The Pontiac Aztek was equipped with the 4T65E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Pontiac Aztek transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Pontiac Aztek Transmission Models
Pontiac Aztek: 4T65E Transmission
Pontiac Aztek Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Pontiac Aztek Transmission Prices:
Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
---|---|
4T65E | 1935 |
What are the DTC codes related to Pontiac Aztek transmission problems?
Trouble Code | Description |
---|---|
P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
P1860 | TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical |
Pontiac Aztek Transmission Recalls
None Found
Pontiac Aztek Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 04-07-30-028 – Transmission fluid leak from reverse servo cover – 4T65E Transmission
Problem – Transmission fluid leaks may be observed under the vehicle, which may be caused by a 4T65E reverse servo seal that can actually shrink in the cold weather below 20°F/-6.7°C
Solution – Replace reverse servo cover seal
TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness
TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector
Common Pontiac Aztek Transmission Problems
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Pontiac Aztek can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Pontiac Aztek transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Pontiac Aztek transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Pontiac Aztek transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Pontiac Aztek transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Pontiac Aztek transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Pontiac Aztek transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Pontiac Aztek transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Pontiac Aztek transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Pontiac Aztek transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Pontiac Aztek Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Pontiac Aztek Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Pontiac Aztek Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Pontiac Aztek Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Pontiac Aztek Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
No 3 or 4 gear 2006 Pontiac aztec
Going down the highway it wouldn’t shift up and was running 3k rpms for miles.
It doesn’t work
04pontic Aztec will not go in gear automatically I have to shift manually from 1st and up
Will not go in gear automatically have to shift manually
Trans will pull and some times it wont
I have a problem getting it out of park
It will stall at 20 to 30 mph then go next gear
Ihave a 2005 aztec i just bought. He said slipping. I get beind the eheelit goes into reverse for a sec but just whines??,rolls and revs. Im so disgustec
I have a 02 Pontiac Aztek. The speedometer doesn’t register speed, odometer shows mileage correctly. Transmission backs up fine, takes off in low gear fine but doesn’t shift to 2nd. If I ease up for about 15 seconds it goes into 2nd and works fine all the way to work about 1 hours drive into the mountains. After cooling down at end of day the same thing happens on the way home. Does inoperative speedo indicator effect this one shift per day?
Did you ever figure out your issue??
My aztek had a bad battery for 4 days I got jumped off and charged the battery until I could afford one but right before I changed the battery I’d be driving and it would act like it was in neutral cut the car off and on again and it will drive for a few miles and start acting like it’s in neutral again
I have a 2001Aztec that won’t go into drive only goes in reverse and drive moves a little how do I fix it
I have exactly the same problem
I have 03 Aztek with 345,000 miles on it. got it with 36k, 3 yrs off a lease. all original motor/trans and just the usual maintenance items and fluid changes. transmission finally quit due to failed pressure control solenoid. A real workhorse and trooper for me. Will replace trans with a reman unit and go for another 340k miles.!
Hello I also have an Aztek 2004 but I have much lower mileage than yours and I’m experiencing some issues. I’m just curious to see how your Aztek is holding up since you’re posting is 3 years old. I have had mine since it had 700 miles on it did Regular maintenance and about 4 months ago I changed the transmission fluid and filter and since then I noticed slipping from first into second but it doesn’t always happen my fluid level is good I’m thinking about putting some Lucas anti-slip in it. What do you think? Again it’s been maintained overall but I only have about 112,000 on it don’t plan on selling it either LOL LOL thank you
We have an 04 Aztek with 174,000 miles. When giving it gas to go up a hill or to go into passing gear, it starts spitting & sputtering.
Can you help and Thank you in advance.
We have an 04 with 174,000 on it. When you give it gas to go up hill or try to pass, it starts fluttering.
Hello, I have a AWD Pontiac Aztek and the rear wheels drag a bit when going through slow turns, and backing up while cutting the wheels. Labor was quoted at 850 only (not including parts) he could not give me a price on the parts. What is going wrong with my car? Thanks