My truck doesn't go into overdrive can we fix it please?

Tiny
JJGOBAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,800 MILES
It doesn't go into overdrive. Seems to be winding out in 3rd gear. I've noticed that when im on the highway at 60-65 it makes no difference when I press the tow switch.128,000mi and never had anything done to it. Anyone have a idea what it might be?
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 AT 4:19 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
Have it scanned for any trouble codes. If it has no codes, you most likley have debris stuck in the valve body spacer plate. You can verify this by observing tcc duty cycle and tcc slip speed on a scan tool. If you have a commanded duty cycle of 90% or so, and a slip speed greater than 50 rpm, with no tcc lockup, you have debris in the spacer. You will need to remove the valve body to repair this.

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, May 29th, 2009 AT 7:21 AM
Tiny
XOTIC_ILLUSIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Hello, I have the truck listed above 5.7 two wheel drive pickup, old body style. While traveling down the road anywhere from 45 MPH to 65 MPH the transmission shifts in and out of overdrive. It seems to be shifting fine, but it does it constantly, in and out of overdrive. Do you have any suggestions on what this could be? I'm hoping it's a sensor maybe?


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/162292_Silverado_2.jpg

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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

This could be just the torque converter clutches that are slipping.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Go to a parts store and get an additive for clutch shutter. It puts a coating on the clutches and if this works, it is a confirmation of the issue.

At higher vehicle speeds, the Hydra-matic 4L60-E transmission uses an overdrive gear ratio (fourth gear) in order to increase fuel economy and in order to maximize engine performance. When vehicle operating conditions are appropriate, the PCM energizes the 1-2 shift solenoid valve to shift the transmission into fourth gear.

Roy

1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve
Energized (turned ON) by the PCM, the normally open solenoid closes and blocks signal A fluid from exhausting through the solenoid. This creates pressure in the signal A fluid circuit.

2-3 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve
De-energized (OFF) as in third gear, the 2-3 shift solenoid valve exhausts signal B fluid through the solenoid.

1-2 Shift Valve
D432 fluid pressure from the 2-3 shift valve and spring force hold the valve in the upshift position against signal A fluid pressure.

3-4 Shift Valve
Signal A fluid pressure moves the valve into the upshift position against the spring force. In this position, the valve routes 3-4 signal fluid into the 4th signal fluid circuit.

3-4 Relay Valve and 4-3 Sequence Valve
4th signal fluid pressure moves both valves into the upshift (fourth gear) position against the spring force acting on the 4-3 sequence valve. This causes the following changes:
Orificed (# 7) 2nd fluid is routed through the 3-4 relay valve and into the servo feed fluid circuit.
Servo feed fluid is routed through the 4-3 sequence valve and into the 4th fluid circuit.
3-4 accumulator fluid routed from the 2-3 shuffle valve is blocked by both valves.

2-4 Servo Assembly
4th fluid is routed through the center of the servo apply pin and acts on the apply side of the 4th apply piston. 4th fluid pressure moves the 4th apply piston against the apply pin spring force acting on the release side of the 4th apply piston. This action moves the apply pin and applies the 2-4 band in order to obtain fourth gear.

2-4 Band Apply Accumulation

2-3 Shift Valve Train
The valve train remains in the upshift position with the AFL fluid pressure acting on the 2-3 shift valve. In addition to its operation third gear, the 2-3 shift valve directs servo feed fluid into the 3-4 accumulator fluid circuit.

3-4 Accumulator Assembly
3-4 accumulator fluid pressure moves the 3-4 accumulator piston against spring force and orificed accumulator fluid pressure. This action absorbs initial 4th clutch apply fluid pressure in order to cushion the 2-4 band apply. Remember that both of the 3-4 accumulator and 4th fluid circuits are fed by servo feed fluid. As 3-4 accumulator fluid fills the accumulator, any air in the system will exhaust through office # 19. This piston movement forces some orificed accumulator fluid out of the 3-4 accumulator assembly.

