1997 Rodeo Transmission problems

I have a 1997 Rodeo with auto tranmission and I've recently had the following problem: the truck starts and drives well in reverse as well as in forward but it seems as if it can't shift from a lower gear. It can't drive any faster than 20mph, even at 5000rpm. It seems as if it's a common problem with this type of truck. It has 113000miles and the board doesn't show any electrical malfunctions (check engine, transmission, etc.). I just bought the truck and I don't know if the transmission fluid was ever changed and how to check if it ever was. Please help; any suggestions would be good. This is me now::runaround:
PS. There are no weird noises coming from the transmission or the engine or anything.

I would first start with trying to top off the trans fluid, it may just be low. After that I would drop the tranny pan and replace the filter, and then top it off and cross your fingers.

It's generally only a common problem with this truck if the fluid is low, old, or neglect of normal atf fluid change intervals, and even severe abuse.

What's your history of ATF fluid changes??

I've had 2 Rodeo's both auto's with over 160k on one, and currently 183k on the other, several other Rodeo's have gone over 200k as long as it's maintained and leaks are caught immediately.

Thank you guys.
I'm gonna try checking and changing the ATF. How can I check if there is no thing that can check the transmission fluid (that rod thing) in the engine compartment. Is this transmission sealed?
Again, thank you very much and I'll keep you posted. :)

Change the fluid/filter and pour in some auto-rx into the trans and drive it for 1000k miles and then change the fluid filter again.
www.auto-rx.com

There is no tranny dipstick, needs to be filled from the fill hole on the upper corner of the transmission pan.

Many people would have you believe that it's a sealed unit...but it's not.

There is no tranny dipstick, needs to be filled from the fill hole on the upper corner of the transmission pan.

Many people would have you believe that it's a sealed unit...but it's not.
A real PITA like bmw's. You'll need to jack it up level to check it. If your going to go thru that trouble change it while you're there.

BMW used the 4L-30E for awhile. I can sneak under the Rodeo without jacking, but there is no way I can get under the BMW without jacking/jackstands.

I check the level is ok but the fluid smell like some burn plastik or some chemical. also the color is not bright red more like dirty red. I can't change-it
because I will need a pump. I will go to a service and let them do it.
You thing is good ideea to change the filter to or just flush.
What you think about LUCAS Transmission fix?
Thank you again guys.

I check the level is ok but the fluid smell like some burn plastik or some chemical. also the color is not bright red more like dirty red. I can't change-it
because I will need a pump. I will go to a service and let them do it.
You thing is good ideea to change the filter to or just flush.
What you think about LUCAS Transmission fix?
Thank you again guys.
The fluid & filter definetly need to be changed. You can do it with a funnel and a hose to get the majority of AT fluid in the trans and then top it off using a hand pump that most auto parts carry.
Never used Lucas but I did use sea foam trans tune in the past.

What ever you do, do NOT have that transmission flushed....you will surely send it to it's grave at this point.

The fluid's been in there WAY too long if it smells like chemical.

Call around to a mechanic shop and ask if they are familiar with the GM 4L30-E auto transmission and ask them where the dipstick is....if they give you incorrect answers, do NOT go that shop.

There are not many shops that know how to refill this tranny or even work on this tranny correctly.

Also, do NOT take it to Jiffy Lube, Grease monkey, and don't even take it to AAMCO either, they LOVE to tell you your tranny's shot!

Have someone drop the pan, change the filter/gasket, and reinstall 5 qts of new fluid, then in 1-2k miles, you absolutely need to do another drain/refill of 4qts of additional fluid....then in probably 6-7k miles you need to do it again.

If you do not at least change the filter and do two drain/refills after so many short miles, you are not getting enough good fluid in there....sorry, but that tranny's already on it's way, so be VERY careful to make sure nothing else goes wrong from here on out.

At over 100K without a tranny service, you have loads of sludge and particles that will get stirred up and clog the tranny internals. Then you will certainly need a new one. I would follow Ramblin's suggestion to get things cleaned up without sending crap throughout the tranny with a flush.

Thank you again
I can drop the pan myself but how I can pump back the fluid?
So you think the trany is shot? Why is working good on reverse and first two gears? If I change all the fluid is not going to help more?
I think to change the filter and after to do a complete flush? If is not working
how much cost a tranny? I can use one from later models? 1998 2002 ?
Is there any possibility to drive it manually for 30 miles? Where is located the TCU or Transmission module? I read somewhere how to test if the trany is shot. They sey to unplug the TCU and try to shift mannualy ?
Thank you anyway? You guys are great. so much help .
And you think RODEO is worth to be fixed? I don"t pay to much for $ 1500 but I like it. I had before a 1991 Trooper and I love that type.
Livio

You can use a pump like this:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200008074_200008074
Most Auto parts will carry something like this. IMO its worth doing a filter fluid change and use some auto-rx.

