The Buick Rendezvous is a midsize crossover that GM started selling in 2002. It had a lots of innovative features, the choice of several V6 engines (depending on the year), and the mostly reliable 4T65E transmission. However, Buick Rendezvous transmission problems do still happen. So let’s find out what you can do without them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Buick Rendezvous Transmission Models
Buick Rendezvous: 4T65E FWD Transmission
Buick Rendezvous: 4T65E AWD Transmission (Rare)
Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous Transmission Recalls
None Found
Buick Rendezvous 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
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
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 Rendezvous Transmission
TCC Solenoid Circuit DTC – Buick Rendezvous 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?
The simple answer is yes. You might actually be able to continue driving, however there is a catch. Those Buick Rendezvous transmission problems can multiply themselves very quickly if you continue driving. So do yourself, and your wallet a favor by having your 4T65E transmission inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
How often does a Buick Rendezvous transmission need to be replaced?
Maintenance and responsible driving habits can greatly extend the lifespan of a transmission. However, we’ve noticed the typical Buick Rendezvous 4T65E usually lasts between 130,000-180,000 miles. A good quality remanufactured transmission on the other hand, can last a lot longer than that with proper maintenance.
How are Buick Rendezvous transmission issues diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose most Buick Rendezvous transmission problems, a mechanic will need to connect an OBDII code reader to pull the diagnostic trouble codes. Then they will need to perform a visual inspection to verify their diagnosis.
How is a Buick Rendezvous transmission replaced?
Because there’s ‘a lot engine’ in a relatively tiny engine bay, the motor may have to be unbolted in order to gain access to the gearbox. After installing that new Rendezvous 4T65E transmission, ECU will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Buick Rendezvous Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Buick Rendezvous Transmission
Buying a used 4T65E transmission might seem like the most affordable way to solve your Buick Rendezvous transmission problems. However, you don’t really have any way to know the true condition of the internal components. And the 30-90 day warranty that most junkyards give you, might not cover labor charges if the first used 4T65 one doesn’t work right.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Buick Rendezvous Transmission
Buying a rebuilt 4T65 transmission might seem like the next best option, but there are some things to consider here too. First of all, most mechanics use what’s called a master rebuild kit, which takes the transmission back to its stock form. This won’t correct any of the factory design flaws, which can reduce the transmission’s service life. And secondly, the rebuilt transmission warranty may only be honored by a small number of shops, in a specific region.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Buick Rendezvous Transmission
To get the most life out of your stylish little CUV, you may want to consider buying a remanufactured Buick Rendezvous transmission. They’re often upgraded or modified to correct for OE design flaws. And the warranty on a remanufactured 4T65 transmission will usually be much, much better.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Buick Rendezvous 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!
Code p1811
Suddenly lost all gears, wont shift into gear. Nothing but reverse.
Clunked into 2nd gear after about 10 miles, then on the way home it was fine until about 10 miles. Turn off, turn on its fine again.
I don’t know if it is a transmission problem or not 07 Buick rendezvous fwd with 2120000 between about 45 and 55 mph when you try to accelerate slightly it surges and hesitates I let off the gas and ease it back down slightly it goes ok but lack’s power but it doesn’t do it all the time I’m getting code P0171 I haven’t took it anywhere yet
Not shifting to 3rd gear, and being sluggish in 1st and 2nd. Rough shifting
I have 2005 Buick Randezvous, 3.6 L V6 SFI, FWD, 84,000 miles. I have never experienced a transmission issue till today. I parked my car, didnt even stop the car, when i try to drive after 5 minutes it refused to go into the gear. The car is inoperatable now. I cant understand what s the trouble, there is also no trouble code on the screen.
Drove vehicle parked it 2 hrs later cranked vehicle did not go into drivre
Goes in reverse but not drive
Same with my 07′
I have a 2004 Buick Rendezvous fwd that I wrecked never had a problem with it.all I need to know is can I put the transmission into a 2005 Buick Rendezvous fwd?
I have a 2005 and it slips out of gear when taking off its almost got me killed twice and it on the dash says alwheel drive is disabled
2003 with 90,000 miles and the trans has had the pan dropped and filter changed once at 60K. 2nd time just fluid changed at 85K. In the last few months, the transmission seems to lag. In other words when you let off the gas and then accelerate there’s a momentary pause before it seems to “engage”. About 1/2- 1 seconds. Otherwise it shifts fine.
