Auto Transmission Slips In 3rd

Jacki&GeneZ16 · March 9, 2009

About one year ago we noticed the trany slipping between gears. We had the fluid & filter changed and the problem disappeared.

The problem is back, worse than before. Only Reverse, 1st and 2nd gears are working now. This with the trany in 3rd or Drive and occurs while driving with the tranfer-case in 2 Hi, 4 Hi, and 4 Lo (electronic engaging). Gear shift is 1st and 2nd works as it should.

No codes were set; after driving 10 miles home in 2nd gear the trany fluid smelled ok and color looked good. Though my first wipe of the trany dipstick left some gray color on my towel. The trany fluid level may have been on the high side of Hot.

Our Suburban only has about 90,000 miles, it is stock and not driven hard; we have not used it for towing.

This there a simple fix for what we are experiencing?

Zembonez · March 9, 2009

Sounds like a rebuild is in order. Big heavy vehicle, 12 years of service, and 90,000 miles probably means that clutch packs are worn out. If done before the unit bites it completely, you might be able to get away with minimal hard parts replacement.

Jacki&GeneZ16 · March 9, 2009

Sounds like a rebuild is in order. Big heavy vehicle, 12 years of service, and 90,000 miles probably means that clutch packs are worn out. If done before the unit bites it completely, you might be able to get away with minimal hard parts replacement.

Thanks for the reply. I was considering doing a transmission flush, you just save me about $180. I'll start checking with transmission rebuild/service shops.

Any other suggestions?

Zembonez · March 9, 2009

Sounds like a rebuild is in order. Big heavy vehicle, 12 years of service, and 90,000 miles probably means that clutch packs are worn out. If done before the unit bites it completely, you might be able to get away with minimal hard parts replacement.

Thanks for the reply. I was considering doing a transmission flush, you just save me about $180. I'll start checking with transmission rebuild/service shops.

Any other suggestions?

I think I'd take it to a shop and have them go for a ride. An honest shop won't go for the juggler if the trans can be fixed (although it can still be quite expensive). I'd be suspicious of the ones that just want to talk complete rebuild without even looking at it. Know any local HotRodders? They normally know where to go and who to see.

Good luck man.