After stopping at a signal light, vehicle sort of staggered like it was running out of gas then stopped pulling at all?

Tiny
MFITZ825
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,900 MILES
The vehicle was fine, no slipping, no hard shifts or any indication of a problem. Pulled up to a stop light and started forward on green and vehicle sort of staggered like it was running out of gas then stopped pulling at all. After it sits for a few minutes, it will start pulling for a short distance then staggers and stops pulling again.

Fluid level checked and was a little over the full mark. When completely cold it does not show any fluid at all.

I came across a similar problem somewhere and the fix was changing the fluid and filter (it was clogged). Do you think this is a viable solution?
Sunday, September 10th, 2023 AT 4:16 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yes, it does sound like this could be the problem, I would try to service the transmission and I would run the codes to see if anything is stored. Here are two guides to help and I have included instructions in the images below for your car:

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON III transmission fluid.
Check the Cold fluid level reading for initial fill only. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
MFITZ825
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just finished servicing the transmission and after a test drive all seems to be well again. Thank you for your help.
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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, September 25th, 2023 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
MFITZ825
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I guess I spoke too soon. Transmission gave out on me last night. Making bad grinding noises, won't go in to reverse and seems to have no 1st gear. Looks like it's replace it or find another vehicle. Thanks for your help anyway.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep, noises are a bad sign, it sounds like you need a rebuilt unit. Here is how to R&R the unit in the images below. This video shows the job being done on a similar car, but the procedure is the same.

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU?si=aZW6hR6dQO6xjMO6

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.

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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 11:35 AM

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