Transmission slipping?

[coolcloo1019]

Hey guys. Not really sure what it is but it just started happening yesterday. I was pulling into a driveway that is pretty steep, after I turned in and started accelerating to go up the hill, it felt like the tranny slipped. Was going into the same driveway again today and it did it again. Now, I've been going in this same driveway everyday for almost 2 years now and never had this happen. My '02 only has 47,000 miles on it. I don't think I should need a new tranny yet. Any input?

[maxwedge]

Kinda vague, noise, slipping, feeling like it is the wrong gear, trans full, does it do it anywhere else?

[coolcloo1019]

Like I said in the original post. It just feels like a slip. But with 47k miles, the tranny definitely shouldn't be slipping. And it's never even towed anything or had any strain put on it besides normal driving. Last time I checked my tranny fluid it was fine. I will check it tomorrow to be sure. Guess it's something I'm going to have to take it to the dealer-rip for.

[rodeo02]

Yes 47Kmi is early for a 4L60E to fail, but what's the history of the truck? Has it ever been run hot? Done lots of towing? Has the ATF ever been changed? At the very least you need to do a pan drop & filter change at this age/mileage. Reaction shell (AKA- sun shell) failure is common on the 4L60E on the earlier TB's, but I'm not sure the symptoms are like yours.

Joel

[coolcloo1019]

I am the 2nd owner. It was originally owned by an older lady. It has never towed anything. The ATF hasn't been changed since I've had it, not sure if it has before I owned it. Is a pan drop and filter change something that can be done in the driveway? I just want to try and get the problem fixed before it turns into something really bad like needing a whole new tranny or something.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by coolcloo1019

..Is a pan drop and filter change something that can be done in the driveway?..

Sure can. It's messy, but a fairly easy DIY'er if you are up to the task. If you do drop the pan, you may as well install a universal drain plug kit on it, or replace the OEM pan with one with a built-in drain plug so you can do periodic drain/fills very easily. Typical shop charge for a pan drop & filter change is under $100.

Joel

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by coolcloo1019

I am the 2nd owner. It was originally owned by an older lady. It has never towed anything. The ATF hasn't been changed since I've had it, not sure if it has before I owned it. Is a pan drop and filter change something that can be done in the driveway? I just want to try and get the problem fixed before it turns into something really bad like needing a whole new tranny or something.

If in fact the trans is actually slipping, a scan done with a trans function scanner will reveal any internal sliupage errors or trans fault codes, might want to do this first.

[coolcloo1019]

Is that scanner something that can be had for cheap or should I take it to the dealership?

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by coolcloo1019

Is that scanner something that can be had for cheap or should I take it to the dealership?

This is a high line specialized scanner that most good trans shops have and of course all GM dealerships.

[rodeo02]

Yep. A shop will be able to link up to the TCM to monitor solenoid function, pressures, temperatures, etc.. It will probably run you $80+ for such an electronic diagnosis. It's the only true way to diagnose a problem.

Joel