Recently bought a 98 chevy astro van, 76k miles. Transmission seems very
smoothe for about 30 minutes or 20 miles or so in city. Then the transmission
starts shifting very hard from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third. Not as bad from 2nd
to third, but it is pretty hard from 1st to 2nd. It doesnt slip, but it is a
very hard shift. any idea what this is and am I going to be replacing a
transmission soon???


Thanks,

We just replaced one in a 96 Astro with similiar symptoms and engine reving
at highway cruise speed like the transmission wasn't engaged.

Finally, when the transmission started slipping badly and then suddenly no
forward gears but only reverse, of course the fluid was very black. Also,
when we drained the spent fluid from the pan there were filings in the
fluid.

We bought a GM Service Replacement 4L60E through a friends body shop from a
Chevy Dealer for $1318.00 that lists for about $1900.00. We installed the
reman unit ourselves.

Be careful of where you have yours serviced due to the torque convertor is
precisely replaced based upon the production year.

I would advise you to trade or sell or get rid of your Astro van unless you
are prepared to spend a lot of money. If you do decide "not to fix it until
it breaks" get the GM Service Replacement 4L60E with the 36 Month and/or
50,000 mile warranty.


"Reid1boys" <reid1boys (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote