You’re not alone in who is facing transmission shifting issues in Silverado trucks. Users around the world are more or less confronting such cases quite frequently.
Now, what are the fixes of the 1994 chevy Silverado transmission not shifting issue?
In most cases, old, low-level transmission fluid is responsible for it. Also 1-2 shift solenoids, the clogged catalytic converter creates issues. Using a scanner you can diagnose those defects and make them correct. Some adjustment or replacement of specific parts might resolve this vital issue.
Want to learn more? Check out our full article to get a clear idea about everything you should know.
So why are you waiting? Let’s explore the causes and fixes of the mentioned issue.
Reasons & Solutions of Transmission Shifting Issues
Transmission shifting issues are not a rare defect to concern. It’s pretty common for almost every type of car. But the matter of concern is that this issue sometimes becomes life-threatening. So we all should know about its causes and their relevant fixes.
Here we’ve inserted a detailed discussion over that concern. Also, we’ve split our arguments for both automatic and manual transmission systems. You need not worry about your transmission protocol.
So without any extra conversation, let’s jump right in-
Automatic Transmission System
The most common transmission shifting issue is the failure to shift 1st gear to the 2nd one. Most often in automatic transmission cars, we face such mishaps. It seems hard to shift gears while driving a car.
Transmission cannot go from first to second gear unless it moves fast enough. It should exceed the stall speed of the torque converter to change its gears. That’s why we’ve discussed the relevant reasons for those concerns.
So keeping this concern in mind, we’ll discuss the reasons why it actually happens.
Reason 1: Low-Level Transmission Fluid
Having low levels of transmission fluid, your gears and clutches grind, due to insufficient lubrication to moving parts smoothly. If we fail to check transmission fluid for a long time, then it causes a serious threat.
Solution
A constant low-level transmission fluid indicates a leak. And it must be rectified before it becomes too damaging. We should frequently check whether this fluid is aptly functioning or not. When we refilled new fuel for the last time should be counted.
Reason 2: Broken Transmission Sensor
The transmission sensors record while the transmission is in motion or in neutral. Your Motor Control Module (ECM) monitors sensors and sends signals to transmit. Your ECM might be unable to detect the speed or position of the car. Then there may be problems with the transmission sensors.
Solution
These sensors get affected due to excessive heat or getting shorted by foreign materials. Sometimes the loose connection is also liable for sensor failures. That’s why always put them tight in connection, check whether it’s overheating or not. If the sensor is physically damaged it is better to have a replacement with a new one.
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Reason 3: Solenoid Issue
If you can’t hear any transmission clicking while shifting, there is something fishy with solenoids.
The solenoid is responsible for putting pressure on your gears. And this pressure also involves the hydraulic valves and clutches. Sometimes, it may also be the neutral safety switch that is malfunctioning.
Solution
Old solenoids that have already been spotted as defective are likely to be rejected. You can use a scanner to diagnose defective solenoids. And, the old solenoids should be replaced with the new ones.
Reason 4: Damaged Transmission Shifter Cable
Faulty transmission cables can create issues when switching gears. If you feel it’s hard to shift from 1st gear to 2nd one, then it’s your cable issue. This cable is intended to show the correct reading of speed irrespective of gears.
Solution
When such issues are encountered it’s better to replace or adjust the shifter cables. Adjustment can be initiated by loosening the mounting nut. Then turning the adjuster barrel clockwise to apply more pressure to the solenoid.
Reason 5: Weather Concern
Facing transmission shifting issues in cold seasons is quite common to all drivers. In a cold environment, the oil and transmission fluids become thicker in density. That’s why the gears crash against each other while the car is running.
Solution
As it’s mostly a natural issue, we have little scope to deal with it. You may try a high-quality synthetic fluid. It’ll try to maintain the standard density of both the oil and fluid in cold situations.
Manual Transmission System
Some issues are common in both automatic and manual transmission systems. That’s why, in this section only those parts that are related to a manual transmission.
Reason 1: Broken Gears
Gears older than 6 years have a high possibility to be broken down apart. These damaged gears are one of the main culprits for transmission shifting problems.
Solution
As the name suggested, the gears are broken or expired. So obviously, you need to change those gears with new ones.
Reason 2: Exhausted Clutch
Hard clutches or small damaged clutches might be a cause of transmission slipping. If you feel your transmission is slipping or can’t accelerate, then it’s a clutch issue. Additionally, when clutches seem too hard to shift the gear, it also denotes crooked clutches.
Solution
You should check the clutches immediately after facing that issue. Earlier caution might lessen your replacement cost. Otherwise, you might end up buying new clutches costing around $1500.
Reason 3: Spoiled Synchronizer Ring
By installing to the hub sleeve, the synchronizer ring ensures a uniform gear shift. If your synchronizer ring is damaged, it will result in different speeds and bad shifting. A damaged synchronizer ring might fail while shifting gears from 1s to 2nds one.
Solution
As soon as you find such problems, make sure to have a check through it. Your ring might be loose or fully distorted. If it’s still physically perfect then a bit of adjustment must solve your issue. But if it’s totally or partially damaged you have no way but to make replacements.
Reason 4: Distorted Gear Hub Sleeve
If you have any issue with synchronization, then you should care about gear hub sleeves. It happens mostly for broken sleeves on the gears themselves. Therefore, it may lead to bad shifting, jammed gears, and suspicious vehicle transmission shifting.
Solution
This might seem a bit difficult to resolve. That’s why we recommended calling a mechanic. It might cost a bit but will ensure better service than unwanted mishaps.
FAQs
Is hard shifting a transmission issue for chevy?
Yes. If you fail to shift 1st gear to 2nd or 3rd gear, your transmission is crooked or flawed. It’s one of the major concerns to ponder.
Is a bad torque converter responsible for transmission shifting failure?
Yes. It might be. A broken torque converter doesn’t provide adequate functionality. And it’s mostly seen in the manual gear models 3500 and 4500.
Is FOXWELL NT510 Elite a good scanner to diagnose transmission issues?
Yes. It can be a great choice. You can start your initial diagnosis using this scanner or diagnosis tool. It also provides support for Chevrolet Truck, GMC Truck, Buick, Silverado, and Holden.
Endnotes
That’s the end of our exploration. We hope you got your answer as to why the 1994 chevy Silverado transmission not shifting. We’ve tried to explain all possible causes and fixes related to that issue. So proper attention is important to find out the relevant fixes for your chevy.
Good luck. And, don’t forget to let us know how you fix yours. We’re looking for your precious remarks.
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