Hello, I took a big risk and I bought a 2013 express van with 25k miles at a car auction. On the windshield someone wrote "tow trans". I got the van towed to my house. I jumped start it and the van turned on. The abs, the e-brake and the traction control lights came on. I put the van in D and it does not move. No matter what gear I put it in, it does not move. I hope its noting to do with the transmission. The tow truck driver told me that in order to tow the van the tranny must be disabled so the van stays in neutral. I checked transmission fluid and its full. I wonder if a fuse or a relay was disconnected but not sure. Can someone please Help? thanks

 

I would check for codes with a hand held reader to point you in the right direction.
I have never heard of disabling a tranny for towing. Some vehicles need the rear wheels to be put on a dolly and some don't. If the van was being towed for parking illegal, then you can't put it in neutral without the key.....so they must use a dolly.
Maybe the towing damaged something, and maybe the tranny is in bad shape.....
I would call a local tranny shop and see what they say. You may have to at last resort get the van towed to the tranny shop for a proper diagnostic.

 

Thank you! Yes, I had a mechanic come over and checked the van for codes. Electrically everything responds fine. He found the transmission oil was over filled and it leaked a little underneath. The fluid is brand new but it has a horrible burnt rubber smell. The mechanic determined bad transmission. Im sending it to a shop asap. Thanks for your response.

 

Ouch that's too bad.
I hope it doesn't cost a fortune......
So little miles too.....Is it not sill under factory warranty?

 

Canucklehead, has a good point your truck should be under warranty. I have 11 years experience purchasing cars at auction and if the vehicle in any way can be driven through the lane/block they will as it will most likely generate higher bids. So you would be safe to believe the trans has a serious issue, now unless your truck happens to be a GM buyback or blacklisted (with GM) for another issue it should be a warranty repair.

 

Yes, fortunately its warrantied until 36k miles. Title is clean. It was not driven thru the lane. A picture of the van was displayed thru the screen and I won the bid. Yes and I do believe the transmission has a serious problem. I contacted my nearest chevy dealer and they are picking it up sometime next week. Warranty covers the tow truck too. Ill give you guys an update once I really know whats going on with the tranny. Thank you guys. Happy New Year

 

I'm not sure a manufacturer buyback shows on the title though it should be listed on a vehicle report (Carfax). You are likely in a good situation as the dealer you spoke with probably ran the VIN through the GM warranty computer to verify that it was covered before offering to tow and repair your truck. Also best of luck with the truck after you get the transmission squared away and happy new year.