Where I find AUTO RX for transmission?
And there is a dipstick on top of transmission?
I found something like small plastic dipstick on the top.
Livio

Where I find AUTO RX for transmission?
And there is a dipstick on top of transmission?
I found something like small plastic dipstick on the top.
Livio
You use the same stuff for transmissions. Just follow the directions.

As posted above there is no dipstick for the tranny. The one you have is probably for the PS.

And I would not flush AFTER changing the filter. This will only clog the new filter with stuff which has been laying in the bottom of the pan...

I wouldn't give up on that transmission yet.

You have NO DIPSTICK period...you have to refill the tranny from the upper fill plug on the transmission pan.

Also, do NOT FLUSH THAT TRANSMISSION....PERIOD!!! At any point and time do NOT FLUSH IT!!!!

What you need to do is pull the drain plug on the transmission pan, drain what fluid you can, drop the transmission pan, clean the pan out, change the filter and gasket, bolt the pan back up, put the drain bolt back in with a new washer - do NOT OVERTIGHTEN any of these bolts you could easily warp the pan. With the truck still OFF, pull the upper fill bolt on the tranny pan, refill with at least 3-4qts of new fluid while truck is OFF.

When the fill plug starts to drip atf fluid, at this point, start the truck, you will have to run back and forth from the fill plug to inside the truck where you need to shift it through it's gears pausing in each gear for 10 seconds or so, then back to the fill plug squeezing more fluid in the fill hole til it starts to run out again, then jump back in the truck, shift through it's gears again, again pausing 10 seconds in each gear, then check the fill plug again, probably will need to keep adding fluid for a few go arounds of this cycle, all the while doing this part of it, truck MUST STAY running.

After running it through it's gears 4-5 times, get under the truck again, and add enough fluid through the fill hole for some to start dripping out, then put your fill bolt back in.

In a day or so, double check your level, EVERYTIME you check your level or are adding fluid the truck MUST be running or you will lose all your ATF fluid.

You should be able to get close to 5qts of atf fluid back into the truck, if it's anything less then 4 1/4 qts it's too low on atf.

Also, you do NOT want that tranny HOT HOT when you pull that fill plug, as it will spit atf back out at you giving you the impression that it's overfilled when it's not. It's actually very very difficult to overfill this tranny, underfilling is very likely if you're not familiar with what you're doing.

Thanks again!
I now have a good idea of what it is I need to do.
It may take a couple days until I can actually start work on the car, but I think I'll be able to fix it with the stuff you guys have told me (hopefully).

I'll keep you all posted. :cool:

Hello there.
Today I went to put some gas in the Rodeo and within half mile tranmission check light stast blinking. Also I noticed a upshift and after that trany light start. I don't start yet to change filter and the fluid.
Just let you know.
Thank you
Livio

I wouldn't keep driving it, personally. Park it until you can get the fluid/filter swapped out, are you sure too, that you're not low on ATF??

I'm not sure if the ATF is at the right level. When I checked it last, the engine wasn't turned on. A lot of ATF drips out. My thinking was that the level was alright, but after your reply I realized that I should've checked the ATF with the engine turned on. I'll do this tomorrow. Thanks.

and in neutral

Dropping the pan will give you an good idea where you stand. Take a picture of it if you can and post it here.

Not good.

If you checked the atf without truck running, quite a bit of fluid probably rushed out, I bet you're a 1/2qt or more low depending on how fast you were at returning the bolt to the pan.

I definitely would not keep driving it. Sorry, but running it low is just as bad as nasty atf fluid, these trannies do not tolerate much room for error.

I hate that the owners manual doesn't give owners much insight; we're all basically clueless until someone tells us. Been there myself.

Definitely keep us posted, and post pics of what the internals of your tranny/tranny pan and fluid look like, as well as the filter if possible.

If you can't get started on the work tomorrow, at least put some ATF back in there if you're going to be driving it.

I won't driving anymore until I drop the pan.For sure I will post pictures.
I will nedd to drop the crossmember? Somebody say no need for this?
Thanks
Livio

I'm not sure about the crossmember if yours is a 4x4.

I don't have to drop mine, but my truck is a 4x2

Today I drained some of the old ATF (less then 2 qt) from the drain plug.
I pumped back almost 4 qt with the car running in the N. I then drove it and it started upshifting . From ten times three it was shifting. I wasn't able to also change the filter and I have no way of lifting the car. I was working outside and it was 32-ish fahrenheit. The ATF was pretty burned and really dirty, almost black. I'm gonna post some pictures of it tomorrow.
Thanks!
Livio

Sounds like you were most definitly 2 qts low....NOT GOOD.

Soon as you can, drop the pan and change that filter, and get 4-5 qts more of good fluid in there.

