Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Search Auto Parts

2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear


  Email This Post



XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 12:14 PM

Post #1 of 21 (3652 views)
2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

2006
Chevy
Trailblazer LS
Vortec 4200 4.2 Inline 6
Automatic
2 wheel drive

My wife was driving her TB and while driving the transmission just stopped shifting. No noise, no warning signs, no nothing. It wont go into any gear at all, just revs. I let it warm up for 30 minutes and checked the transmission fluid and there seems to be a thin even amount of fluid far past the full marker, picture here http://imgur.com/a/xjEvI. Is this normal? It appears it is either way over filled or under filled. I checked the linkage and its not broken but it makes a weird clicking from where the linkage connects to the transmission.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 27, 2016, 12:41 PM

Post #2 of 21 (3643 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

Site trans guru should be by soon but looks way too full in your pic. Why? Did you touch it or add yourself or recently someone else?


Basics: Too full if checking properly can be a couple things that come to mind and also not engage a gear. Depending on type the trans filter can fall down and can't pick up fluid or front pump isn't pumping at all so level wouldn't change engine running or not or never sure for all but checked in "P" or "N" matters for level shown.


Till he gets here for more suggestions I'm just asking if it's using up trans fluid, leaking that you know of and chance it wasn't filled properly recently or has been running low regularly - if so you need to find out why and not run too low. Probably not by the color unless you just added fluid now?


T



XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 12:53 PM

Post #3 of 21 (3638 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In


In Reply To
Site trans guru should be by soon but looks way too full in your pic. Why? Did you touch it or add yourself or recently someone else?


Basics: Too full if checking properly can be a couple things that come to mind and also not engage a gear. Depending on type the trans filter can fall down and can't pick up fluid or front pump isn't pumping at all so level wouldn't change engine running or not or never sure for all but checked in "P" or "N" matters for level shown.


Till he gets here for more suggestions I'm just asking if it's using up trans fluid, leaking that you know of and chance it wasn't filled properly recently or has been running low regularly - if so you need to find out why and not run too low. Probably not by the color unless you just added fluid now?


T


I thought it looked to full also. Way to full. But no I haven't put any transmission fluid in it in the year we have had it and unless the shop I took it to a few times for unrelated issues put in in there nobody else has put any fluid in it. It also isn't leaking transmission fluid either.


kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Aug 27, 2016, 1:21 PM

Post #4 of 21 (3631 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

Looks as I you did not wipe dipstick and reinstall ? OR manually shift all gears before testing - but it may NOT be shifting so suggest you SCAN for codes especially if light is off.
2 wheel drive correct?


(This post was edited by kev2 on Aug 27, 2016, 1:22 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 27, 2016, 1:24 PM

Post #5 of 21 (3628 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

OK - Wait for another but I think pump isn't pumping - this is checked with engine running. Says in English like many do it must be warm and probably do not add if in cross hatched area which should be between the two holes. Just note that distance is ONE PINT not a quart. You could check again with dipstick both ways checking both sides but that shows extreme and if not faulty the way checked or accidentally over filled if unable to pump fluid level would read high AND wouldn't engage a gear.


Let another come by with ideas on what you can do if anything at all yourself for a fix. By this model year it probably has a code that will say pressure isn't right - as it isn't pumping which is checking it with fluid moving around so reads lower.


I doubt you have a code reader for a vehicle that doesn't move so expect this any which way to be towed to where this can be fully diagnosed and fixed by you or a shop.


Again, let him (Gary) suggest or another but think a tow in in the cards to know more,


T



XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 1:34 PM

Post #6 of 21 (3625 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In


In Reply To
Looks as I you did not wipe dipstick and reinstall ? OR manually shift all gears before testing - but it may NOT be shifting so suggest you SCAN for codes especially if light is off.
2 wheel drive correct?


Thats is what I thought at first but I wiped it and tried over and over. I also tried it not running and cold (because it indicates on the stick where that level should be), I tried it warm, I tried it warm after "shifting"gears, and nothing makes a difference. It looks the same everytime. Yes its a 2 wheel drive.


XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 1:39 PM

Post #7 of 21 (3624 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In


In Reply To
OK - Wait for another but I think pump isn't pumping - this is checked with engine running. Says in English like many do it must be warm and probably do not add if in cross hatched area which should be between the two holes. Just note that distance is ONE PINT not a quart. You could check again with dipstick both ways checking both sides but that shows extreme and if not faulty the way checked or accidentally over filled if unable to pump fluid level would read high AND wouldn't engage a gear.


Let another come by with ideas on what you can do if anything at all yourself for a fix. By this model year it probably has a code that will say pressure isn't right - as it isn't pumping which is checking it with fluid moving around so reads lower.


I doubt you have a code reader for a vehicle that doesn't move so expect this any which way to be towed to where this can be fully diagnosed and fixed by you or a shop.


Again, let him (Gary) suggest or another but think a tow in in the cards to know more,


T


I know it is unlikely but I was hoping maybe just maybe it would be a quick home fix before I had to call in the big guns. I will see what others think. Thanks


kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Aug 27, 2016, 4:22 PM

Post #8 of 21 (3618 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

   try this - will reverse lights work - would ck shifter cable.


XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 4:33 PM

Post #9 of 21 (3616 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In


In Reply To
try this - will reverse lights work - would ck shifter cable.


Im not sure about the reverse lights but I know the shifter cable is connected all the way to the arm on the side of the transmission. I climbed under it and had the wife click the key on and shift it to make sure the linkage was all connected and it is.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 27, 2016, 11:16 PM

Post #10 of 21 (3607 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

What do you mean you aren't sure if reverse light work? They do or they don't. IF you can't get that far there's a misunderstanding.


Some call them "back-up" lights. All vehicles have them. Some whacked things like that (I can't know them all) tell computer something wrong and mess things up. Wrong info can send a signal to force a system into default that just might include not allowing it to do other things like this which is why you were asked.


It's just too common for one problem to set off another,


T



XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 11:40 PM

Post #11 of 21 (3605 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In


In Reply To
What do you mean you aren't sure if reverse light work? They do or they don't. IF you can't get that far there's a misunderstanding.


Some call them "back-up" lights. All vehicles have them. Some whacked things like that (I can't know them all) tell computer something wrong and mess things up. Wrong info can send a signal to force a system into default that just might include not allowing it to do other things like this which is why you were asked.


It's just too common for one problem to set off another,


T


I don't know as in I didn't specifically check if the reverse lights come on when I put it in reverse up to this moment. It had never occurred to me that the activation of the reverse lights or lack of might help diagnose the issue. It seemed to me that the question of the reverse lights didn't have so much to do with the reverse lights as it did the possibility that the linkage was not connected and there for wouldn't allow the reverse lights to activate when shifted into reverse. To which I gave my reply. Furthermore I was working and didn't have the ability to run out and check said reverse lights. I will gladly go out first thing in morning and check if the reverse lights activate and post a update.


XfalconX
Novice

Aug 27, 2016, 11:51 PM

Post #12 of 21 (3602 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

Yes, the reverse lights work.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 28, 2016, 12:19 AM

Post #13 of 21 (3601 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

Wish Gary - user name 'gsferraro' would come by.


There's only so much I can know vehicle by vehicle what will alter what else. It's possible that brake or back up lights disable or enable it to drive?
Finding fluid too high strongly suggests to me that it isn't pumping fluid from a pump at front of transmissions that make them operate as the hydraulic machine they are also computer controlled.
Transmissions and total repair of them is it's own sub-specialty in the automotive trade. I/we (can't speak for all) learn all of it, at least basic operation and principles of how it works but many shops don't take on all aspects of any problem a vehicle can have like transmissions myself or others would diagnose that it needs more equipment and time than our shops could take on including new car dealer send this stuff out where I am. No room for specialty equipment that might end up in a transmission overhaul so don't get it part done and stuck with it.
By subject line alone this doesn't go into gear at all so you are stuck and testing limited already. Can't know if it did finally engage if it would even shift and run properly at this point or still need more work?


In a pickle with this so ask yourself - ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE THIS TRANS OUT YOURSELF IF IT NEEDS A REPAIR OR OVERHAUL ANYWAY? If you can't or not capable than it's nuts to pursue this any more. Choose a transmission shop of you choice and send this out for the fix which is why there are shops all over the place.
It's possible that it's something real easy but about now don't think so. I think front pump failed for some reason and can't operate the transmission at all just like the engine wasn't running it wouldn't do anything either.
Speak for myself - I'm trying to think of what is possible that can cause what you've already observed that you really could do yourself with transmission in place. Most folks do not have the place or equipment to remove whole transmissions so if required it would be sent out anyway. If I was just sure enough of that it would be useful info and only almost there at this point,


T



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 28, 2016, 2:45 AM

Post #14 of 21 (3599 views)
Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

To add: Just found with some marginally dependable information on this transmission + application. Can't verify this is correct.


