2017 Tahoe LT not shifting into drive

[rub_dirt_on_it]

Hey everyone, looking for some help about my car. This just started happening about an hour ago, and my car had been working just fine beforehand. When I shift into drive, my car still acts like it’s in neutral. The engine revs when I hit the gas, but it won’t go anywhere. Park, reverse, and low all work. Anyone have any ideas or seen similar issues?

Editing to add that I am at 95K miles, and I am not due for an oil change for another 2,000 miles.

 

[Fless]

How is the transmission fluid level and condition?

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

How is the transmission fluid level and condition?

This will probably be a dumb question, but do I need to do a hot or cold check? Or just pull it straight out?

 

[Fless]

No question is dumb. There are "hot" and "cold" marks on the dipstick. Cold fluid expands as it heats up so it will be higher on the dipstick when hot. The best reading is a hot one, but if a cold reading is in the "cold" range, then the level should be okay.

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

I’m a novice at this one. Will YouTube it and find out

 

[Fless]

Your owner's manual should have the procedures for checking fluids.

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

Your owner's manual should have the procedures for checking fluids.

If it is the transmission fluid, any recommendations on what brand to buy?

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

Your owner's manual should have the procedures for checking fluids.

Transmission fluid is completely fine, any other ideas?

 

[wjburken]

Transmission fluid is completely fine, any other ideas?

The level is fine? The color is fine? Does it smell burnt?

When was the last time you had the transmission serviced?

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

The level is fine? The color is fine? Does it smell burnt?

When was the last time you had the transmission serviced?

Level and color are all perfect with no burnt smells. I haven’t had it serviced that I can think of.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Level and color are all perfect with no burnt smells. I haven’t had it serviced that I can think of.

> Engine light on/DTCs?

> Does it just move forward in manual low but not engage then upshift normally when you move it to Drive?

> Do you have a bi-directional scan tool that can monitor live data streams from the transmission to see what it's doing while vehicle is in operation?

> Any changes in the transmission's behavior since yesterday?

Based on your description in the first post, it sounds like you have a 'false neutral' condition in Drive which is almost always caused by a malfunctioning TEHCM (transmission electronic hydraulic control module). The same applied elements are at work in first gear when in Drive and Low so if you had a failure at either the low sprag or 1-2-3-4 clutch, you'd have no forward movement at all in Drive, Manual (if equipped) or Low.

 

[rub_dirt_on_it]

No engine lights, and I am not sure what DTC stands for. I have zero error messages coming up on the dash.

In both low and drive, the car acts as if it is in neutral. It won’t go forward, and when I hit the gas pedal, it just revs the engine.

I don’t have any a scanner of any sort, but if you recommend I buy one, please share a link!

No other changes since yesterday.

I am getting it towed to a shop this morning. Fingers crossed they don’t have to replace the entire transmission.

 

[NickTransmissions]

No engine lights, and I am not sure what DTC stands for. I have zero error messages coming up on the dash.

In both low and drive, the car acts as if it is in neutral. It won’t go forward, and when I hit the gas pedal, it just revs the engine.

I don’t have any a scanner of any sort, but if you recommend I buy one, please share a link!

No other changes since yesterday.

I am getting it towed to a shop this morning. Fingers crossed they don’t have to replace the entire transmission.

If its not moving forward in either drive or man low then its likely your low sprag that has rolled over and failed. Also possibly 1-2-3-4 clutch piston cracked/broke catastrophically which would explain why it happend with no slippage in forward prior...Trans needs to come out for overhaul.

DTC = disgnostic trouble code.

I use a snap on Solus Ultra as well as a TECH2 for my older GM vehicles...

 

[Jkmk]

No engine lights, and I am not sure what DTC stands for. I have zero error messages coming up on the dash.

In both low and drive, the car acts as if it is in neutral. It won’t go forward, and when I hit the gas pedal, it just revs the engine.

I don’t have any a scanner of any sort, but if you recommend I buy one, please share a link!

No other changes since yesterday.

I am getting it towed to a shop this morning. Fingers crossed they don’t have to replace the entire transmission.

Have you had any luck with this my 2017 just started doing the exact same. Drives in reverse but nothing forward. No lights or codes. Fluid is good.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Have you had any luck with this my 2017 just started doing the exact same. Drives in reverse but nothing forward. No lights or codes. Fluid is good.

Probably #1 checkball worn/stuck in the spacer plate. Could also be 1-2-3-4 broken piston (not as likely) or rear sprag but those dont fail too often.