Today I check again the ATF and was ok level. I still don't change the filter but I will do it next week. Maybe I will go to a mechanic.
Now is upshifting until 30 40 m/h like 4000 rpm and sometimes is sliping. But drive much better then before. What you think if I drain again 4 qt old ATF and put new one it will help?
I will try some lucas atf fix they write it will stop sliping.
Thank you again

Sounds like you were most definitly 2 qts low....NOT GOOD.

Soon as you can, drop the pan and change that filter, and get 4-5 qts more of good fluid in there.

x2

You may be beyond helping this tranny, though...

Hi guys,
I change the filter and was very dirty, in the pan was like 1 inch mud , some black oil but very thick. Anyway the truck still don't upshift. The rpm goes 3300 and start sliping. After I almost stop the truck the tranny start have traction again but just around 3300 rpm.
You consider is time for a new tranny or is something I can try?
Thanks. I also have some pictures .I can post them?
Livio

Like I mentioned earlier you may want to try some auto-rx. You can read more about the success stories people have had with ARX.
http://auto-rx.activeboard.com/index.spark?forumID=108943&subForumID=362707&p=2

I honestly don't know what else can be tried, but it can't hurt to try something such as Headnsouth mentioned, hard to say if it would help though.....very doubtful.

Word of wise, it's better to find another auto tranny rather then rebuild the one you have....these 4L30-E's are not easy to rebuild and often fail again within a matter of months.

IMHO....tranny's toast.

Keep us posted.

Thank you,
I think I will try AX first.Maybe it will help.
I put around 5 qt ATF you think need more?
Also when I drove it I see the electrical drop from 15 V to 12 V
just around need to shift. Also when is sliping if I put in 2 gear is drive fine bun not in 3 gear.
Also I try it to start in winter mode and doesn't go. Because it start in 3gear?
Seems to be just the 3, 4 and the overdrive?
Maybe a solenoid?
Also when I drop the pan the ATF was almost black . I put almost 8 QT in there. And still black .
In pan I found some very fine metallic particles gold in color.
I think is just shifting very smoot from first in second and just stay there until slip.
I will drive it more and I will keep you posted
Livio

Thank you,
I think I will try AX first.Maybe it will help.
I put around 5 qt ATF you think need more?
Also when I drove it I see the electrical drop from 15 V to 12 V
just around need to shift. Also when is sliping if I put in 2 gear is drive fine bun not in 3 gear.
Also I try it to start in winter mode and doesn't go. Because it start in 3gear?
Seems to be just the 3, 4 and the overdrive?
Maybe a solenoid?
Also when I drop the pan the ATF was almost black . I put almost 8 QT in there. And still black .
In pan I found some very fine metallic particles gold in color.
I think is just shifting very smoot from first in second and just stay there until slip.
I will drive it more and I will keep you posted
Livio



It's time for a new tranny. You can try all the "miracle" fluids you want, but once the components are worn that's it.


Word of wise, it's better to find another auto tranny rather then rebuild the one you have....these 4L30-E's are not easy to rebuild and often fail again within a matter of months.

I disagree with that to a certain extent. How would you actually know the condition of a different tranny w/o actually tearing it open/testing it? You take a risk either way. I had mine rebuilt in 8/2006 and its running great. Just depends on who is doing the rebuild. Well, plus mine came with a 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty.


To the OP, if you decide to get it rebuilt get a warranty. BTW, it won't be cheap.

Can't wait for the pictures. It sounds like your transmission really suffered due to lack of maintenance.

The pictures, as promised. :smile:
The filter was made in Germany. Is this the original?
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii120/peppercad/2017.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii120/peppercad/2013.jpg
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii120/peppercad/2014.jpg

All I see is reflection in the pictures....is that because the fluid is chared black??

Not quite sure what you mean about putting almost 8qts of ATF in the pan.

Upon refilling the tranny, 5 qts sounds about right.

The volts WILL drop upon giving the truck gas as you first take off from a stop, it's designed that way.

Some auto tranny's are effected from low voltage from the alternator, but, after hearing/seeing your tranny's condition, it's most likely the transmission itself.

You can keep trying to do more fluid swaps, and additives, etc...but the end result is probably going to be the same, there's no bringing it back to life, not if the fluid is BLACK...sorry but the internals are most likely shot. I don't believe it's just a solenoid.

Personally, I would just leave it alone at this point, and start saving money and researching around for the best deal on a new or rebuilt tranny. OR, take it to a reputable tranny shop and have it looked at for an accurate diagnosis...just NOT AAMCO!

Post more pics if you can...the reflections so bad I can't really tell.

Wow. Pretty nasty. I refer you to my post above:

You may be beyond helping this tranny, though...

Hello again
I drove the Rodeo again and the Check AT light came on. When the light is on the transmission start shifting but very strong , almost like manual one. You can feel the truck shaking but is shifting. I try to found some transmission on the eBay they are in 6-800 $ range. Is this the good price?
How hard is to change myself the tranny?
Can swap with a manual one?
Thanks
Livio