Recent Feedback
I have a 2004 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT 2wd. This morning going to work, the engine icon lights up and then the transmission will only work in park, reverse, neutral and 1st gear. The manual says that that light is for ignition problems or fuel problems. What may be wrong?
Optional Information: Year: 2004Make : ChevroletModel: Suburban 1500 LTEngine: 5.3 Flex Already Tried: Drove it home.
Hello and welcome.
Can you tell me exactly what the transmission is doing? Does it not shift into 2nd, 3rd or 4th?
Reverse works fine. The vehicle moves fine. It will not shift out of 1st.
OK.
There are several possibilities. The check engine light is the key to this.
The check engine light can come on for for many reasons related to engine, emission, ignition, or fuel. But it can also come on for transmission problems.
Some engine related codes will cause the trans. to default into this type of shifting. But most of the time a transmission is the problem, and will cause the check engine light.
Need to get the codes scanned to see if the light is on for an engine or trans. problem. Several different transmission problems will cause the light and this shifting problem. there are several bulletins, depending on the code. It could be a problem inn the ignition switch, internal trans. components like- a reaction sun shell, forward sprag, or 2-4 servo.
A scan of the codes is the only way to tell if and engine problem caused the light and shifting problem, or the trans. shifting problem or ignition problem caused the light.
How much does the scan cost? Should I get it from the Chevy dealer or take it to Auto Zone to read the codes for free?
You may want to get the codes scanned for free at the autozone first. It may turn out that a simple engine related sensor is bad, causing the transmission problems. May even be something you can replace yourself, or a local mechanic shop at a much less labor rate. One other thing you can do is check all the fuses. Just to be safe it is not a blown fuse. If there was, you would need to have the cause of the blown fuse diagnosed, but at least it would return to normal driving.
Experience: Over 18 years experience at GM Dealer.