Auto trans delay?

DAA

DAA

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Location
West Bountiful, UT
So I hardly ever drive my Wife's car, an '04 GMC Denali. But have driven it twice this week and noticed that when I put it in reverse, it takes about a second to kick in. Don't notice it when putting it into forward gear.

Not sure what transmission it even is. Mated to a 6.0, in an '04 Denali, 4L60E maybe? Only has about 65K on it.

Hesitation when putting it into reverse a sign of impending and expensive doom? I sure hope not, but kind of expect it is...

- DAA
 
Check the trans fluid, and see if there is any signs of leaking underneath. Usually delays in shifting means not enough fluid in the trans. Most automotive shops will check your fluids for you at each service, and fill them/let you know if they are low. If your a DIY kinda guy, it is possible for simple things like that to be low. It is also not uncommon for it to be low.
 
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I know that when my work truck started doing that, it failed completely about a month later. Mine was probably a 2 or 3 second delay though.
 
there could be several reasons it is delaying, low fluid, clogged trans filter, sprag gear is failing. The tranny will be a 4l80E get a flow chart for the tranmission it tells you what all is engaged and what isnt when you put it in reverse eg: clutchs one way gears, sprag gears and so on. Check the fluid in this manner: after the suv has been running a few minutes, you need to shift through all the gears two or three times while is on level ground then check the fluid level, if its low sweet you got off easy if its not you could be in trouble
 
iamsparticus said:
that could be true but i always have seen 4l80E's behind 6.0 unless this is the 1500 not the 2500 denali in that case it would be the 4l60E
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That could be,I have no clue was just relaying what that thread said. DAA, does the pan have 16 or 17 bolts? 16 = 4L60, 17 = 4L80
 
Haven't crawled under yet, just looked under from the side - no obvious leakage. Taking a break from all my other chores right now, but will check the fluid level here in a bit.

It's the Tahoe sized Denali, not the Suburban sized, I'm sure it's a half ton not a 3/4.

Hoping I find the fluid low!

- DAA
 
Does it do it from N to R? or just P to R? If I remember correctly no fluid is flowing in P and that is your hesitation when you pull it into R. Fluid is flowing in N though so try it that way.
 
Can't honestly say about that one Tee. I've only noticed it when going from P to R. After I backed out of the driveway last night and really noticed the delay, I was on the lookout for it and can say I'm pretty sure it wasn't doing it when going from R past N into D. When the shifter hit D the torque converter immediately loaded and wanted to go.

Just checked the fluid though and found hopefully good news. It is low. By how much, I can't say, there's no calibration marks on the dipstick for amount. But there is the cross hatched section on the dipstick marking the "safe zone" between L and F. The fluid stops a little bit farther below L than the cross hatched area is long, if that makes sense.

The fluid was clear and bright and smelled good, which I expected because it's pretty new fluid.

Really was not expecting it to be low. One, because it wasn't that long ago my Wife had the dealer change the filter and fluid on the transmission and I'd have THOUGHT they would have filled it all the way. And two, because I crawled underneath before checking it and I can't see any leak anywhere.

Anyway... No Dexron III on the shelf, I need to go get some. But I'm really hoping that's all it is. And will feel pretty dumb (but a happy kind of dumb) if it is :D.

You guys all rock! By the way...

- DAA
 
Well, don't I feel stupid... Added a qt. of fluid and I think that did the trick. For whatever reasons, I just had it in my head that the fluid wasn't low and something was probably wrong.

Better to feel stupid than wallet raped though! :D

Thanks fellas!

- DAA
 
Glad you got it sorted out...

Like I said, some auto's don't flow fluid in P. Others do I think... The dealer leaving it a qt. low doesn't surprise me thought... Saves a Qt. of fluid cost on the service, and potentially gets you back in for a "diagnosis" fee later down the road...:mad:
 
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Tee said:
Glad you got it sorted out...

Like I said, some auto's don't flow fluid in P. Others do I think... The dealer leaving it a qt. low doesn't surprise me thought... Saves a Qt. of fluid cost on the service, and potentially gets you back in for a "diagnosis" fee later down the road...:mad:
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dealers can be crooks, last place i would take my vehicle
 
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