How many miles? You probably need the Transmission Fluid flushed.
Bring it to a mechanic that knows the difference between good transmission oil and the stuff Valvoline and other quickie places use.
---If your engine has over 50k miles, don't flush the transmission. That will cause blown gaskets leading to leaks. Your transmission being as old as it is, cannot take the full pressure from the fluid flushing.
Shifting too hard is a common aging problem with this 4T65E GM transmission. The 4T65 is found in many light to medium duty front wheel drive GM vehicles from 1997 to 2003 such as Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Venture, Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Intrigue.
The problem is resolved with replacing the electronic pressure control solenoid. In most honest transmission repair shops this will cost about $800. What happens is over time the EPC solenoid and it's bore (all within the valve body) gets stuck in a high or low position. This stuck valve will set a consistently high or low line pressure feeding the other shift solenoids too much or too little pressure resulting in all gears shifting with incorrect pressure.
In some cases where the vehicle has over 150k miles and the auto body and interior are looking a bit old it may be best to just drive the vehicle, no harm will be done. Otherwise, if the vehicle is in good shape the $800 to repair the transmission could be great news for the owner and passengers! http://LealesTransmissions.com
One issue with a 2001 Chevy Impala hard shifting could be the pressure control solenoid. The car may also need something as simple as more transmission fluid.
how hard is it to replace a water pump on a 1998 chevy venture van?
try changing the map sensor, that was the problem on mine.
I've got a better question, why is this question in the Chevy venture forum ?
if its an automatic change fluid filter in transmission!!
On a 98 venture the starter is located in front and just under radiator. Simple to reach and change. I learned the hard way.
replace power control solenoid. $50 part
Bent shift linkage Frozen shifting linkage - try lubricating
Hi, The hard part is the bolts that are in there. Otherwise you just use a trim tool to CAREFULLY pop the edges out. I have included a link that has the description of the process and a few pictures. Good Luck, Greg
Clogged cabin filter
a broken dip stick wont cause hard shifting... the engine does not do the any shifting... your problem would be the transmission... check transmission....
I have had a problem with mine. I have a 1997 Venture. I was told that it is very hard to get to and can take a mechanic around two hours to take out. Unfortunately, my thermostat has a bolt that is stuck and will not budge. The mechanic would have to go about getting it out another way. There was a 50/50 chance that it would come out without ruining a part that would cost $600 to replace.