Have a 1998 chevy express 1500 conversion van. When it gets warmed up(app. 20miles highway driving) the trans. starts shifting very hard. seems fine while running highway but when start and stop it shifts hard and jerks entire vehicle. Also can smell trans. oil and there appears to be some blowback somewhere becouse back of van has sprinkling of oil. What could be causing this. Is tc slipping in O/D.

 

When was the last time it was serviced? How is the fluid level currently?

That has the 4l60e transmision in it, there were several problems with that transmission for 96-01.


Tim

 

It only has about 80,000miles on it. It was serviced last year around 60,000 miles. It actually had started doing this some before servicing. It seems to be worse in summer when it is hotter. It seems the trans temp is heating up and building pressure. I do not know much about trans. But I have heard you can get a raw deal from trans. shops. I don't know anyone good locally to take it to.
Just trying to get some ideas before I do take it to someone.
Thanks.

 

I will call the tranny shop we use and get the most probable cause(s) for your concern and repost tomorrow, gtg to work.

Tim

 

Thank you very much any help would be appreciated.

 

4L60E has a habit of eating its OD clutches. If you have it rebuilt, ask for heavy duty upgrades, such as a larger servo for the front band. Also, there is a GM kit that upgrades the OD clutch to a 4L65E configuration.

 

Here is the skinny for the symptoms you are describing.

Fluid discharge from the vent tube is most likely from overheating, the overheating could be from the torque converter, the overheated fluid reaks havoc with the EPC, "Electronic Pressure Control", causing the hard shifting, unfortunately the transmission is most likely at the end of its life.

In my area, a seal to seal rebuild with h/d torque converter, upgraded band and clutch's, steels , will cost you appx $1,800- 2,000, that includes all labor.

Good luck,

Tim

 

You might wanna contact TotallyRad as he lives in Alabama. Now that you know what's wrong with it, he might be able to steer you to a decent tranny shop in your area.

chaikwa.

 

Thanks for the replies. Not exactly the answer I wanted but what I feared. If it is the Torque Converter can you just replace it or is it better to do the whole thing while you have it out. Thanks again.

 

It is easy for me to spend your money, however just replacing the t/q will at best only slightly prolong the enevitable, the damage is already done. Spend the money one time.

Sorry,

Tim