Brake light and Shifting problems

[rconk312]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM SE the brake light stays on all the time. However if I unplug the sensor at the master cylinder the light goes out. I checked the brake fluid and it is FULL. I just replaced the brake fluid sensor that sits under the fluid reservoir ( the female part). The light still stays on any other ideas on what could be causing the issue ? If it helps the cruise control light turns on when pushed but the car will not cruise when I hit set it doesn't take. What other options are there to fix this ?

Second Issue is the car seems to shift hard in the morning. The Trac Off light comes on when i first start it and it stays on for a few minutes. The speedometer does not work during that time. When the TRAC light goes off the speedometer works but it still seems to shift hard. I just added 2 quarts of AT fluid but its still shifting hard any ideas what this could be. Thank you.

 

[melsg5]

You added the 2 quarts because you checked and it was low? You need the TRAC light and BRAKE light checked by a scanner tool that does the BCM, body control module. You may have a bad wheel sensor.

 

[rconk312]

I added the ATF because it was shifting hard. How do I check the transmission level on this car ?

 

[melsg5]

Place the vehicle on a lift or 4 jack stands and remove the filler plug on the drivers side on the case of the transmission. Put a pan underneath because unless the transmission has a leak it is now overfilled. The fluid level should be level with the bottom of the plug hole with the engine running.

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[rconk312]

So if It is overfilled it will cause it to shift hard and at High RPM ? I am taking it to a transmission shop so I want to make sure I go in there with an Idea so they dont hose me.

It was shifting hard and the Trac Off would come on and the speedometer would give out before I added the fluid.

 

[melsg5]

if it's overfilled you turn the fluid into foam and will eventually burn it out. You may have a bad vehicle speed sensor which will cause shifting issues and speedometer issues.

 

[rconk312]

Well the Vehicle speed sensor was replaced and now it seems to shift fine and the speedometer works. I did find out it has a random misfire so I am replacing the plugs, boots and coil pack tonight. Along with the brakes (precautionary), Brake cylinder ( brake light stays on but goes off when sensor is unplugged at the master cylinder so I hafve read that the float must be bad), Fuel filter (precautionary) and AC hose ( it has a leak. Will see how this improves the car.

P.S This is all being done with my friend who is a mechanic.

 

[melsg5]

glad you solved the problem

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