Introduced for the 2006 model year, the Buick Lucerne was a full-size sedan that was intended to replace the Buick LeSabre and Buick Park Avenue. It was equipped with several different engines, which were mated to either a 4T65E transmission, or a 4T85 transmission. These are fairly hearty gearboxes, but Buick Lucerne transmission problems do still happen. So let’s look at what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Buick Lucerne Transmission Models
Buick Lucerne: 4T65E Transmission
Buick Lucerne: 4T85E Transmission
Buick Lucerne 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 4T65E Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4T65E | 1935 |
What are the DTC codes related to Buick Lucerne 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 |
Buick Lucerne Transmission Recalls
None Found
Buick Lucerne 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
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 06-07-30-023 – 4T65E transmission 1-2 Shift Shudder
Problem – Shuddering or shaking may be felt during the 1-2 shift, under light acceleration at speeds below 25 mph.
Solution – To correct this common 4T65E transmission problem, the entire second clutch assembly will need to be replaced.
TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.
Common Problems with the Buick Lucerne Transmission
TCC Solenoid Circuit DTC – 2006-2007 Buick Lucerne 4T65E
Problem – Diagnostic trouble codes (P0742, P2761, P2764) relating to the torque convertor clutch, may be caused by an incorrectly routed internal wiring harness that can short itself out over time.
Solution – To solve this problem, reposition the tan colored TCC solenoid so that it does not come in contact with the metal wiring harness retaining clip.
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 Buick is still drivable, then the answer is obviously yes. However, it is very likely that ignoring those Buick Lucerne transmission problems can lead to even more damage. Especially if you continue to drive the car on a daily basis.
How often does a Buick Lucerne transmission need to be replaced?
About a century ago, Buick’s were considered to be the finest automobile in the world. And while they may have lost a bit of brand panache, they are still very well made vehicles. That said, the average life span of a Buick Lucerne 4T65 transmission / 4T85 transmission tends to be around 130,000-180,000 miles. But if you upgrade to a high quality remanufactured transmission, that life-cycle could be extended dramatically.
How are Buick Lucerne transmission issues diagnosed?
The first step that a mechanic is likely to take, would be to connect a code reader to the car’s OBDII computer port. Once they’ve retrieved all of the diagnostic trouble codes, they’ll be able to narrow down the problem. After that, a visual inspection will need to be performed, in order to verify the diagnosis.
How is a Buick Lucerne transmission replaced?
Because the Buick Lucerne is primarily a front wheel drive car, the motor mounts may need to be loosened before transmission can be removed. Installation is obviously a reverse procedure, but the ECU/PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Buick Lucerne 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 Buick Lucerne transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Buick Lucerne Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Buick Lucerne Transmission
The easiest and cheapest way to solve major Buick Lucerne transmission problems, would be to install a used 4T65E transmission, or a used 4T85 transmission. These are commonly found in most salvage yards, and often come with a 30-90 day warranty. But a transmission is a very complex piece of machinery, and there is no way to tell the true condition of the internal components unless you disassemble it completely. And, usually only gets you a replacement transmission if the first one is defective. The labor charges to install it, will most likely come out of your pocket.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Buick Lucerne Transmission
The second option would be to get a rebuilt 4T65E transmission, or a rebuilt 4T85E transmission. And on the surface, this might seem like the better choice. However, most mechanics will simply use a factory rebuild kit, which will not address any of the factory design flaws. Plus, that rebuilt transmission warranty may only be honored by a small number of shops in a particular area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Buick Lucerne Transmission
These cars are designed to last for a very long time, so it makes sense to invest in a quality remanufactured Buick Lucerne transmission. These often feature many upgrades that are designed to correct the factory design flaws, and the warrantees are typically superior to that of a rebuilt or used transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Buick Lucerne 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!
I have a 2008 Buick Lucerne xle , 57000 miles. Yesterday the transmission went out. Don’t know if this is common. I have not gotten an estimate yet. This is upsetting with such low miles. Should I get rid of this car?
I have a 08 Lucerne 6 cyl. 170500 miles garage kept. Every now and then, when excellerating from a rolling stop or complete stop, it shifts hard.
