Nuts and Bolts with Buffalo Jim

Hi Buffalo Jim,

I have a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SE sedan with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. When I slow down to take a corner, my engine seems to miss as if the clutch jumps out of position, but it does not die. I recently read a report on a similar Buick model that has the same engine as mine. In the report, it stated that there are problems with the transmission. I have had the Pontiac service manager test drive my car. He did experience the same engine jerking, but he said it could be caused by many things, including a different brand of gasoline! But he didn't think that the car needed a transmission analysis or a new transmission. I still have 3,000 miles under the GM Protection Plan. I am at a loss as to why I have this mechanical problem? What do you think?

--Benny Bernstein

A different brand of gasoline! You've got to be kidding me, bro. You're telling me that you brought your car to a service technician with a serious driveability issue, and he told you it could be because you fill up with Shell instead of Texaco? If that's true, then you should have steam coming out of your ears. Most people know that I like to needle the dealers from time to time, but that's a clear violation of their responsibility to you as a customer.

Without seeing the car, I'd be willing to bet that you've got a transmission problem. It sounds like it isn't downshifting properly. In fact, that specific four-speed is notorious for getting hung up when dropping from fourth to third. Now, what can you do about it? Clearly, the service manager you've already consulted isn't going to help you, and you're quickly running out of miles on your powertrain warranty. You need to call the local GM factory representative (you can get the number from the dealer) and tell that person the service manager isn't dealing with your problem to your satisfaction. The rep should then direct you to a different service center, where they'll take care of you. Just make sure you do it as soon as possible. Warranties exist for your protection, and you should take advantage of them to their fullest extent. Who knows, you may end up with a new transmission on Buick's dime.

Buffalo Jim is the owner of Allstate Auto Marine. He used to run a wrestling school called--duh!--the Buffalo Wrestling Federation (BWF). E-mail him your car questions at buffalojim@lasvegasmercury.com.