1997 Chevy Suburban Trasmission wont go into Gear

JOELOCO09

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

I have a 1997 Chevy Suburban that wont go into gear. We have had problems since we got it last november. First it would be that the after driving it for a while the transmission would start shifting hard and turn the check engine light on, then nothing at all. We would let the vehicle rest for a while then it would work just fine and reset the ecu. But now the truck wont shift into gear all, wether its reverse or drive. We need some serious help with the vehicle so any information would be very helpful. As I dont want to spend to much money anymore on fixing it. The mechanic I took it to had the truck for a couple of months and wasnt able to fix the problem.

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Drain the tranny fluid and check the condition of the fluid, and observe the fluid as it drains. It should be red in color and NOT have a burnt smell. Look for excessive debris (metal shavings) in the fluid as well. Replace the tranny filter and fluid.
Also, these trannys sometimes have a shifting solonoid issue. This is an internal part, so if you are not familiar with transmission repair, take it to an ASE certified transmission specialist. He or she will be able to properly diagnosis the tranny - and if it is the shifting solonoid - it is a relitively simple repair.