96 Savana Transmission issues! **HELP**

[dblsix]

hey guys/gals, I have a 96 GMC Savana-2500 with an auto tranny that doesn't want to stay in gear.
I can put the truck into 'D' and drive away and then 30 seconds later the tranny feels like it drops into neutral. At this point I have to shift down to '2' in order to keep moving. If I put the trans into neutral and back into 'D' it will work for a few seconds and then drop back into neutral.

I'm kinda new here so I don't have the trans codes but does anyone have any ideas? Neutral switch?

"Please god, not a new transmission!!!"

[drdd]

change your transmission filter and top off tranny fluid ASAP.

Originally Posted by dblsix

hey guys/gals, I have a 96 GMC Savana-2500 with an auto tranny that doesn't want to stay in gear.
I can put the truck into 'D' and drive away and then 30 seconds later the tranny feels like it drops into neutral. At this point I have to shift down to '2' in order to keep moving. If I put the trans into neutral and back into 'D' it will work for a few seconds and then drop back into neutral.

I'm kinda new here so I don't have the trans codes but does anyone have any ideas? Neutral switch?

"Please god, not a new transmission!!!"

[dblsix]

Will this actually give me back 3rd and 4th gear?
The trans fluid is fully topped up.

[drdd]

A clogged filter and dirty trans fluid can cause many problems. The filter change is cheap (or you can do it yourself) and may solve your problems. It also gives you a better idea of the condition of the tranny (look for any metal shavings in the pan). Much of the tranny runs on fluid pressure. The majority of tranny problems are due to lack of fluid care. If changing the filter and fluid doesn't solve your problems, you haven't wasted much money and you've eliminated one possibility in your diagnosis.

Originally Posted by dblsix

Will this actually give me back 3rd and 4th gear?
The trans fluid is fully topped up.

[dblsix]

Good point. I'll take care of that and hope for the best.
I've heard it could be a shift solenoid or internal clutches? True/false?

Originally Posted by drdd

A clogged filter and dirty trans fluid can cause many problems. The filter change is cheap (or you can do it yourself) and may solve your problems. It also gives you a better idea of the condition of the tranny (look for any metal shavings in the pan). Much of the tranny runs on fluid pressure. The majority of tranny problems are due to lack of fluid care. If changing the filter and fluid doesn't solve your problems, you haven't wasted much money and you've eliminated one possibility in your diagnosis.

[drdd]

Is your "check engine soon" light on? If so, take it to Autozone and ask them to read the codes. Report back with the exact number code (ex. P0175).

Originally Posted by dblsix

Good point. I'll take care of that and hope for the best.
I've heard it could be a shift solenoid or internal clutches? True/false?