GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Condition

Action

DEFINITION: Engine runs, but vehicle does not move in any gear

    • Low ATF level
    • Shift cable broken or out of adjustment
    • Joint in the shift cable and the transmission, or body, worn
    •  ATF pump worn or binding
    • Regulator valve stuck or the spring worn
    • ATF filter clogged
    • Mainshaft worn or damaged
    • Final drive gears worn or damaged
    • Park mechanism inoperative
    • Transmission-to-engine assembly error
    • Axle disengaged
    •  Inspect the ATF level and ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. Flush the ATF cooler lines, if necessary.
    • Inspect for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and transmission control shaft.
    • Improper alignment of the ATF pump and the torque converter housing may cause an ATF pump seizure. The symptoms are mostly an RPM related ticking noise or a high pitched squeak.
    • Inspect the line pressure.
    • If the filter is clogged, find the damaged components that caused debris.
    • Inspect the front differential pinion gears for wear. Replace the front differential assembly, if the differential pinion gears are worn.
    • Thoroughly clean the transmission, replace the ATF filter, and flush the cooler and lines.
    • Replace the torque converter.
    • Do not damage the torque converter housing when replacing the main ball bearing. Applying torque to the main valve body may damage the ATF pump. Use the proper tools. This results in an ATF pump seizure, if not detected.
    •  Install the mainshaft front seal flush with the torque converter housing. If the seal is installed down into the torque converter housing until the seal bottoms out, the seal will block the fluid return passage and result in damage.