Transmission seems to go into neutral while driving?

GDAVIDSON501

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE
0.5L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My SUV seems to just go in neutral with no warning. I do not think it actually changes gears but when you press on the gas the engine races. I have had to push it to the side of the road. I let it set for a minute then it starts and runs fine, until the next time. Had the transmission checked they said it seemed fine but I cannot drive it because I do not know when it will happen again. Ever heard of this problem?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,878 POSTS

Yes, this is what they do when they are starting to go out. Do you have a check engine light on? We should run the codes just in case there is a shift solenoid or shaft speed sensor that is out.

Here are some guides:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Saturday, September 9th, 2017 AT 6:07 PM

GDAVIDSON501

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No, we do not have a check engine light on, but another thing I forgot to mention is the gas gauge goes haywire when this happens. May not have anything to do with the problem but it will go to empty and back to half full and flicker back and forth. Should I take it and have it put on a meter to have the engine checked even if the check engine light is not on? And thank you so much for giving me some idea of the problem. It is great to have someone to talk to that knows what they are talking about. Thanks again

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Sunday, September 10th, 2017 AT 7:58 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,878 POSTS

Great clue by the way. it sounds like you have a bad ground of a computer that is going out. I would do a pin to pin check to see if the wiring checks out if so get your hands on a used computer and plug it in.

Here is the wiring diagram for the fuel gauge which is included in the engine wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

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