Transmission problems?

[EliSprague]

Lately, while starting it first thing in the morning and driving to school it won't shift into first, it will run and rev up to 5k+ before I release the gas, after about 800+feet it will finally shift into second, and work. What is it doing and what should I do?

[petrified.rabbit]

this could be a few things, no check engine light? or hold?

could be as simple as you are due for a fluid/filter change? it could be more.. the gear obviously works when you are in it?

[EliSprague]

Neither sir. I'll check the fluid right after school. Once it actually shifts into gear, it runs brand new, it's just when I start it and head off, it won't shift for the first 15-30 seconds of driving, it's totally bizarre. This morning it didn't do it. The 3 mornings before this it did though.

[MJP92284]

same thing happends to me. I have fresh synthetic fluid.

[petrified.rabbit]

15 to 30 seconds? are you up to a speed it should be shifting? it might "feel" like it with rpms but you might just be in cold start (warm up idle)..

[Caryl]

same thing happends to me. I have fresh synthetic fluid.

I have had the same thing happen I bought car used. It has been shifting rough have to warm it for at least 30 min or it won't move. On the way to work this am it just stopped going engine still running it wouldn't go forward or backward had to be towed . When tow driver got in it moved enough to allow him to get it connected. Is there filter that I can change myself?

[Caryl]

Have you found out what the problem is? I could really use some input

[avguy]

What year and mileage? Is there anything dripping from the underside of the vehicle?
Have you checked the fluid level and quality? (i.e. does the fluid have a burnt smell?)
In your case you want to know where the level is at start-up, after idling a minute in each of the available positions on the shift selector. That level should be within the cold marks. A second check, done after 30 minutes should be at least past the cold high mark, and possibly just past the hot low mark. The checks are done while running, in P.

[bthreadg]

Rather than start a new Transmission Question thread, I have a general question regarding a problem my car developed over Thanksgiving.

I have a 2009 4 door Aveo with 72,000 miles, no hard driving, just commuting. As expected with that mileage, it's never had transmission issues, and no real problems outside of the engine light prompting several emission fixes over the years.

Then last week, the following symptoms appeared:

1. When accelerating from a stop:
a. It intermittently missed some shifts (once reaching 5 – 10 mph, shifting was fine).
b. A sound from the front driver's side. A rapid, repeating sound, like a fan brushing against something.

2. After starting car, was able to shift to other gears, but transmission stayed in park. This happened after being at a friend's for a couple hours, parked in his driveway that has a slight grade. The car was in Park, and emergency/parking break applied.
After 5 mins, I was able to get out of Park.

3. My mechanic is doing diagnostics now, but said he checked the trans fluid was dark . . not terrible, but dark.

If anyone can provide an online diagnosis based on those symptoms, I'd appreciate it. I've had a dozen cars through the years, but never one that had transmission problems after 72,000 miles.

Thanks in advance,

Brent
aveo@threadgill.com

[Chevy Customer Svc]

Hi Caryl,

We're very sorry to hear that you've experienced this shifting issue with your vehicle. Are you having this problem fixed at the dealer or by an independent mechanic? If you'd like for us to look into your applicable warranties, and any possible recall information listed for your vehicle relating to this issue, please message us your VIN and mileage.

Thank you,

Amber N.
Chevrolet Customer Care