If your vehicle ever gets stuck in first and it's an automatic it's limp mode and it's a simple shift solenoid so don't let anybody tell you you need a new transmission
Hey man I'm a mechanic and worked for chevy and owned several chevy vans. They have a problem with the valve body's. They actually sell a $20 part you can replace that fixes the hard shift but I recommend replacing the whole valve body. They're only a couple hundred bucks. They have a second gen valve body that has reworked ports I'd get that one.
Shoot, too bad you weren't here a couple of weeks ago! Our van is actually in the shop now getting the transmission replaced with a reman. Should be getting it back soon!
Beautiful camera work and footage as always, thanks for taking us along with you and what's a road trip without a little drama?? Hope you're on your way again very soon:)
Did you check your transmission fluid to see if it is low? Also, when was the transmission filter and transmission fluid changed? The filter can get stopped up if not replace periodically.
We did check the fluid level and it was good. We changed the fluid and filter before we left home about 3000 miles ago. The van has about 160,000 miles on it and we're pretty sure the previous owners did not keep up with maintenance like servicing the transmission.
Looks lie a Chebby. What year & transmission? If it is a 700R4 then it is a 4 speed, 4th gear being OD. If a turbo 350 then it is a 3 speed with TCC (torque converter clutch). Depending on the year it could be 4L60 which is the upgraded & electronic version of the 700R4. First thing check fluid level & condition of the fluid. Bright red is OK, dark brownish red and a bad burnt smell means the tranny is gone. Both the 700R4 & 4L60 are known for trouble. Early signs of trouble with the 700R4 is harsh shifting. If you have to get it rebuilt search around for someone who has a lot of experience on those trannys otherwise you will be facing a re-do or 2 or 3.
It is a 1991 with a 700r4. We changed the fluid and filter about 3000 miles ago. The fluid was in terrible condition when we changed it (van has 160,000 miles on it with minimal maintenance). This week we took it to a transmission shop to get diagnosed and the fluid was black again, so I think we're looking at a rebuild. Any difference between rebuilding ours vs installing a reman?
@@kaydeandkatrina Depends on the rebuilder. I can't recommend either, best to do a lot of research. Check referrals on U-tube or facebook. Some remans are good others not so good. Either way it's going to be $$$ so be cautious. Rebuild shops have a lot of returns on that trans. If it is cared for properly they are OK but can't stand a lot of abuse. TV cable adjustment is critical and the 4th gear is computer controlled- - - - I think. I have only had experience with one, most of my knowledge is from owners. Go to U-tube & watch some repair videos on the trans to get some idea.
@@kaydeandkatrina Good luck. We just finished a 2400 mile trip from Tulsa to Columbus Ohio & back in our Dodge Class B last week. Having a major mechanical breakdown is always on ones mind. A hint on how to get the most miles out of any automatic transmission w/ overdrive: Stay in 3rd gear when driving in hilly terrain or pulling a heavy load. I had a 700R4 that I installed in an 83 Malibu wagon. That was some time back & can't remember if the gear selector will allow that. You can on a Dodge. You guys are taking part of a trip that my wife & myself plan on doing, tour the west coast. Not going to do it in a camper van though, too much distance between here & there.