After searching through this forum to help solve my problem I did not find a solution but I noticed this seems like a good forum with lots of knowledge folks. Which is exactly what I am in need of.
I should say that I am a complete idiot and am not qualified to be doing this sort of work but I am too cheap and need to get back to work so I need to find a solution to this problem swiftly.
I should also say that this vehicle has been to the dealership 3 times and they have not been able to diagnose the problem. Being a carpet cleaning truck they blame it on my equipment, (which is purposefully made not to void the warranty) clear the code, and send me on my way.
Now after the last trip to the dealership they not only could not diagnose the problem but allowed the truck to freeze which has been a big headache and a strain on cash flow.

Sorry for the rant.

I am done with that dealership and am trying to gather some info to decide if I should take it to another dealership, (will they know what the other did not?) a transmission shop, (I know of no reputable shop) or my local mechanic.

The problem:

After the code was cleared the last time I had not used my carpet cleaning equipment and as I began to climb a hill the transmission slipped. I let of the gas and kind of feathered it until it shifted back into gear. It was fine after that, no CEL.
Then today as I am driving down the express way I hit a bump and the transmission slips again. It shifts back then throws a CEL.
About 10 minutes later at a stop light the light turns green and I accelerate. But I am not in first gear and I am stuck in whatever gear it is. At the next stop light I turn the van off then back on and it shifts fine until I get home.

Here is what I know:

• This has been going on/off for months.
• The code is P2534; ignition 1 switch circuit low voltage.
• At 45mph the engine was at 2900 rpms. Is that 2nd gear?

As soon as I am done typing this I am going to go get some tranny fluid and check the level and also call my mechanic to see when we last serviced the tranny. And also see if I can gather in more information about the way its driving.
Sorry for such a long post but if anybody actually reads this and responds I will be incredibly grateful because this van should be on the road making me money instead of causing these reoccurring nightmares.

 

What's the mileage on the van? I assume you are out of warranty? I love when they blame problems they can't fix on your equipment.


I would seek out another dealership. One with a good reputation in the service department. Perhaps one with a commercial truck division.. they usually have some top notch techs. A dealer would be better outfitted to diagnose, rather than a mechanic or trans shop.


There is a customer service rep on this board.. perhaps she will chime in here to help.

 

Hi Carpetman,

We can definitely understand how frustrating this may seem, and if you need any assistance locating another dealership in your location we would be happy to help! Also, we can certainly reach out to the dealership on your behalf as well. Feel free to send us a private message along with your VIN, current mileage, contact information and preferred dealership. We look forward to your response.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Thanks for your reply and recommendation. The van has just over 35,000 miles and yes I believe out of the warranty. That's a great idea to find one with a commercial truck division. I will call around Monday and see what I can find out.
I checked the tranny fluid as per the owners manual and the fluid was low so I added a small amount and will continue checking and adding until its right.
I used the manual shift to determine that when it does get stuck in gear it is stuck in 3rd gear. Drove it this morning for 15 minutes in manual with no problems. So I will continue to do that until this is resolved to see if I can trick it into not getting stuck.

 

if the fluid was low that's definitely the starting point, find the leak and fix it. a 12 with 35k should still have powertrain warranty left but without your vin I can't guarantee that

 

I made an appointment for next Monday with my local mechanic to change the fluid and filter and also have them look for a leak. So we'll see what impact that has.