I took it in and no codes showed. They also told me it needs to be rebuilt. It drives awesome other than that.
Any advice?
My car stops at a stop light does not down shift to low gear. If I press accelerator hard enough it will finally goes into low gear.
I have an 06 lucerne. We just replaced the passenger side cv axle, rear motor mount, and right torque strut. Now the transmission will pull for a minutes then stop. After shutting off car and restarting it will pull again. What could the cause of this?
Having the same problem
Heard grinding on acceleration. Now sel core level moves but will not engage. Selector in park but can still push the car.
2011 Buick Lucerne cxl I had the transmission replaced in May 2019 just recently a loud clicking noise or clunk it seems to be worse when acceleration up a steep hill. It does not feel like any gear slippage so I thought it was CV shaft so I replaced it but the noise still there. It is worse when cold outside and no check engine light on. The noise appears to be eminating from the driver side
I have an 06 buick lucerne4.6 . I just changed the throttle body tps sensor and now it idles high while in park . I was wondering if there is any manual way to re learn the throttle position sensor with out a computer. Any answers would b greatly appreciated
When my 2010 Buick lucerne has been driven for an extended time, such as on a trip at highway speeds, the transmission occasionally slams into gear when leaving a stoplight. there are no check engine codes, the fluid and filter have been changed twice during the 100,000 miles that I have owned the car. The car has 125,000 miles on it.
Any suggestions, or opinions would be appreciated
Same problem what’s the cause
I had same problem. Bad pressure control solenoid.
When my 2007 Buick lacrosse has been driven for an extended time, such as on a trip at highway speeds, the transmission occasionally slams into gear when leaving a stoplight. there are no check engine codes, the fluid and filter have been changed twice during the 100,000 miles that I have owned the car. The car has 125,000 miles on it.
Any suggestions, or opinions would be appreciated.
I got a 2011 Lucerne and it jerks when accelerating
Why
My 08 lucerne’s driver side lumber support isn’t working from the seat control. It just make grounding sound in the seat back rest area. The has only 57k miles. Not sure which parts do I have to replaced.
i have an 06 lucerne it has roughly 130k miles no codes have scan many times and nothing came up but i was driving down the road and all of a sudden i didnt have the drive gear or any of the lower gears it was as if it was in neutral but the car still has park and reverse. the fluid is still full and decently clean but i dont know what the problem is and i need help.
I have the same problem with my Buick what did u do to solve the problem
Did you figure out what the problem was or how much it will cost for you to fix it I’m having the same issue with my Buick 2007
I’m going to the same thing right now now looking to take it to the shop
I have 2008 lucerne, 58k miles, but I couldn’t adjust a driverside seat. When I try to adjust the seat I only can hear the noise from the back rest area. Pls. Give me an idea how to fix it.
2008 Lucerne, 58k miles: Driverside automatic seat control doesn’t work
I have a 2007 buick Lucerne been haveing problems with it cutting off took it back to the dealer have spent over two thousands dollar and they still cant tell me why its cutting off as of today its been in the shop three wks still not fixed
Get a tremec if possible call it a day
My Buick is a 2009 and it just quick shifting.
Transmission fails after 5min
2011 Lucerne has no codes but there is a buzzing noise that occurs after start and warm up. It seems to be coming from the salonoid on top the transmission directly below the throttle body. When it buzzes the transmission shuts off and has no gears. I recently replaced the throttle body because of several issues. That part is fixed. Now the car can’t be driven. Any ideas?
2006 buick Lucerne jumps into first gear and downshits hard. It also runs rough at night under load. The rpms move up and down and the headlights and interior lights too. The car has a new alternator and battery. The problem doesn’t happen all the time and it usually happens at night.
I can driver it for 200ft and it will not go in no grear and I can turn it off for 3sec or 1min and I can go in drive and R for the same 200ft.
Kirk did you find the problem?
I have the same problem.
06 Lucerne 3.8
Knock sensor bank 1 and 2
Replaced both sensors twice and one harness
Mpg is 14.2
Engine light still on
Car starts bit sometimes doesn’t
Help please
Paid 750.00
For new water pump
Can pulley
Timing chain gasket
Oil assembly
New computer board and wore harness