3-4 Accumulator Checkball (# 1)
The accumulator fluid forced from the accumulator unseats the # 1 checkb all and enters the accumulator fluid circuit. This fluid is routed to the accumulator valve. This is shown by the arrow directions in the fluid circuit.

Accumulator Valve
Accumulator fluid forced from the 3-4 accumulator is orificed to the end of the accumulator valve. This fluid pressure, in addition to spring force and torque signal fluid pressure, regulates the exhaust of excess accumulator fluid pressure through the middle of the valve. This regulation helps control the 2-4 band apply feel.

3-2 Control Solenoid Valve and 3-2 Control Valve
The solenoid remains open and routes AFL fluid into the 3-2 signal fluid circuit. 3-2 signal fluid pressure holds the 3-2 control valve against spring force, thereby blocking the 3rd accumulator and 3-4 clutch fluid circuits.

Torque Converter Clutch Applies

TCC Solenoid Valve
When operating conditions are appropriate, the PCM energizes the normally open TCC solenoid valve. This closes the solenoid, blocks the converter feed fluid from exhausting, and creates pressure in the converter feed fluid circuit at the converter clutch apply valve and TCC solenoid valve.

Converter Clutch Apply Valve
Converter feed fluid pressure moves the valve against spring force and into the apply position. In this position, release fluid is open to an exhaust port, and regulated apply fluid fills the apply fluid circuit. Converter feed fluid is routed through the converter clutch apply valve to feed the cooler fluid circuit.

Torque Converter
Release fluid from behind the pressure plate exhausts through the end of the turbine shafi. Apply fluid pressure is routed between the converter hub and stator shafi where it enters the torque converter. This fluid applies the converter clutch against the converter cover and keeps the converter filled with fluid.

TCC Apply Checkball (# 9)
Release fluid, exhausting from the converter, seats the # 9 checkball located in the end of the turbine shaft, and is orificed around the ball. Orificing the exhausting release fluid controls the converter clutch apply rate, along with the TCC PWM solenoid valve.

TCC PWM Solenoid Valve
The torque converter clutch pulse width modulation (TCC PWM) solenoid valve controls the regulated apply valve position. This is done through the use of pulse width modulation (duty cycle operation). The solenoid duty cycle is controlled by the PCM in relation to vehicle operating conditions and regulates actuator feed limit (AFL) fluid into the CC signal circuit, through the # 9 orifice, and to the isolator valve. This controls line pressure flow through the regulated apply valve, into the regulated apply circuit, and provides a smooth engagement of the TCC.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL A BERGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 198,000 MILES
While on the freeway it lost overdrive I have first, second, and third, but no overdrive. Went to a friends he put me on his hoist and found a loose connection on "overdrive box" on the transmission. He cleaned it and reconnected it and wire tied it. This morning drove to work and still no overdrive. I hear the box is a electrical valve that tells it to shift into overdrive. Is that what is out? Or a fuse not allowing the electric part of it to work? What is my cost if it is not a fuse?
Thanks,
Mike Berger
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
The issue is more of an internal transmission problem. You would need to drop down the transmission pan to inspect for excessive clutch debris or metal particles. With the mileage you have you will most likely need a transmission rebuild.

When rebuilding, make sure you replace the valve body and torque converter and flush out the transmission lines.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL A BERGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I just flushed and replace the transmission fluid 1400 miles ago and was running perfect. No warning what so ever anything was wrong. So you don't think it's the box outside the transmisson that reads and shifts it into Overdrive.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
No especially if you just flushed it. As stated earlier, the pan needs to come down to inspect for excessive clutch material and metal.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NORMAN KASINGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
Won’t shift into overdrive and just change the radiator and thermostat.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by changing the oil and filter in the transmission to be sure there is sufficient fluid going through the filter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

How does it shift through the other gears?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Is the check engine light on?

