New Sonoma owner. Tips/advice?

[03sonoma]

Hello. My father just recenlty gave me the 2003 sonoma zr2 that's been in the family since it was bought off the lot. It was his first, he maintained it well. Then my brother got his hands on it. Let's just say its not what it used to be. Been through the woods countless times so the paint has scratches in the clear from front to back. Fender flare peices broken off. But I don't really care about the appearence. The main problem right now is the tranny. Its automatic. When it goes to shift into second it just revs out. My dad who's a fleet mechanic for a major contracing company says it needs a new trans. But I'm wondering if it could be something else, maybe something simple. Was hoping for some ideas. Also, the truck lost a lot of power over the years of abuse. I've been reading these forums seeing different ways to get more power but at the same time saving gas mileage. Cold air intake, exahust, electric cooling fan. Ect. Are they worth investing the $ and time putting in? And I hear mixed feelings about getting a chip. Do they really work? Any feedback would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks for your time and patience! And I apalogize for the text being so close together. Typing this on my phone due to lack of a computer. But thanks again!
-chris

 

[Molson02536]

Hello. My father just recenlty gave me the 2003 sonoma zr2 that's been in the family since it was bought off the lot. It was his first, he maintained it well. Then my brother got his hands on it. Let's just say its not what it used to be. Been through the woods countless times so the paint has scratches in the clear from front to back. Fender flare peices broken off. But I don't really care about the appearence. The main problem right now is the tranny. Its automatic. When it goes to shift into second it just revs out. My dad who's a fleet mechanic for a major contracing company says it needs a new trans. But I'm wondering if it could be something else, maybe something simple. Was hoping for some ideas. Also, the truck lost a lot of power over the years of abuse. I've been reading these forums seeing different ways to get more power but at the same time saving gas mileage. Cold air intake, exahust, electric cooling fan. Ect. Are they worth investing the $ and time putting in? And I hear mixed feelings about getting a chip. Do they really work? Any feedback would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks for your time and patience! And I apalogize for the text being so close together. Typing this on my phone due to lack of a computer. But thanks again!
-chris

When you say it just rev's out, do you mean it slips, that is a sign that the transmission is on its way out.

1-2 shift does not happen at WOT until you let off the gas. Best case, try replacing the TPS. Or the Middle case is leaking in the 2nd gear apply circuit (servo assembly or 1-2 accumulator). Doublecheck by using the pressure gauge and watch for a big drop when the PCM commands 2nd gear.

Worst case, poor line pressure rise due to leaking boost valve, clogged EPC filter screen, failing EPC solenoid, or just leaky seals throughout. Transgo HD2-C kit fixes first two without removing trans. Seal restorer may fix last problem, but probably your going to have to rebuild the transmission. Also try a transmission flush with BG brand products (Firestone stocks it).

As for performance, just tune your PCM to get the full potential of your engine and transmission. Give these buys a call and they will be more then happy to answer any questions you may have about tuning your Sonnoma's PCM. http://www.pcmforless.com/

Good luck and keep us posted.
Molson02536