Transmission

GTH509

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
188,045 MILES

I have a 1996 Chevy Lumina (3.1 engine) and the problem I have is the transmission will not engage in the drive and overdrive postions and only works with 1st gear and 2nd gear. If I start out at a complete stop, I have to manualy shift the transmission from 1st gear to 2nd gear to drive and to overdrive and will not shift itself. Why won't it engage at a stopped postion and will only work when I shift it myself?

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Trans in fail safe mode codes will be set have them read will help in diagnosis. Does speedometer work? Fluid level good?

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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 2:25 PM

GTH509

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Docfixit
Thank you for your kind & quick reply and answer, I appreciate it very much. But, this is what I'm trying to avoid by taking it in and paying for a diagnosis as I am on a very fixed income. I was trying to see if it might be the modulator or a sensor. To answer your questions. YES, the speedometer works just fine and my fluid level is good and it's very clean in sight and I replaced the filter and gasket approximately a year ago. Any other suggestions?
Thanks again,
Gary (gth509)

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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 4:55 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Go to AutoZone they will code free

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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 5:10 PM

GTH509

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Docfixit,
Hi and thanks once again for such a quick reply and an answer. I completely forgot about AutoZone. I knew they did the check engine light, so does this get checked the same way? You don't have to answer that one. Will the transmission be OK to drive it about 17 miles to and from my closest AutoZone? I just don't want to ruin it more than the problems I have now.
Thanks again, Docfitit
Gary (gth509)

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Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 AT 6:13 PM