Automatic Transmission shifts out of drive

jaslo · April 26, 2006

My wife drives our 01 pickup. Tonight she said that the truck shifted out of drive, because I guess when she pressed the gas it didnt go anywhere. She said she put back into park and then into drive and then it finally went. This is about the second time it has happened to her in the last six months. I also have a Wait4me tune installed on the truck. I would like to know what causes this. Is the the transmission getting ready to go out, or something to do with the tune? Any help would be appreciated.

jaslo · May 31, 2006

Ok, I have been driving the truck for a while and here is what it is doing. I was stopped at a stoplight and then I hit the gas, it barely went anywhere but then all of sudden it caught and then we were off. Does that sound like the transmission is slipping and possibly could go out sometime?

jaslo · May 31, 2006

So, I guess I can keep my custom tune in there? Should I go take the truck to the dealer and have this checked out. The problem is that it will not do this all the time. When it did it to me this last weekend I have been driving it for three weeks with no problems. Should I just put the original pcm back in?

Rammer · May 31, 2006

I'm not sure how the dealers reflashes the PCM, but I would think that the Tech2 will write the entire calibration, not just the part of it that you need. If it writes the entire calibration, you will lose your tune on that PCM. Talk to Jesse at Wait For Me about a new tune with the updated calibration.

ChevyTech007 · April 26, 2006

I have zero experience with "tunes" I only deal with OEM. I believe there is an update for the trans starting out in 2nd gear. Maybe this is what she is feeling?

Rammer · May 31, 2006

Sounds to me like Chevytech is right. It's starting out in second gear, then it shifts to first gear.

jaslo · April 26, 2006

No this happened while she was sitting at a stop light. Thats all she told me. Any ideas?

ChevyTech007 · May 31, 2006

Also found this bulletin but I would have the program checked first.

Subject: Intermittent Neutral from a Stop or 2-3 Shift - keywords 4L60E 4L65E flare launch slip #PIP3002D - (04/19/2006)

Models: 1999-2006 GM Cars, Light Duty Trucks and Utilities

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

The 4L60E/4L65E may experience an intermittent neutral condition while accelerating from a stop (category one) or while driving (category two).

Category One: Intermittent neutral condition occurs on accel from a stop with the shifter in D4. The neutral may be associated with an engine flare and then a harsh engagement. The Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch should read correct signal "A" High "B" Low "C" Low.

Category Two: Intermittent neutral occurs during 2-3 shift and the transmission will not have 3rd or 4th gear. The "B" Shift Solenoid is not bleeding off during the 2-3 shift allowing the transmission to stay in 2nd gear and return to first during the 3-4 shift.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Category One:

Attempt to duplicate the condition and if possible capture a snap shot of the condition with the Tech II or VDR while monitoring the transmission line pressure with a gauge.

The following should be monitored to ensure the PCM is not commanding a higher then first gear start.

The Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch. The correct reading for D4 is as follows:

"A" High "B" Low "C" Low.

VSS should be monitored at stop to ensure that it is reading 0 MPH/RPM

Commanded Gear should be first Solenoid Status "A" on "B" on

Engine cooling fan operation should be noted and discussed (TSB 01-06-04-052, 02 Trailblazer, Envoy Bravada with 4.2 engine)

Transmission line pressure low during the condition may cause an intermittent loss of pressure and neutral condition

Some customers may describe a launch in a higher then first gear as a neutral due to the greater amount of engine noise associated with the launch and lack of acceleration.

In the event the dealer is unable to duplicate the condition the dealer may consider installing an entire transmission shift cable, inspecting the forward clutch seal/piston and inspect for a broken or missing oil pump spring (two springs on units built 15-DEC-03 or earlier, one spring on units built 16-DEC-03 or later, reference bulletin 04-07-30-006) Installing Transmission Assemblies, Lo Roller and the Forward Sprag have not been proven to be an effective repair.

Category Two:

Attempt to duplicate the condition.

The "B" Shift Solenoid should be air checked for being restricted and not exhausting. However air testing the solenoid may remove the restriction. The "B" Shift Solenoid should be replaced.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.