If Shudder Occurs After TCC has Applied

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: If shudder occurs after the TCC has applied, most of the time there is nothing wrong with the transmission.

As mentioned above, the TCC is not likely to slip after the TCC has been applied. Engine problems may go unnoticed under light throttle and load, but they become noticeable after the TCC apply when going up a hill or accelerating. This is due to the mechanical coupling between the engine and the transmission.

Once TCC is applied, there is no torque converter, fluid coupling, assistance. Engine or driveline vibrations could be unnoticeable before TCC engagement.

Inspect the following components in order to avoid misdiagnosis of TCC shudder. An inspection will also avoid the unnecessary disassembly of a transmission or the unnecessary replacement of a torque converter.

Spark plugs
Inspect for cracks, high resistance or a broken insulator.
Plug wires
Look in each end. If there is red dust, ozone, or a black substance, carbon, present, the wires are bad. Also look for a white discoloration of the wire. This indicates arcing during hard acceleration.
Coil
Look for a black discoloration on the bottom of the coil. This indicates arcing while the engine is misfiring.
Fuel injector
The filter may be plugged.
Vacuum leak
The engine will not get a correct amount of fuel. The mixture may run rich or lean depending on where the leak occurs.
EGR valve
The valve may let in too much or too little unburnable exhaust gas and could cause the engine to run rich or lean.
MAP/MAF sensor
Like a vacuum leak, the engine will not get the correct amount of fuel for proper engine operation.
Carbon on the intake valves
Carbon restricts the proper flow of air/fuel mixture into the cylinders.
Flat cam
Valves do not open enough to let the proper fuel/air mixture into the cylinders.
Oxygen sensor
This sensor may command the engine too rich or too lean for too long.
Fuel pressure
This may be too low.
Engine mounts
Vibration of the mounts can be multiplied by TCC engagement.
Axle joints
Check for vibration.
TP Sensor
The TCC apply and release depends on the TP sensor in many engines. If the TP sensor is out of specification, TCC may remain applied during initial engine loading.
Cylinder balance
Bad piston rings or poorly sealing valves can cause low power in a cylinder.
Fuel contamination
This causes poor engine performance.