Transmission does not shift into gear after replacing the rear main seal?

Tiny
AJDUARTE310
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 196,000 MILES
I dropped my transmission recently to do a rear main seal and I put everything back together (i torqued down the fly wheel and everything) and the truck doesn't go into gear. I basically have 5 neutrals. I was thinking it was because I bought a new neutral safety switch but I don't know.
Saturday, November 12th, 2022 AT 4:22 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

When you shift, are you certain the cable is moving the transmission selector lever? Also, you mentioned a neutral safety switch. Are you referring to the transmission range sensor? That needs to be installed in a specific way.

Ensure that the transmission is in the mechanical park position (shift lever). Next, position the transmission range select lever to PARK (P). Rotate the shift clockwise until the lever reaches the full clockwise stop position. Then, you can install the shift cable.

Is that what was done?

Let me know.

Joe

see pic below. Also, let me know if this is the 4L60-E or the 4L80-E transmission.
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Saturday, November 12th, 2022 AT 10:57 PM
Tiny
AJDUARTE310
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Yes, the shift cable is connected but the gears just aren't catching for some reason. And I have the 4l60e.
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Sunday, November 13th, 2022 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The idea that the transmission range sensor has been changed may be an indication that the new part isn't good. When shifting, does the gear indicator show the correct gear? Does the vehicle only start in park or neutral?

If that all checks out to work properly, then we need to check a couple of fuses that may have failed when you put things back together. I attached a schematic below. Check the fuses I highlighted to make sure they are good and there is power to and from them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuses are all good, then go to the new switch. Inspect the connectors. There was a technical service bulletin related to them failing (overheating).

If that checks good, then take a look at the removal and replacement procedures for the switch you replaced and see if there is anything you may have missed.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, November 14th, 2022 AT 6:49 PM

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