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Transmission not shifting?

Tiny
MICHELLEGREENWALT
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
Went to top off the fluids. Added 1/2 quart transmission fluid and went to drive but wouldn't go forward. Only reverse.
Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 8:41 PM

46 Replies

Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello, I'm Tom.

So did your transmission just stop going into gear all of a sudden or has it been slipping which led you to check its fluid level? Then you checked your fluid and it was low only 1/2 quart? To properly check the transmission fluid the engine has to be warm on level ground running and in park. Is that how you checked its level? It would be unusual to just stop going into gear without it slipping for a while first. Smell the fluid to see if it smells burnt and check its color. It should be red and clear. If it's dark and not clear-ish it's a symptom of internal wear.
Let me know,
Tom
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
MICHELLEGREENWALT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I drove to the auto parts store and checked the fluid in park and running. Appeared to be slightly low so I added 1/2 quart. It did have a hard shift before so I would let off the gas a bit to prevent this. Also instead of lowering rpm's when shift into drive it would actually raise rpm's a bit.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Lets start by checking for codes this guide will help us. You could have a shift solenoid not working.

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

This guide can help as well:

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
MICHELLEGREENWALT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay. Later today. Thanks
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The fact it goes into reverse tells me the fluid level is correct.

If it does not go into drive or forward gears, there is most likely a failure of the forward clutch pack inside the transmission which controls forward movement.

This will require removal and dis assembly of the transmission to determine the failure. It would be a better choice to consider a used transmission to keep the cost down or replace it with a rebuilt unit.

A rebuilt unit would be around $3,000.00 while a used one would be around $1,500.00. I found a rebuilt for $1,500.00 at rock auto. I attached it for you to view.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 5:34 AM
Tiny
MICHELLEGREENWALT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 7:03 AM
Tiny
SAMIMGREEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
My transmission died and wouldn't shift into 2nd or reverse, etc, etc. I had it worked on/rebuilt. Many things were replaced - gears, solenoids a couple of times, a big round drum things (okay, I'm not the mechanic obviously), valves cleaned so the balls move, piston/springs replaced, new fluid and filter (he said there was a filter that was too small and he put in a longer truck filter). It was taken apart and put back together a few times because he can't figure out what is wrong with it now. Rear works fine. 1st works fine. 2nd has a small hiccup but works. 3rd and overdrive are hit or miss and requires heavy RPMs to get it to change and generally hard, sometimes very hard. I also heard something that sounded like air brakes releasing. No, I am not driving it other than to get it home after the mechanic apologized profusely and didn't charge anything, though I did give him some anyway for the work he did do as far as replacing parts.

So, any ideas?
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi samimgreen,

Thank you for the donation.

Here are description of possible causes for the condition.

Slipping, Rough Or No 3-4 Shift
Check oil pump assembly faces not flat or pump cover retainer and ball assembly omitted or damaged. Valve body assembly 2-3 shift train, accumulator valve, 1-2 shift valve or 3-2 control valve stuck. Manual valve link bent or damaged. Spacer plate or gaskets incorrect, damaged or not positioned properly. Defective 2-4 servo assembly.

Incorrect band apply pin. Servo seals missing or damaged. Porosity in pistons, cover or case. Plugged or missing orifice cup plug. Case 3rd accumulator retainer and ball assembly leaking. Porosity in 3-4 accumulator piston or bore. 3-4 accumulator piston seal or seal grooves damaged. Restricted oil passage. Defective input housing assembly. Forward or 3-4 clutch plates worn, or excessive plate travel.

Forward or 3-4 piston seals damaged. Porosity in 3-4 clutch housing or piston. 3-4 piston check ball
stuck, damaged or not sealing. Restricted apply passages. Forward clutch piston retainer and ball
assembly not seating. 2-4 band worn or not positioned properly. Sealing balls loose or missing.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MKFRD9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Truck will not start out in 1st gear, but uses 2nd. Then it won't shift into overdrive. Checked fluid and it was about 1/2 quart low. Added fluid, then test drove again. Clunks when putting truck in drive or reverse. Service engine soon light came on 1 day earlier.

I do not have any leaks, or smell burnt fluid, as is typical with transmission failure. Fluid and filter is changed about every 75,000 miles.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
At 200k nothing would surprise me, that is alot of miles for an automatic trans. Have the PCM scanned to see what code it has (check engine light) it will probably pertain to the trans and may lead to a fix.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:22 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BASINARI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
Transmission problem
1999 Chevy Suburban V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

How do I fix the shifter to the transmission? When I go to put it in gear I have to climb underneath the truck and manually put it in gear.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi basinari,

Thank you for the donation.

Seems the transmisison shift linkage are detached or bushes are worn.

You need to check which part has gotten loose.

Are you able to move the shifter lever out of park?
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTT WOITT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
Trns will not shift except manulally
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
First thing you need to do is have the codes read, Autozone does it free, Post the results with the code number(s). Even if the service engine light is not on, there should be freeze frame data stored.
With a no shift condition, it must have the service engine light on.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAREN G
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,000 MILES
My trans will not shift out of second gear itshifts 1-2 but will not go to third oil does not seem to be burnt. I had a check engine light for cylinder #4 misfire so I changed plugs and wires and had code cleared check engine light has not come back but still will not shift.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
trans in "limp in mode" TCM has detected sensor input fault should not been drive for long period. MIl maynot be on but need a Scan Tool hooked to check sensor input to see what failed.
Hope this helps
Thanks for donate
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE BENNETT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,000 MILES
Okay, I have changed transmission fluid, both shift solenoids, VSS, ECM, and had the transmission rebuilt. Still no third or fourth gear. It acts like it is stuck in second. It shifts from first to second fine. Just wont shift to third or overdrive. I have checked fuses and they are all good there.
Transmission has sixteen miles on rebuild. Transmission guy swears it has to be electrical. Please help! 4L60e transmission.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

Did you verify voltage to all the solenoids?

Are there any codes set?

Roy
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You will need to check for powers to all the solenoids listed and make sure the return wires back to the pcm are good as well.

Make sure the TPS sensor on the throttle body is good as well. Do a sweep test from 0 to 5 volts with no glitches as it controls transmission shift points.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM (Merged)

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