Stuck in reverse?

BLACKCLOUD22

MEMBER
2010 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

On the way home last night during a thunderstorm, I hit some high water. Two miles later, we got to the apartment complex where I was able to shift into reverse to get into a spot. Now the shift lever moves freely but has no effect on the ability to change gears. There is no pressure or resistance when cycling the shift lever. Also, since the truck is in reverse, I cannot start it.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Does the gear indicator show the correct gear when shifting? Also, you mentioned there is no resistance when shifting. Do you mean it feels the same as always or does it feel loose?

I attached a pic below. It shows the transmission cable and where it attaches to the transmission. Make sure nothing came disconnected.

Also, let me know how deep the water you went through was and if you checked the fluid to make sure no water got into the transmission.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, June 18th, 2023 AT 10:28 PM

BLACKCLOUD22

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Joe, thank you for responding to my question.

The original inquiry was posted the very night of the incident. I will attempt to be more specific and clear in the future. To directly answer your question, "Do you mean it feels the same as always or does it feel loose?" There was no resistance when cycling the gear shift lever, as in unimpeded, loose as a goose, unburdened, disencumbered, unhampered, or freed.

The following day I was able to get under the truck, and as illustrated in the much-appreciated picture, the plastic bushing had been broken, and the gear shift cable was no longer attached to the transmission. Thus, the free feeling when cycling through the gears.

Thanks to my eldest son coming over today, he was able to replace the lower cable. I also have a new upper, which I will replace in the future.

Thank you again for your help.

BlackCloud22

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Monday, June 19th, 2023 AT 10:14 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I had a feeling that was what you meant and what happened. Regardless, I'm glad to know you found the issue and got it taken care of.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 AT 7:53 PM