2004 fwd. Hard shifts… Will not accerate over 2000 rpm some time and will not go into gear until it warms up.
My friends is doing the exact same thing same year and all. Is there a recall onto maybe?
I’m going to purchase a 2003 Buick rendezvous from a guy who says you can start the car go around the block and it goes out of gear then you can shut it off and start it back up and will go about another 1/2 block do you think this a complete transmission job or could it be a sensor
Mine too 2007 rendezvous goes into neutral when driving. Shut off start it and it goes for bit then does it again
Same problem Neisha pruner has mine is a 2004 it’ll go maybe half a block and stop shifting turn it off crank it back up it’ll go again for half a block and stop shifting again
I have a 2004 Buick Rendezvous that just doesn’t want to go when I start off. But when I’m going, it seems ok. Sometimes I have to let off the gas and it goes into gear fine. Also error light on in the odometer area, and says oil life 98% hold set to reset? It only has 20333 miles on it. It was an elderly ladies church car she gave it to me because my husband passed and I lost everything in the storm and I needed a car to get a job. I’ve been sitting for several years but it was starting to Everyday by her son-in-law and he drove it a little ways every other day is had all fluids changed it has a new alternator and new battery and the inside still looks new I don’t have money and power hours got cut my job I’m just trying to get back on my feet please tell me this is something simple and not very expensive to fix.
2006 Buick Rendezvous thumps when shifting in lower gears at slow speed, but not all the time
I have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous CVL with 79,000 miles on it. It didn’t pass inspection due to a badly cracked sway bar. The bar was badly cracked on both outer sides. The mechanic, who is “a local” and trustworthy, said I should check with the dealership to see if it had had a recall because he had never run across one that had cracked like that. As my luck would have it, they didn’t find one and neither did I as I googled myself to pieces.
Anyway, I’m not a car aficionado by any means. I went ahead and ordered the part on Amazon for about $115.00,which was quite a bit less then the dealership was asking for it. I haven’t ask how much the installation will be, but I’m pretty sure that local fella’s will treat me right.
So, I just thought I’d put this information out there in case someone else might find it helpful. Also , if you do have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous you may wish to have your swaybar looked at because I may have gotten one of the last to be found.
For now, this is Lisa L.
Over and out. Bye 🙋♀️
I just replaced mine with the same problem.
Replaced mine in a 2002 with same issue
My 2003 rendezvous has has issues with swaying also .ran beautiful for about 2 weeks and daily things are going. Heater, blower moter,cruise control, transmission etc
I had the same problem. It was driving me crazy. I watched a video on the C305 connector located under the car. This connector controls all the electronics in the car. I dipped it in Coca-Cola to clean off corrosion and settlement. I let it dry overnight. Plugged it back in. It will ding sometimes in the morning. I’ll turn the car off then restart my car. It wouldn’t ding for the rest of the day. I’m in and out of my car at least 10 times a day.
My break light comes on and stay on with that terrible dinging sound,, I had my breaks inspected and that out come was I have no problem with my break system but this still happens.
I had the same issue. What I discovered was the right front wire harness to the anti lock sensor had a broken wire. We determined this by using a continuity tester and unplugging the wiring harness from the the anti lock computer and the sensor at the wheel and touching the leads on either end. Having two people
that understand what they’re looking for helps. You can purchase a new lead for just a few dollars and splice it . This is common because we first tested a few at the junk yard and they all had this break in the same location. Due to the front wheels turning left to right a bazillion times.
Thank you
My 2007 Rendezvous don’t want to start it started off with just cutting off while in the middle of driving and that was it! This Macanic told me it was my fuel pump going out so I got that changed it worked for 1 week and started having the same problem again now the guy changed the crank shaft sensor and the cam shaft sensor and still nothing so what could be the problem also they don’t have no lights on the dash board at all so they can’t even put it on a machine to see what is the problem so what should I do now ? I never had any problems at all with my truck it just started doing this out the blue!
There’s a wire harness that plugs in under the driver side seat that goes to the fuel pump, it gets corroded alot, check that
Leak at gas tank
I have a 2003 Buick Rondeveau…and it makes a clicking sound every time…i crank up and while I’m driving….it didn’t do it when I bought it and now when I start my engine everyday…its clicking ….i thought it was out of oil…but I got it changed and its still doing it