# Transmission problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** gmc\ **Created:** [April 28, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157 "2016-04-28T17:07:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![david\_in\_cali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@david\_in\_cali](https://community.cartalk.com/u/david_in_cali)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/1 "2016-04-28T17:07:59Z")
I just purchased a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500. When I bought it the previous owner told me there was a torque converter code showing up making the check engine light come on. The battery was changed before I purchase the truck which reset the codes and it no longer comes up now it will not shift into 3rd gear goes right into neutral are these two related to each other and which should be the first thing I do to get this fixed ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2016, 5:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/2 "2016-04-28T17:33:29Z")
Is the transmission fluid at the right level? Is it pink or brown? If the issue isn’t the fluid level, then you probably want to get the truck to a good local transmission shop (not a chain shop) for a diagnosis. ---
**Author:** ![david\_in\_cali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@david\_in\_cali](https://community.cartalk.com/u/david_in_cali)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2016, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/3 "2016-04-29T02:06:55Z")
I was wondering if changing the torque converter clutch solenoid would make a difference ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/4 "2016-04-29T02:12:17Z")
**" was wondering if changing the torque converter clutch solenoid would make a difference "** Maybe yes, maybe no. Rather than throwing parts (at random) at the problem, you will likely pay less money in the long run if you have the problem properly diagnosed by a transmission shop. Just be sure to go to an **independent** trans shop that has been in business for at least 3 years. Do **NOT** go to a chain-run franchise like Lee Myles, Cottman, Mr. Transmission, or–God forbid–AAMCO, unless you want to be sold a rebuilt transmission, whether you actually need one or not. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/5 "2016-04-29T02:43:15Z")
I believe the solenoid will just lock and unlock the torque converter. That’s not your problem. Your problem is neutraling out from 2nd to 3rd. Mine would do it once in a while from 1 to 2 when the weather was hot. It had been overhauled not long before that so think my problem was more a shaft wear or something and not a clutch. There are shift solenoids I think but I suspect the trans is going to have to come apart for an overhaul, but and ATRA member shop is where you need to go, ---
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2016, 5:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/6 "2016-04-29T05:16:31Z")
Losing 3rd gear on 4l60e is very common. Ur 3-4 clutch packs are probably toast. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2016, 6:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/7 "2016-04-29T06:49:01Z")
I don’t see this being a torque converter problem either. You may have a TC problem, but it isn’t causing the shift-to-neutral instead of third. There may be a different transmission solenoid that is causing the problem though. My guess, sorry for this news, but you are probably looking at a rebuild job in the near future. Start asking your acquaintances for transmission shop recommendations. ---
**Author:** ![david\_in\_cali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@david\_in\_cali](https://community.cartalk.com/u/david_in_cali)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2016, 4:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/8 "2016-04-30T04:44:42Z")
Thanks guys ---
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/9 "2016-04-30T19:26:31Z")
Dozen shops advertise 4l60 trans for $600-750 carry out. Our local highly rated gold plated shop wants $3300. Drop truck off, pic up when done. No carry out. Some shops will do carry out for $1100 or so. What do they do xtra for the $400 bump from the cheapo shops? Don’t know ---
**Author:** ![cowboy62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/47e85d/32.png) [@cowboy62](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cowboy62)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2016, 10:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-problems/93157/10 "2016-05-09T22:49:02Z")
I rebuilt my 4L60E transmission myself and it isn’t as hard as you might think. First one I have ever done. Same problem as you, the 3-4 clutch pack friction plates were smooth. Easy fix but getting transmission in and out is the hard part.