Ok How Bad is this going to hurt

[Highlandlass]

I have a 1997 Surburban 4x4. To make a long story short on my way back from Ohio to PA my Suburban decided to drop Reverse without warning in WV. Nice ugly surprise when traveling with a 5 month old baby and 4 yo solo. (I am a woman btw.) It never gave me the usual trans warnings. If it had I would have never driven to Ohio in the first place.

My question is what is everyones best estimate on what this is going to cost me to have fixed? I love my Suburban. This is the first major issue I have ever had with it. It has 120K on it.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by Highlandlass

I have a 1997 Surburban 4x4. To make a long story short on my way back from Ohio to PA my Suburban decided to drop Reverse without warning in WV. Nice ugly surprise when traveling with a 5 month old baby and 4 yo solo. (I am a woman btw.) It never gave me the usual trans warnings. If it had I would have never driven to Ohio in the first place.

My question is what is everyones best estimate on what this is going to cost me to have fixed? I love my Suburban. This is the first major issue I have ever had with it. It has 120K on it.

Does it seem to shift weirdly in forward, as if it's missing 2nd and going straight to 3rd from first? Does it shift into overdrive, or does it race like it's in neutral?

My guess is a failed part called a 'reaction sun shell' - these tend to fail without warning and when they do, you lose reverse, 2nd and OD. This would be transmission rebuild time. Generally, no less than $1500 in a shop. Below is a picture of a failed reaction sun shell component - this should be a one piece deal, not two as in the picture. This one was from my own transmission a year ago, and depicts a common fatigue failure at the hub (the ring shaped thing).

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Highlandlass

I have a 1997 Surburban 4x4. To make a long story short on my way back from Ohio to PA my Suburban decided to drop Reverse without warning in WV. Nice ugly surprise when traveling with a 5 month old baby and 4 yo solo. (I am a woman btw.) It never gave me the usual trans warnings. If it had I would have never driven to Ohio in the first place.

My question is what is everyones best estimate on what this is going to cost me to have fixed? I love my Suburban. This is the first major issue I have ever had with it. It has 120K on it.

If reverse is gone it is a internal problem.
Considering you are going to have it fixed out of state and only 120K on it.
I would go a factory rebuilt transmission from a GM dealer.
The warranty on them has been upped to 100k or 3 years.
And good for parts and labor at any GM dealer.
Also anyone or repair shop can get them and install it.
And still covered under GM warranty at dealer shop nation wide.

Price may vary with how good of a discount you can get.
Check your dealer or repair shop for price.
Let us know what there price is.

And tell us what engine and transmission you have and what size Surburban?

[mitch2264]

Bless your heart! Ours at least waited until we were almost home off of vacation before it went. Ours went at 60,000 miles I had it a Goodwrench put in at the local Chevy store and it was 2400.00 total. I did get the 3 year 150,000 mile warranty valid at all GM dealers. I could have gotten it done cheaper, but the warranty enticed me and this was my first time ever dealing with a transmission issue. I just wanted it fixed

[Highlandlass]

I managed to limp home with it.... Two truckers took pity on the woman traveling alone and followed me all the way from Wheeling to Harrisburg PA. Not fun pushing a Suburban out of a parking spot at a McD's solo.

After reverse went it started the whole jerk between 1st and 2nd thing and the Service Engine soon light came on. I have an awesome garage here in PA. But I don't want to waste their time until I have the $$ saved up for them to do the work.

It is a K1500 4x4 5.7L if that makes any difference..

[mitch2264]

Thankfully you guys got home okay and that you will be able to get it repaired on your home turf! Look at the bright side--with today's high gas prices you will have the money saved for a new a transmission in no time with the burb being parked

You should get out cheaper than I did since you are using what I assume to be a private garage! Good luck and let us know when you get your baby back on the road!

[Highlandlass]

We made it home in one piece. My poor truck has been on the injured reserve for 6 weeks. Not fun smooshing everyone in a 1992 Cavalier but oh well.

Hopefully we will have the $$ to get it fixed shortly. I am stay at home mom and going a bit stir crazy.