Buick Century Automatic Transmission Problems

Reader Question Hi,

My dad has a 2000 Buick Century with an intermitent problem. Sometimes when he is driving the transmission feels like it is shifting into other gears and he hears a whining sound from the front end.He is forced to shut it down for at least five minutes. After he “rests” the car, it is fine and he can go on his way.

This has been going on for a few years. It might happen twice in a day and then doesn’t happen again for two months. The transmission shop didn’t come up with any solutions except the idea of overhauling it to look for solutions. Do you have ideas what this could be? Obviously this can be a dangerous thing esp when he is driving on highways.

Thanks so much

Chris

Hello there Chris,

Thanks for your email. I have to admit I am not an automatic transmission mechanic. We send out all out of automatic transmission work. I can say, that to ME it sounds like a problem with the solenoid shift pack, which is inside the transmission.

I would call your local Buick dealer service department and ask them if there was a service bulletin or a recall that he might not be aware of. Most dealers will run your VIN code for any bulletins or known problems. The VIN code is located on the driver side dashboard in the lower corner, or on a sticker on the inside of the driver door.

Blessings,

Austin C. Davis