I've got a 1995 Suburban with 270,000 miles and my transmission slips on cold starts. It has a hard time shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Usually if I drive it for a bit it begins to operate normally. I haven't been able to check if it does this in warmer weather since it's now winter. Could this be a fluid problem, or does it sound like my high mileage transmission is finally dying?
Also, does anyone know what the typical/average charge is for a transmission overhaul/rebuild?
Thanks
2007-12-02
14:28:07
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14 answers
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asked by
Jeff S
5
in
Cars & Transportation
➔ Car Makes
➔ Chevrolet
I recently serviced the transmission. I changed the filter and put new ATF. Also the current fluid level is good and the fluid is still reddish not brown or dark dark red.
2007-12-02
22:01:54 ·
update #1
I own a transmission shop, and the #1 cause for this is the transmission is low on fluid. Fluid expands & contracts to heat, and when it gets warm the fluid expands enough to work properly. Check the fluid level this way. Run the vehicle until its hot, park on level ground, engine running, place in park, and check the level at least 6-8 times, and if you look at both sides of the stick you will see its lower on one side than it is the other, so you must go by the lower reading. The reason for this is, when you pull the stick out, it will drag fluid up the tube with it, and a false reading is very easy to do. It sounds like you are about 1/2 of a quart low, or better. Don't over fill the transmission, and if you do you will have to use a hand pump to pull some back out through the fill tube. If its not low, then its sucking air somehow around the new filter you installed. A common mistake is installing the gromet for the filter into the valve body without removing the old one, or damaging the new one or the transmission case by scratching it when removing the old gromet. If it was scratched, then use some 400 grit sandpaper to remove these scratches, and use a socket with a shot extension to install the new gromet up in the case. These gromets are really hard to install with the transmission in the vehicle, so I do it with a socket that fits the seal, but doesn't hit the case. They make a tool for this, but a socket of the right diameter will work ok. I have seen the filter just fall out back into the pan and cause this too.
Advance Auto parts carries some stuff called Lubeguard that you can get to put in the transmission that will help with the shifting issues. The valves in them will stick, and cause the shift issues, and this rings especially true when the weather is cold outside.
You would be looking at about $1,200 - $1,600 for a rebuild depending on where you live. You could get a good used one from a junkyard with low mileage for about $800, plus installation. This transmission is not a cheap one to have done, and may even run as much as $2,000 in some area's.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!
2007-12-03 01:09:59
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Transmission Slips When Cold
2016-10-03 06:39:39
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answer #2
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answered by ? 4
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This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why does my transmission slip only when it is cold?
I've got a 1995 Suburban with 270,000 miles and my transmission slips on cold starts. It has a hard time shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Usually if I drive it for a bit it begins to operate normally. I haven't been able to check if it does this in warmer weather since it's now...
2015-08-24 06:02:16
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answer #3
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answered by Harry 1
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My Chevy did the same thing. It hesitates because it's cold. I suggest starting your car and letting it run for a few minutes before you drive it...let it warm up a little. It seems to help.
On the other hand, it is an old car with a lot of miles on it....it has lasted a good while, and it may very well be slowing down. You are looking at well over $1000 for a new or rebuilt transmission...could be as much as $2000. I say rule out every other possibility before taking it to a shop. Start by checking your fluid level.
2007-12-02 14:34:17
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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it could just be low in fluid or it could be that the transmission fluid is old. try changing the fluid before you worry about repairs. if you do need to get it repaired or replaced, go to 3 or 4 places and ask for an estimate. also, ask around to see who your friends recommend. good luck. prices are anywhere from 600 - 3,000 depending on whats wrong, where you live, kind of vehicle, etc.
2007-12-02 14:36:29
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answer #5
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answered by busymomkaren 5
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2017-02-27 23:31:52
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answer #6
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answered by ? 3
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For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/YpDCX
I'm a driver and consumer only. Doesn't this mean when your car is old, it needs to be warmed up before driving.
2016-03-26 22:56:34
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answer #7
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answered by Jennifer 4
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This cold problem could be caused by a number of things.The first place to start would be a trans service.Fresh fluid and filter replacement.This will all so show the amount of clutch material in the trans pan.The trans service could all so correct your cold problem.Best of luck with your suburban.
2007-12-02 14:37:51
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answer #8
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answered by HyperGforce 7
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mine on rodeo was rebuild shift good let set got cold now slips and lumps out of gear never did do it until got cold out side
2015-11-25 01:42:26
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answer #9
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answered by Ranny 1
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Because it has not had a chance to circulate through the engine. Start your car, and dont drive until the heater heats up and you feel the hot air. Than your car is ready to drive. Geting an overhaul can cost thousands, try getting your tranny oil changed and lube your seals, they dry out after all that driving, and you have a lot of miles on your vehicle.
2007-12-02 14:31:56
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answer #10
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answered by kimmy3 3
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