2000 Jimmy transmission problem

[Mike Pierog]

I have a 2000 Jimmy (4x4), 4 door, SLS (Blackcomb Special Edition). It has 160,000 km. All of a sudden, without warning, the automatic transmission will not switch into 3rd gear. First, second and reverse work fine, but when it is supposed to jump up into 3rd gear, it just revs as if it were in neutral.

Transmission fluid was changed at 154,000 km and there doesn't seem to be any leaks.

Is my 3rd gear shot? or could it be something less serious like a band problem? Any suggestions?

Please help.

[old_master]

Is the "Service Engine Soon" light on?

[Mike Pierog]

There is no "service engine soon" light on, or any other warning light

[old_master]

It's possible that something in the 2-3 upshift circuit is malfunctioning, possibly the solenoid. It's odd that the "SES" light hasn't come on though. You might want to have a reputable transmission shop check it out.

[Mike Pierog]

yeah, no warning, no dash indicators on..... If it is the solenoid, is that expensive to have fixed? This truck is running very well, just will not change into 3rd gear

[old_master]

To replace the solenoid, if that's the problem, the pan must be removed to access the solenoid. Will involve 5-6 quarts of transmission fluid, a filter and gasket kit, the solenoid, and approximately 2.5 hours of labor. I'm not sure on the cost of the solenoid, but everything else would be around $200.00 USD depending on what labor in your area is. My area is $70.00 USD per hour.

[Mike Pierog]

Is it possible to check for a malfunctioning in the circuit(s) without a place having to take my whole transmission apart? I guess I am just scared of getting ripped off. I am currently looking for some reputable places to get it looked at. Thought it would be good to get some online opinions/knowledge before I went in. Thanks.

[old_master]

Without the "SES" light on, the only way to acurately diagnose it involves tracing the electrical circuits manually and visually inspecting the solenoid. To trace the circuits, the entire length of each wire in the harness must be accessed. One end is in the transmission, the other is at the ECM. To gain access to the ends in the transmission, the pan must be removed. To gain access to the solenoid, the pan must also be removed. To answer your question: It's not possible to acurately diagnose without at least removing the pan, or using a good quality crystal ball.