Auto trans slipping in reverse?

milemaker13 · 03-19-2007, 04:03 AM

Hello everybody,
I have the 89 GMC Vandura 2500 with a 4 spd. auto trans. It has about 150k but had a rebuilt engine (5.7) at some point- I just got the van a week or two ago. It drove home fine, but now it doesn't engage reverse any more. It sits in the drive way waiting for me too really look at it. When I start it up to move it around, I put it in reverse and get nothing. Kinda tugs at itself, but does not move. Forward is ok it seems, and reverse will work after a few tries back and forth. Do you think this is low fluid? Or a more serious trans issue? I read about two adjustments I can make to two linkages, anybody have any advice for me? I will need to drive to a level lot to check the level, my driveway is NFG.

Bonnor · 03-19-2007, 05:06 AM

check the fluid first

chevyguy · 03-19-2007, 04:17 PM

Sounds like low fluid would be the easiest fix. Check it on level ground. Small the fluid and see if it smells burnt.

milemaker13 · 03-20-2007, 04:20 AM

Thats the plan. What about changing the fluid and filter? I have always run manual transmissions, autos are too finicky if you ask me. I have heard of a trans messing up after a fluid and filter change. Something about the "grit" in the old fluid. Maybe they ment the bands will now slip w/ newer fluid? What do you guys think? Thanks again-

bradrhale · 03-20-2007, 08:54 AM

you are going to have a really fine metallic dust which is normal wear. as long as there are no good size chunks, you will be ok. if you are getting it to go into reverse after tugging on the stick a few times, i would check the linkage to see if it is set too far forward. or is it backwards?? someone help me. i have not seen a trans eat itself just because you changed the fluid and filter. not unless they did something wrong.

chevyguy · 03-20-2007, 07:24 PM

Agreed. I didint read your post too weell. If oyu get it into reverse by manipulating the shafter then its probally the linkage , But iif it jsut takes time to go into gear then it could be fluid or something worse. As for fluid and filter change, It never hurts. i always drop in a Quart of B&M trickshift with every filter and fluid change

milemaker13 · 03-30-2007, 10:07 AM

I moved it the other day (no time or place to work on it now) and it went in rev. no problem. I checked the fluid (finally), cold and maybe not the most level... but it wasn't even showing on the stick. They give cold measurements on the stick. So, I added a little bit of "Lucas auto trans Juice", whatever they call it. I had it in the garage for some reason? It says it will seal up leaks and stop minor band slippage. I will drain and refill now that it is getting dry outside!

mudseeker · 03-31-2007, 05:25 AM

did you check the fluid while the truck was running? dumb question but some people don't realize you need to check it with the engine running.

03-19-2007, 04:03 AM	#1
milemaker13 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 13	Auto trans slipping in reverse? Hello everybody, I have the 89 GMC Vandura 2500 with a 4 spd. auto trans. It has about 150k but had a rebuilt engine (5.7) at some point- I just got the van a week or two ago. It drove home fine, but now it doesn't engage reverse any more. It sits in the drive way waiting for me too really look at it. When I start it up to move it around, I put it in reverse and get nothing. Kinda tugs at itself, but does not move. Forward is ok it seems, and reverse will work after a few tries back and forth. Do you think this is low fluid? Or a more serious trans issue? I read about two adjustments I can make to two linkages, anybody have any advice for me? I will need to drive to a level lot to check the level, my driveway is NFG.

03-19-2007, 04:17 PM	#3
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,555	Sounds like low fluid would be the easiest fix. Check it on level ground. Small the fluid and see if it smells burnt. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, Basically useless, But fun to watch when you push them down the stairs.

03-20-2007, 07:24 PM	#6
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,555	Agreed. I didint read your post too weell. If oyu get it into reverse by manipulating the shafter then its probally the linkage , But iif it jsut takes time to go into gear then it could be fluid or something worse. As for fluid and filter change, It never hurts. i always drop in a Quart of B&M trickshift with every filter and fluid change __________________ Some people are like slinkies, Basically useless, But fun to watch when you push them down the stairs.

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03-19-2007, 05:06 AM	#2
Bonnor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 90	check the fluid first

03-20-2007, 04:20 AM	#4
milemaker13 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 13	Thats the plan. What about changing the fluid and filter? I have always run manual transmissions, autos are too finicky if you ask me. I have heard of a trans messing up after a fluid and filter change. Something about the "grit" in the old fluid. Maybe they ment the bands will now slip w/ newer fluid? What do you guys think? Thanks again-

03-20-2007, 08:54 AM	#5
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 9,547	you are going to have a really fine metallic dust which is normal wear. as long as there are no good size chunks, you will be ok. if you are getting it to go into reverse after tugging on the stick a few times, i would check the linkage to see if it is set too far forward. or is it backwards?? someone help me. i have not seen a trans eat itself just because you changed the fluid and filter. not unless they did something wrong.

03-30-2007, 10:07 AM	#7
milemaker13 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 13	I moved it the other day (no time or place to work on it now) and it went in rev. no problem. I checked the fluid (finally), cold and maybe not the most level... but it wasn't even showing on the stick. They give cold measurements on the stick. So, I added a little bit of "Lucas auto trans Juice", whatever they call it. I had it in the garage for some reason? It says it will seal up leaks and stop minor band slippage. I will drain and refill now that it is getting dry outside!

03-31-2007, 05:25 AM	#8
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 7,155	did you check the fluid while the truck was running? dumb question but some people don't realize you need to check it with the engine running.