 foot tall and 8 1/2 stone soaking wet I must the  TheThinShadow.
Tunnie is 7' 6" and weighs 3 stone nothin.


I'm six one and way fourteen stone something or other. The quack told me that I have a weight problem, but stopped short of calling me a fat bastard. :)
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: feeutfo on 27 March 2013, 20:52:17
Seen more mention of the 2nd to 3rd solenoid on here than anything else, fluid changes and external electrics aside.
Title: Re: Car Mechanics on GM Automatic Gearboxes
Post by: tidla on 28 March 2013, 18:02:25
Thank you for the quick reply TheFatShadow (love the name), put my mind at rest.  By the way at 6 foot tall and 8 1/2 stone soaking wet I must the  TheThinShadow.
Tunnie is 7' 6" and weighs 3 stone nothin.


I'm six one and way fourteen stone something or other. The quack told me that I have a weight problem, but stopped short of calling me a fat bastard. :)

I know someone on here who would tell you exactly what the doc was thinking.