Roy
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMWSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Replaced the radiator and noticed no tranny fluid in tranny coolent lines. Dipstick showed full. Truck then wouldn't go into overdrive. Had tranny fluid replaced and still will not go into overdrive. Any suggestions? I need to make a decision to continue to ship my truck over to Germany under orders of park it here in the states. Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
You mean you have no fourth gear or you have fourth gear but no torque converter lock up? Is the check engine light on? Even if its not can you get to autozone and have it scanned for codes (they do it for free) and then get back to me.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMWSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Just got back from driving for over an hour. It went into 4th gear (overdrive) but after slowing down for traffic, it would only stay in 3rd gear. It goes through 1-3 gear fine but will not go into 4th like it should. I'm not able to get the truck into a zone until Monday to get the codes check. I'm thinking it's some type of electrical problem but I'm no way a mechanic. Thanks again.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Yeah, my guess is a shift solenoid. Let us know
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOIGNET63
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,723 MILES
I have a 1993 chevy 4x4 king cab short wheel base pick-up with a 350 engine. It will not shift into overdrive. What could be wrong and how can I fix it?
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B18GUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Check the brake pedal switch. This is under the dash and connected to the brake pedal. If it does not disengage all the way the transmission will not shift into overdrive. I had this problem with mine, and took it to a transmission shop they keep my truck for 9 days and couldn't figure it out. After I got it back I got to thinking about it and disconnected it and my overdrive started working, so I replaced that part and had no more problems. Oh ya, my brake lights weren't even staying on during that problem, but it was on enough to not let the transmission shift into overdrive.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BSMITH.7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Manually connected wires and overdrive still won't work?
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

When there is a failure with the overdrive, there are a few things that can cause it.
On 4-Speed automatics, it is possible to drive the vehicle in 3rd gear rather than "overdrive" and not perceive it. Typically this condition occurs when the shift indicator or the shift linkage/detent is misadjusted.

The first thing I would recommend is to confirm the proper adjustment of the linkage. Here are the directions for doing it. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

__________________________________

1993 Chevy Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-305 5.0L
With 4L60 and 4L60E Automatic Transmission
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shift Linkage Adjustments Shift Linkage With 4L60 and 4L60E Automatic Transmission
WITH 4L60 AND 4L60E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Shift Linkage (S/T)

pic 1

Fig.1

Shift Positions

pic 2

Fig.2

Remove or Disconnect

- Apply the parking brake.

1. Loosen the bolt (209).

2. Put the column selector lever in the "N" (Neutral) position.

- Put the lever in the neutral gate, do not use the indicator to find the neutral position.

3. Put the transmission in neutral.

- Move the shift lever (A) (Fig.1) to the forward position, then back to the second detent) (Fig.2).

4. Hold the rod (206) tightly in the swivel (207).

Tighten

- Bolt (209) to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).

Inspect

5. Put the column selector lever in the "P" (Park) position.

6. Check the adjustment.

- The column selector lever must go into all positions.

- The engine must start in the "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) positions only. Adjust if needed, refer to "Shift Indicator Adjustment".

Caution: With the selector lever in the "Park" position, the parking pawl should freely engage within the rear (reaction) internal gear lugs or output ring gear lugs and prevent the vehicle from rolling, which could cause personal injury.

7. Align the indicator, if needed.

8. Release the parking brake.

_______________________________

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE THOMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • 180,000 MILES
Overdrive works only for a couple seconds when cold.
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

When it fails, what happens? For example, does it feel like it shifts to neutral? Are there any warning lights on? Have you checked to see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes that may indicate an issue?

This can be the result of a pressure issue, solenoid in the transmission, or a converter clutch issue. We can check pressure, but before that, lets check to see if there are any codes. This has an OBD1 system that doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes. All you will need is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip.

Follow this link and let me know if anything is found:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Let me know.
Joe
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 12:23 PM (Merged)

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