Intermittent transmission issue?

[Michigan]

2004 Tahoe z71 4x4

so for the past month my truck has intermittently had a problem, one day I got into it and put it into reverse but would not move, I moved the gear selector up and down and into drive and would not move then reverse and still would not move until I hit the gas some and then it violently jerked and moved then put it into drive and hesitated a bit and started moving. I am also hearing a clunk like noise from under the truck

so after this episode the truck would run fine then 2 weeks after it did the same thing, would not go into reverse then when it did it make a clunk like noise and same thing with drive. Would not move till gas was applied and then kind of violently caught along with the clunk like noise underneath I thought something was going to break right then and there

About another two weeks after which was last night I drove the truck home from work, about 28 miles through my trip I pull to a red light and then when the light turned green I press the gas and it did not want to go till I applied more gas it caught and kind of jerked again. It was as if I was holding the break down and pressing the gas then letting off the break.

Any thoughts?

 

[OR VietVet]

Basics first. What is the trans fluid level and condition? Low fluid can cause these symptoms. I would also do a thorough under the vehicle to see if you can locate noise problem but the noise could be from trans internals or loose where trans and engine mate up or.....etc. Check driveshaft(s) and all mounts.

You may have an internal trans problem and are headed for a breakdown, NOT IN YOUR DRIVEWAY.

 

[swathdiver]

2004 Tahoe z71 4x4

so for the past month my truck has intermittently had a problem, one day I got into it and put it into reverse but would not move, I moved the gear selector up and down and into drive and would not move then reverse and still would not move until I hit the gas some and then it violently jerked and moved then put it into drive and hesitated a bit and started moving. I am also hearing a clunk like noise from under the truck

so after this episode the truck would run fine then 2 weeks after it did the same thing, would not go into reverse then when it did it make a clunk like noise and same thing with drive. Would not move till gas was applied and then kind of violently caught along with the clunk like noise underneath I thought something was going to break right then and there

About another two weeks after which was last night I drove the truck home from work, about 28 miles through my trip I pull to a red light and then when the light turned green I press the gas and it did not want to go till I applied more gas it caught and kind of jerked again. It was as if I was holding the break down and pressing the gas then letting off the break.

Any thoughts?

I've read about transfer cases acting similarly. To effectively and inexpensively diagnose this, you're going to need a bi-directional scan tool that can read the transmission parameters, codes and same for the transfer case, like the Tech-2. Such a tool can also run tests and used in conjunction with the shop manual, will help you pinpoint the problem quickly and accurately.

 

[Michigan]

Thanks for the replies. The trans fluid seamed fine to me. I bought the truck exactly two years ago this month. I think the prior owner had the trans rebuilt one year before I bought it from him. I’ll have to look back at the paperwork but I remember he paid about 2,000 or more. I have the receipt.

Also was talking to another Tahoe owner about this problem and he thought maybe could be a transfer case problem. I’m not sure but I think I will have to take it into a shop


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[Doubeleive]

If it's only been 2 years you might try getting it serviced at a reputable transmission shop and tell them what is happening, best case scenario the service clears up the problem or maybe you get lucky and just have it be a sticky actuator, if the trans shop doesn't find any metal in the pan then you might be lucky. It's really hard to second guess a transmission issue without taking a closer look

 

[Fless]

Some of this generation's transfer cases have an issue with "pump rub" which wears a hole through the case. The fluid can get low from leaking out the hole and that can damage the internals. I'm not saying that's your issue, just note that it happens with mileage.

It's not difficult to check your tranny fluid level, and it didn't sound like you were really certain. Measure it as stated in the manual: warmed up, on a level surface, engine running, work through all shift lever positions and back to park, etc. The condition of the fluid should also be looked at, smelled, etc.

 

[wjburken]

Some of this generation's transfer cases have an issue with "pump rub" which wears a hole through the case. The fluid can get low from leaking out the hole and that can damage the internals. I'm not saying that's your issue, just note that it happens with mileage.

The transfer case on my 2004 Silverado had the hole worn in the case. When it did, I got a Service 4WD message on my DIC. Unfortunately, it was too late. It turned into a box of gravel as I was pulling into the dealer for them to look at it as the pinhole blew out and I dumped the fluid even after filling it up in my driveway before driving the 10 blocks to the dealer.

 

[Fless]

The transfer case on my 2004 Silverado had the hole worn in the case. When it did, I got a Service 4WD message on my DIC. Unfortunately, it was too late. It turned into a box of gravel as I was pulling into the dealer for them to look at it as the pinhole blew out and I dumped the fluid even after filling it up in my driveway before driving the 10 blocks to the dealer.

The NVG 4x4 Tcases hold only a little more than 2 qts. of fluid, so once a leak starts, it goes down pretty fast.

 

[rockola1971]

I would be looking for a transmission rear seal leak causing tranny fluid to leak from tranny to the transfer case which will cause your tranny to be low on fluid. Could also be plugged tranny filter or leaking Oring at filter.

 

[Michigan]

Ok so when I checked it I thought it was a quart low. I took it to the gas station that has a garage where I take my cars for maintenance to confirm and the guy tells me it looks to be 2 or 3 quarts. I didn’t think so but he tells me to add the 2 quarts first and go from there. He seamed confident and I didn’t want to question him so I made the mistake of adding both when I should have added one and check the level then go from there so after adding the 2 quarts it went over the crosshatch area and overfilled maybe half inch to inch.

He says I must have a leak since it was low and to bring it back to have it inspected. Is it safe to say there is a leak or can trans fluid become low for any other reason ie how engine oil burns oil.

I’m still not sure this is my intermittent issue or not.

Would 1 and a half quarts low cause my trans to act like this? And also how bad is it if I am overfilled a half quart to a quart?


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