1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Hey yall, I'm new to the forums and I've got a problem I need some help with. I've got a 1996 K1500 Silverado Z71 and it has an automatic transmission. Yesterday I was driving along and my transmission went out...I though because it was just like it had went into nuteral. So I pulled over on the side of the road and put it in park, I then put it back in drive and it went into 1st gear and then when it should have shifted to 2nd it went into like nuteral. I then put it in reverse and it worked with no problems. After that I just put it in park and called a wrecker and got him to tow it to my house.

I got in the truck this morning hopeing that the problem was caused by the abnormally cold weather yesterday and drove it a short peice up the road. And to my dissapointment it would shift through 1st and 2nd gear but would not engage third or fourth it would just act like it went into nuteral. I haven't tried manually shifting it because I didn't want to take the chance of messing up more than was already messed up.

If yall can help with this problem I would appreciate it very much.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Well to help diagnose the problem, start with whats easiest and cheap. First check the fluid level. If its good then you could drop the trans. pan and replace the filter. If that doesnt fix the problem then your looking at needing your trans rebuilt or just replacing it. The clutches in the trans may have finallywent out. Also, i have heard alot of stories about how the wiring harness will eventually burn up to the transmission. I cant say for sure that a 96 model truck has the 4L60-E auto transmission. Ive heard that a burnt wiring harness has been a problem on 1997 and newer model GM trucks. You may want to check any wiring to the trans. and see if you have any burnt wires. Good luck.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Gonna need a rebuild...probably toasted the 3-4 clutch pack and the output drum is probably worn down.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Thanks for the replies. I checked the tranny fluid earlier this evening and it was just right, and I plan on a little more under truck inspection tomorrow. I'll look around and see if I can't find some wiring problems, If that's all good then I'll have to drop the pan and change the filter and fluid like you said and give it a little test drive to see if it works. And if it don't I guess I'll start looking for somebody that can rebuildthe transmissionfor a good price...unless there are any more things I should check or tricks I should know before I find somebody to rebuild it.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Save yourself the time of a filter change. As Yankee said your 3-4 clutches are out. You need a rebuild. There are some upgrades you can do to help the strength issues.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Yeah losing 3rd and 4th isn't a wiring or fluid problem...you need a rebuild.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

yankee's right...your lookin at around 1200-1500ish for a rebuild.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Replace the filter??? Huh? Kinda like changing the oil in a blown motor don't ya think.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Well, thanks for the help guys. I guess I'll be looking around for somebody to rebuild it for me.

RE: 1996 K1500 Silverado Transmission Problems
 

Where are you located?