Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission Problems & Cost

Originally billed as a personal luxury coupe, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo enjoyed strong sales until it was discontinued in 2007. It offered plenty of style and performance, but without the uncomfortable ride and dimensional penalties of a traditional sport coupe. The Chevy Monte Carlo was also something of a legend in NASCAR, racking up a total of 396 wins and 16 of Chevrolet’s drivers titles. And while Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon had pit crews to handle their Chevrolet Monte Carlo transmission problems. You don’t. So let’s turn onto Pit Lane and figure out what you can do to fix them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission Models

Chevy Monte Carlo: 4T65E Transmission (Earlier Models)
Chevy Monte Carlo: 4T65E-HD Transmission (5.3L V8)

Chevy Monte Carlo 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 (Not including HD):

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Monte Carlo transmission problems?

Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Monte Carlo 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

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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Transmission Problems

TCC Solenoid Circuit DTC
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?

Like all decisions, choosing to continue driving with Chevy Monte Carlo transmission problems can have consequences. For example, if you decide to continue driving the car after the transmission started to slip, and it turns out to be that 4T65E torque convertor clutch friction material issue, that TCC clutch coating could circulate throughout the transmission and completely destroy it. But if you have a competent mechanic inspect the car at the first sign of trouble, you may be able to save your gearbox and budget from total destruction.

How often does a Chevy Monte Carlo transmission need to be replaced?

The key to making a transmission last for a long time is proper maintenance and respectful driving. But of course, factory design flaws to play a part. There are a few Monte Carlo transmission parts that weren’t made quite as strong as they should have been, and that can cause premature transmission failure. However, the average that we’ve seen is around 120,000-180,000 miles. But a good quality remanufactured transmission will often last for a lot longer.

How are Chevy Monte Carlo transmission issues diagnosed?

To diagnose Chevrolet Monte Carlo transmission problems, the best thing to do is connect an OBDII scanner and download the diagnostic trouble codes. After determining where to look, a visual inspection would need to be performed in order to verify the problem.

How is a Chevy Monte Carlo transmission replaced?

In order to replace a Chevrolet Monte Carlo transmission, it may be easier to partially remove the engine in order to gain access to the transmission. Once the old one is out of the way, the new one can be installed. However later models may require that the ECU be reprogrammed in order to accept the new transmission.

Recommendations for Chevy Monte Carlo 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 Chevy Monte Carlo transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission

To get back on the road without spending a lot of money, you may consider buying a used 4T65E / used 4T65E-HD from a local junkyard. The prices are usually fairly reasonable, and most used gearboxes will come with a short replacement warranty. But you have no real way of knowing how long a used transmission will last, because you don’t know how well the last owner treated it. And if you do wind up having to replace the transmission, the warranty likely won’t cover labor charges.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission

Getting a rebuilt 4T65E / rebuilt 4T65E-HD from a mechanic or a local transmission shop is certainly a much better option. However, if the mechanic simply does a stock rebuild, then all of the common 4T65E transmission problems will eventually return. And when they do, the warranty may only be honored by the shop that sold the transmission. Which means your warranty coverage won’t do you any good if you break down when you’re traveling.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Monte Carlo Transmission

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is one of the most iconic American cars on the road, and if you want to keep yours on the road as long as possible, then you need to consider getting a remanufactured 4T65E / remanufactured 4T65E-HD. These often exceed the original transmission’s life cycle, if they have been modified to correct all of the factory design flaws. And some of the better ones come with a nationwide unlimited mile warranty.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Monte Carlo 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!