Quoted"
  • Transmission control solenoid controls fluid flow into and throughout an automatic transmission
  • When not replaced, vehicle may not shift, shift intermittently, have excessive engine speed for vehicle speed, excessive fuel consumption and/or CEL illumination
  • Designed to meet or exceed OE specifications in form, fit and function
  • ************** END"

  • The first 'bullet' comment on what this part does says a lot to me. "Control fluid flow throughout transmission" strongly suggests if this failed to allow fluid flow nothing would operate AND fluid level could read way too high. It didn't say would read too high but it would have to if not flowing.


    Problem here: It should set a code to help verify. Not sure if externally installed in internal, just accessed thru oil pan or special tools?
    OMG - Where's Gary?


    Tom


    Why: Because you picture didn't show burned fluid to me



    kev2
    Veteran
    kev2 profile image

    Aug 28, 2016, 9:19 AM

    Post #15 of 21 (3592 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    I gather the vehicle is NOT where you can work it...
    The necessary steps would be CODES even if CEL is off
    A scanner can do much more than check codes it can read data and make input commands -
    WITHOUT scanner you could
    Drop pan - inspect fluid, filter, any debris in pan -


    A 4L60E just failing completely no warning has me asking lots of questions... sorry cant help or suggest anything else


    gsferraro
    Veteran

    Aug 28, 2016, 9:33 AM

    Post #16 of 21 (3590 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    Hello,
    If your fluid is way above the full mark, then your pump is no good. Not much can be done about this other than to drop out the trans. Gary


    Tom Greenleaf
    Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
    Tom Greenleaf profile image

    Aug 28, 2016, 9:50 AM

    Post #17 of 21 (3588 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    The guru cometh so I can quit search the entire web for specifics on this that I don't trust and fly out of this thread now,



    Tom



    kev2
    Veteran
    kev2 profile image

    Aug 28, 2016, 10:45 AM

    Post #18 of 21 (3584 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    no no gary you are not getting away without sharing some knowledge- :)
    If the pump were bad wouldn't some codes show up - ie pressur control solenoid ?


    Tom Greenleaf
    Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
    Tom Greenleaf profile image

    Aug 28, 2016, 11:11 AM

    Post #19 of 21 (3582 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    Said I'd stay out but in that hunt said two versions of the 4L60E were used possible. One used a fluid control and the other didn't really say. I don't trust that source for accurate info - done, Tom


    XfalconX
    Novice

    Aug 29, 2016, 2:09 PM

    Post #20 of 21 (3571 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    **UPDATE**

    Okay so, since everyone is saying it doesn't appear to be pumping fluid here is what I did to test it. I located the hose the connects to the "radiator" that cools the fluid and popped off the one that sends the fluid in. I attached a cut length of hose to the end and put the other end in a drain can. I turned on the the vehicle and crossed my fingers that the hose would start spitting fluid. See picture here http://imgur.com/U0I9VRF It did not spit any fluid and I tried shifting gears while it was running also. So it seems the transmission is in fact not pumping fluid. Before you guys scold me for not getting it towed in yet I figured this test would do a few things. 1) See if fluid is being pumped and if it was I could measure it and see if it was over filled, replace the fluid at the correct amount and hope the flush solved the issue. 2) If it didn't spit out any fluid I would have a very good idea of the issue. That being said, can the pump itself be replaced? And if it can what is a ballpark price? I don't have no plans on trying to do it myself but just would like an idea of price so I know what I'm looking at.

    Thanks again


    Hammer Time
    Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
    Hammer Time profile image

    Aug 29, 2016, 3:01 PM

    Post #21 of 21 (3567 views)
    Re: 2006 Trailblazer Wont Go In Gear Sign In

    I seriously doubt any shop will agree to change just the pump. The trans should get a whole rebuild while apart.



    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







      Email This Post
     
     


    Feed Button




    Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap