1997 Rodeo Transmission problems

[livio]

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:
PS. There are no weird noises coming from the transmission or the engine or anything.

[amigo-2k]

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

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.

[livio]

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.

[Headnsouth]

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

[Ramblin Fever]

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.

[Headnsouth]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

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.

[FL 3.2L]

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.

[livio]

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.

[Headnsouth]

Originally Posted by livio

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

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.

[FL 3.2L]

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.

[livio]

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

[Headnsouth]

You can use a pump like this:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...8074_200008074
Most Auto parts will carry something like this. IMO its worth doing a filter fluid change and use some auto-rx.

[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