hard shifting - hot day, highway speeds

I have a '99 S-10, 4-cyl, automatic, 2WD.

Today, I had to drive 2 hours. It was high 80's (F) and sunny. After 1.5 hours or so, the tranny started shifting really hard, especially from 1st to 2nd. Shortly afterwards, I also lost 4th gear. No dashboard indicators came on.

When I got to my destination, I took a look. Tranny fluid leaked around the linkage seal, as well as around one of the fluid lines that goes to the cooler. However, fluid level was fine.

When I left to head back, the tranny was back to normal - no hard shifting, no loss of 4th. However, after 1.5 hours or so, it again started shifting hard, but didn't lose 4th this time. Again, no indicators, fluid level OK.

Talked to a guy at a tranny shop recommended by the place that does my truck's routine service. The guy says that that model year has a problem with tranny valves wearing out. When the tranny controller detects the wear, it raises a particular code (1370? 1730?). The controller's response is to ramp up the fluid pressure and (maybe) disable 4th. This would account for the symptoms.

Still, I'm a bit leery. If the problem is what he thinks it is, it'll be a couple days and US$300 P&L to fix.

Questions:

1) Would you agree that the wear could be the problem?

2) If so, does it typically cost that much? (I won't be doing it myself, unless it's really simple.)

Thanks.

Anyone? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Check out my reply to the post "S-10" hesitation. I am going through the same problem right now among others that I'd like to share with you. Still haven't found the answer. Looking for a reputable trans shop in my area to see what they think. I'll keep you posted, and if you decided to go that route of the TCC, let me know if that worked.
Thanks!
Chris

[email protected]

I have a 97 sonoma 4x4,I'm on my third rebuilt tranny (2700 a shot). You must take care of this soon or you will be sorry. The problem is the valve body, do not replace it with the stock part, you will just have the same problem again.There is a company that makes a replacement for it.I found a post somewhere with about 75 people with the same deal.GMC /chevy says they are not aware of the problem. Bull sh*t.Good luck.

P.S. that price is just about the norm.

P.S. that price is just about the norm.Thanks for the reply. I just put a brand new trans in mine. About 2600 with labor.
A company called Jasper sells these trannies with a 3 year 75000 mile warranty with ALL the latest upgrades available.
Good Luck!

what would be the common proplem for the s10???

what would be the common proplem for the s10???I haven't narrowed it down yet to the 2.2 alone or the 4.3, but apparently there are several of us out there who experience the following problems with their S-10's. I have a 2000 with the 2.2 automatic trans. Besides the fact that I just had to put a brand new trans in mine ($2600), I've been experiencing "vapor lock" like symptoms for over 2 years now. I drive 100 miles a day roundtrip to work on the highway. It seems to be more problematic on hot and humid days. I would come off the highway to a toll booth and stop. As I attempt to drive away, the truck would bog and fall on it's face. sometimes it stalls. Another scenario is going through a toll booth after decellerating to 25mph from 75 and accelerating again, it would spit and putter. At this point, while still coasting, I would put it in neutral, turn off the ignition, then restart it, and everything would be fine. Other times as I come off the highway, it seems it would idle high. After taking off from a complete stop, shifti

strange could it be the 100 mile round trip?? thats alot for a 2.2

I have a '99 S-10, 4-cyl, automatic, 2WD.

Today, I had to drive 2 hours. It was high 80's (F) and sunny. After 1.5 hours or so, the tranny started shifting really hard, especially from 1st to 2nd. Shortly afterwards, I also lost 4th gear. No dashboard indicators came on.

When I got to my destination, I took a look. Tranny fluid leaked around the linkage seal, as well as around one of the fluid lines that goes to the cooler. However, fluid level was fine.

When I left to head back, the tranny was back to normal - no hard shifting, no loss of 4th. However, after 1.5 hours or so, it again started shifting hard, but didn't lose 4th this time. Again, no indicators, fluid level OK.

Talked to a guy at a tranny shop recommended by the place that does my truck's routine service. The guy says that that model year has a problem with tranny valves wearing out. When the tranny controller detects the wear, it raises a particular code (1370? 1730?). The controller's response is to ramp up the fluid pressure and (maybe) disable 4th. This would account for the symptoms.

Still, I'm a bit leery. If the problem is what he thinks it is, it'll be a couple days and US$300 P&L to fix.

Questions:

1) Would you agree that the wear could be the problem?

2) If so, does it typically cost that much? (I won't be doing it myself, unless it's really simple.)

Thanks.

What I think you are seeing if your tranny overheating and fluid pressure going up because of it.

1.) Have you had you tranny fluid and filter ever changed? If not, do so.
2.) Do you have a tranny cooler in your radiator?