2003 Impala LS tranny won't go into gear.

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so bear with me please. I have a 2003 Impala LS, 3800 eng. I was driving it the other day in the snow and it was doing fine as far as I know. When I got home I pulled into the parking space a little too far forward so I put it into reverse from park I think to back up. All of a sudden I had nothing, it wouldn't kick into gear. So I tried them all and it wouldn't shift into any gear. The engine would race when I pressed the accelerator but no gears. Does anyone have any info on this?

Welcome to AF, the only info is check the linkage to the trans, check the fluid, make sure both ft axles are in place, if ok then there is an internal problem.

Hi Max,

The fluid is dirty but the level is fine. I checked the linkage and it is connected. I never thought about the axles though. Thanks for the help.

Hey Max,

I had the car towed to the shop where there is a very good mechanic. He says the transmission is shot. It's going to cost about $2,500 to have it replaced.

I know these cars are known for having trouble with the transmissions. I'm wondering if there is any chance that the manufacturer will make this right? Would you happen to know anything about that?

8 years old, unless there was a special policy extended warrantee, no way. BTW, the price is kinda high to begin with.

Hi Max,

Thanks for responding. I figured it was a longshot but what the heck, never hurts to ask. If you think the price is too high then I'll shop around some and see what I can come up with. Thanks again.

Hey Max,

I had the car towed to the shop where there is a very good mechanic. He says the transmission is shot. It's going to cost about $2,500 to have it replaced.

I know these cars are known for having trouble with the transmissions. I'm wondering if there is any chance that the manufacturer will make this right? Would you happen to know anything about that?


make sure they put the new GM approved tranny fluid in it..

DO NOT USE ANY DEXRON III.....!

These trasnsmissions are with problems ,,and the fluid must be replaced often to prevent failure..when the fluid is over 40,ooomi the acid levels start eating away at the many internal parts.

owners believe the fluid replacement is 100,ooomi. this is if you plan on not going over this amount, operating in an unreal evironment..

with use in traffic/hills high temps fluid needs replacement below 40,ooomi or you can expect failure..

2500.oo sounds high ..get a warrantee in writing

Hi j cAT,

Hey thanks for the information, I wish I'd had it a little earlier. But thats the way it goes sometimes. I'll make sure there is a written warranty or no go!

Hi j cAT,

Hey thanks for the information, I wish I'd had it a little earlier. But thats the way it goes sometimes. I'll make sure there is a written warranty or no go!

good luck and after the repair check that fluid often...every week..make sure no leaks. if the fluid drops have them check for leaks.

when you check for correct fluid level ,park in the same spot on level ground vehicle at normal operating temp after 10 miles of use..

never over the full mark , if you see the fluid has air bubbles in it it is too full . this will destroy a transmission very quickly ..

Thank you, I'll keep an eye out for these things.

Don't be too surprised if the shop hands you a bag full of this:

http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/4T60EDifferentialDamage.jpg

The differential in this series transmission is a weak point, along with a few of the shafts. I do my own transmission repairs, and this one took about $480 out of my wallet in parts alone. $2,500 may be a little on the high side. Around this part of the midwest I can get an exchange/guaranteed 4T65E installed for about $1,750.

Adequate lubrication is critical. A jCat pointed out, the correct oil and filter and oil maintenance is crucial. Use Dexron VI or an equivalent only, even though Dexron III was originally approved for your transmission. The synthetic blend is superior to the Dex III and is probably worth the slight additional cost. The differential is cooled/lubricated/cleaned by oil flow through a tube in the pan, and this must be kept clean and unobstructed.

Hello Blue Bowtie,

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I've been trying to decide whether or not to fix this problem or to sell the car for what I can get out of it.

We've had things fixed on it before and have put a good bit of money into it. And I know there are other issues that need to be taken care of as well. I'm wondering if I would be better off just getting rid of the car and getting something else.

I thought we had a good car, I really liked it for a good while. But as time has gone by it's proven to be a money pit. And from what I hear on this forum everybody has problems with them.

Again, thanks.

Hey there Virginian. These cars can be very nice cars, but the trannys are very weak unfortunately. And the new ones behind the 3.9's are the same. I have seen a lot of them come through the dealership I work at with the 2nd gear drum blown out or even the plungers located in the transmission pan. $2500 does seem like a lot of money to have it repaired. It could be a lot more if the hard parts are damaged. I would get all of this in writing as the one and final price. Some transmission shops will give you one price and then want more because of supposed other damage.

Hey dorfboy,

Thanks for information on the transmissions. The $2500 quote is for a new transmission, not a repair of the old one. If I decide to keep the car I will definitely make sure I get the price in writing before I allow any work to be done on it.

I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do. Thanks again.

You should shop around I just put a trans in a 2004 it cost me 750$ for the trans and the instalation calls for 7 hrs on flat rate so at 75 an hour thats around 550$ so it cost around 1300$ just remember that I got a used trans not rebuilt or anything they gave me a 45 day warranty

Hi cwest1977,

Sorry I took so long to respond but I've been offline for awhile, but thanks for your input. We've decided to sell the car rather than put anymore into it. It was good while it lasted but we' ve put too much money into it to continue. It's just getting to the point that its not going to get any better.

But thanks very much.

I had my transmission rebuilt at 122000 miles.

Got 140000 on the car now. Shifts like new.,

I read the replies on your thread. You might want to learn to thank these folks when they help you. It helps alot.

Good luck with your car.

John

Hello John,

Thanks for the info. but I've already sold the car, and I'm looking for another one now. I usually do thank people when I respond to their comments John, although I may have missed a couple of them. I'm very thankful for the help as it's usually accurate. I'm glad your car is running well now, they're nice cars when they're running well. Thanks again John.

Jim