Transmission not shifting into 3rd...

MannyB · Jul 7, 2019

Took the denali for its yearly Mr lube visit. I drive maybe 4k miles a year.

Got the fuel filter, transmission fluid and filter changed with the usual oil/filter. Fuel filter was last changed in 2015 and doubt the Trans has ever been done.

The Trans won't shift into third gear now, it hits a random point on the speedometer and stops while revs keep increasing.

Anyone experience this issue before?

Erickk120 · Jul 8, 2019

No 3rd or 4th gear: “3-4” clutches are worn out: Needs to be removed and rebuilt. The car is safe to drive (in 2) until you can get it fixed.

How many miles does it have?
Sounds like changing the fluid has caused it to slip,assuming its got over 150k miles.
Common 3/4 clutch problem, now you have 3 neutrals. This is a risk you take when replacing fluids on unknown vehicles, you never know if they've been maintained. Eventually though could have been 5/10/15k miles down the road the same thing would have happened, so don't lose too much sleep over it. It sucks, I think all of us 4l60e owners have gone through it at least once.

MannyB · Jul 8, 2019

Erickk120 said:
No 3rd or 4th gear: “3-4” clutches are worn out: Needs to be removed and rebuilt. The car is safe to drive (in 2) until you can get it fixed.

How many miles does it have?
Sounds like changing the fluid has caused it to slip,assuming its got over 150k miles.
Common 3/4 clutch problem, now you have 3 neutrals. This is a risk you take when replacing fluids on unknown vehicles, you never know if they've been maintained. Eventually though could have been 5/10/15k miles down the road the same thing would have happened, so don't lose too much sleep over it. It sucks, I think all of us 4l60e owners have gone through it at least once.

182kms so 113k miles

Drove there completely fine. Never had any issues.

That's ****** if I have to rebuild because I was trying to maintain it.

Erickk120 · Jul 8, 2019

That is interesting, 100k miles. The tranny is trying to get into 3rd and it just revs up and nothing happens correct? If so it is indeed slipping and the previous statement would still apply. I can't believe it went out at 113k though, well my first one failed at 160kish. Currently on 226k so about 66k on the current rebuild. Already replaced the pump bushings due to a leak, I abuse mine from time to time though. So it is surprising it failed so early. What did the fluid looked/looks like now?

Doubeleive · Jul 8, 2019

you might get lucky and have it just be a solenoid, or even a loose connection on a solenoid or the harness if they took the pan off, I would take it by a professional transmission shop and get there opinion, if I remember correctly even if the clutches were worn and slipping I don't think that would require a total rebuild

SnowDrifter · Jul 8, 2019

Was it doing this prior to that fluid/filter change?

swathdiver · Jul 8, 2019

MannyB said:
Took the denali for its yearly Mr lube visit. I drive maybe 4k miles a year.

Got the fuel filter, transmission fluid and filter changed with the usual oil/filter. Fuel filter was last changed in 2015 and doubt the Trans has ever been done.

The Trans won't shift into third gear now, it hits a random point on the speedometer and stops while revs keep increasing.

Anyone experience this issue before?

Debris got your solenoid valve stuck. Command the valve to move with your Tech-2. Use the shop manual to run the tests that go along with the symptoms you are experiencing.

Choose your transmission shop wisely, it's very easy for them to say you need a new transmission when all that's wrong with it is some sediment got kicked up and needs clearing.

Tonyrodz · Jul 8, 2019

Same thing happened to my work van--4l80--changed a solenoid and the harness--fixed it. Happened right after I changed the fluid and filter in my driveway. Thought it blew too. Gotta get a scanner and check for any trans codes.

Erickk120 · Jul 8, 2019

You can try the recommended above, It rarely happens but it can happen, also pulling the trans fuse should put you into limp mode, and only 3rd should be engaged, see what happens then.

MannyB · Jul 8, 2019

Solenoid is being changed right now. see what it does.

Thanks for the info bros.

SnowDrifter said:
Was it doing this prior to that fluid/filter change?

nope. Never had any issue with the drivetrain.

Transmission not shifting into 3rd...

MannyB

Full Access Member

Erickk120

Full Access Member

MannyB

Full Access Member

Erickk120

Full Access Member

Doubeleive

Wes

SnowDrifter

Full Access Member

swathdiver

Full Access Member

Tonyrodz

Resident Resident

Erickk120

Full Access Member

MannyB

Full Access Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Latest posts