Transmission goin' out?

[OUMike]

Hey everyone,

 

About a week ago my transmission started acting funny. Sometimes, (usually in the morning when everything is cold) it will give me fits about going into Reverse. It will go, but it takes a second. Then when I am in Reverse it kinda stutters on me. Feels like something is stuck or something. And then when I shift to Drive, it takes it a second.

 

My only two theories:

a) Transmission is goin' out. Its a 94' 4L60-E (4.3L V6) with about 178k on the clock.

 

b) Fluid is low. I know there is something wierd about checking tranny fluid. Does the motor have to be warm or cold? I can never remember.

 

Thanks for any insight everyone.

[SpreadHead]

Hey everyone,

 

About a week ago my transmission started acting funny.  Sometimes, (usually in the morning when everything is cold) it will give me fits about going into Reverse.  It will go, but it takes a second.  Then when I am in Reverse it kinda stutters on me.  Feels like something is stuck or something.  And then when I shift to Drive, it takes it a second.

 

My only two theories:

a) Transmission is goin' out.  Its a 94' 4L60-E (4.3L V6) with about 178k on the clock.

 

b) Fluid is low.  I know there is something wierd about checking tranny fluid.  Does the motor have to be warm or cold? I can never remember.

 

Thanks for any insight everyone.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

As I recall, check it when warm and on a level surface. If you don't have an owner's manual handy, it might say on the dipstick. I recall seeing some dipsticks that say "check when warm" or something to that effect.

 

EDIT: check this site for additional info - various vehicles do it differently, I usually check mine when warm and in Park.

 

http://www.csaa.com/global/articledetail/0...57C2025,00.html

 

Good luck

 

Mark

[94z71]

I have a 94 z71 with a 5.7/4L60e 140k on trans, and it has always shifted into reverse hard, nice clunk, and then shifting back into drive takes a half second, and once after a off-road event that involved alot of deep water crossings I started it up later that week in the morning, and it was stuck in park, until I got forceful with it. I'd look at the torque converter going out first if it stutters on you in reverse

[GOY]

Check it after the vehicle is warm, on a level surface, and RUNNING! If you do not check it while the vehicle is in park and running, you will get a false indication.

 

Also, beyond the level, check the fluid condition. When did you last service the trans?

 

At 178k I think that trans has lived a good life and may be on it's last leg, but if the fluid is shot, when not give it one last try and flush it with all trickshift. What do you have to lose if you already have a failing trans?

[mcreyaufmiller]

The Transgo shift kit has a fix for this included in the 4L60E upgrade. But 178K, I hope mine goes that long, I have 130K on it now and after the kit, it runs great!!

 

Mike