2000 Chevy S-10 Transmission shifting out of high gear at h

LEON037

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
99,000 MILES

I just bought my truck with approximately 98000 miles. First noticed the problem during my first long trip and it seems to only occur when I drive on the hightway at high speeds for extended periods of time. The problem is described as follows: At first, truck shifts normal drives fine on the highway. Then for no reason at all, and while cruising at highway speed, it shifts to the next lower gear (3rd) and remains in that gear. On some occasions, turning off the car and immediately restarting the car temporarily fixed the problem. On other occasions, I had to shut if off and let it cool down. The transmission fluid level is fine, but there definitely was a burnt odor. Does that automatically mean that the transmission is shot and needs to be replaced? Or could it be a defective valve/soloniod that needs to be replaced along with a transmission fluid replacement? Please help. Thank you.

Thursday, March 25th, 2010 AT 12:42 AM

2 Replies

CARLWW

MEMBER
1 POST

My 2000 model has been doing the exact same thing since about 60000 miles, now has 76000 and still having to do the, pull over - kill - restart routine.

I was told from a local repair shop that the transmission was shot :(

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 1:01 PM

LEON037

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2 POSTS

Carlww,
Due to the situation I was in, I had no choice but to have mine fixed immediately. I ended up paying $1800 to have the tranmission replaced. The first thing he did was checked the fault stack that was causing the check engine light. I don't remember the exact fault code, but basically the problem was due to the clutch not gripping the gears in 4th, and therefore causing it to slip back to 3rd. The slipping generated excessive heat, causing the transmission fluid to smell burnt and look clear instead of the normal red color. They told me it got so hot that it melted the plastic filter and got all inside of the transmission. They also told me that it was a good thing I brought it in when I did because it probably wouldn't have lasted another 500 miles. That's good yours has lasted that long, but just keep in mind that it's eventually gonna lead to an expensive transmission repair. I had read that after vehicles are fitted with new/rebuilt transmissions, that they never run the same. And from what i've experienced, it definitely is true because I can definitely feel and hear the difference. Good luck with your truck, and let me know how it goes.

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 2:14 PM