1997 Chevy S-10 will not shift above D2

JEFF CRITTENDEN

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

Fluid level is fine and seems "not burnt" (smelling). Will shift from 1 to 2 but no further. Obviously engine revs up when you reach speeds above about 20-25 mph. Is a filter change my first best bet? Thanks!

Thursday, October 7th, 2010 AT 9:53 AM

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

No if your filter was screwed up you wouldn't get 1st or 2nd. Take it to a trans pro for a proper diagnosis.

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Friday, October 8th, 2010 AT 8:02 PM

JEFF CRITTENDEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks hmac300. Since that post I've had it to a highly recommended trans shop locally. They replaced the harness for the shift solenoids inside the pan (above the valve body) because after clearing the codes, it set those same codes immediatley without starting or driving the vehicle. P0740, 753, 758, and 785. So they assumed a short in that harness. After that was replaced, same issue except now it is 3rd gear all the time. They suggested an "electrical diagnosis", I guess for shorts or non-transmission, non-"mechanical" stuff (computer / sensor stuff), but I hate taking it somewhere else ($$) for what seems like more guess-work. Maybe slap in a salvage yard ECM (main computer) and see what happens? An associate at the local Chev dealer said maybe the ignition switch.

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 4:34 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

That is still guess work with the ignition switch. Check your battery first and the connections going to the trans. They may be bad. If your battery is good then check the iginition switch to see what kind of power is coming from it as it could act like a bad battery. A bad battery will screw up teh computer. It still could be electrical but you should clean most of your grounds especially any around the trans if you can see them. As well as the ones on the engine they should be plainly visible. I doubt its' the computer but it could be. There is a ground for th computer on the radiator panel I think on those, make sure that is clean as well.

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 6:17 PM