1997 Chevrolet Suburban: harsh or hard shifting

7 of the 414 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2024
2
2022
3
2021
4
2019
2
2018
2
2017
1
2016
1
2015
3
2014
1
2013
3
2012
1
2011
1
2007
1
2006
2
2005
1
2004
1
2003
10
2002
2
2001
2
1999
2
1998
3
1997
7
1995
1
1993
1

What owners say

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · NC

"check engine soon" light comes on after short highway drive (about 30 minutes). Then transmissions shifts hard from 1st to second gear, associated with a hard clunk when finally it shifts. Dealer has replaced a "spring" with a heavier duty one, but fix is temporary. Code 1870 shows up as diagnosis at dealer. L60e transmissions are the culprit.

Filed Jun 10, 2002 · Engine · NJ

While driving vehicle will slam into gear. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated vehicle needed a valve cover. *ak

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Suspension, Transmission · MI

The transmission shifted very hard and make a loud "clunking" noise when shifting into forward gears after about the first 100 miles. It was taken in twice while still under warranty and I was told there was nothing wrong with it. The third time I took it in it was getting extremely bad, it was now out of warranty, and I was told I needed a new transmission. The front end has been aligned twice within 15,000 miles and still pulls hard to the right. The ABS system has failed periodically over a six month period of time - it was reported three times. The third time they finally discovered that the sensor module on the front hub was defective.

Filed Jun 24, 2001 · Transmission · OH

There is a major problem with gm and chevrolet truck transmissions. Hard shifting is experienced followed by " engine light on panel. A code 0f 1870 is reported when it is serviced. I have had the dealer look at this several times and there appears to be no way to fix it. I have heard of many people paying $3000 for rebuilt trtansmissions and the problem stil is not corrected. Gm has been contacted but will not respond.

Filed Apr 2, 2001 · Transmission · OR

Hard shift between 1st and 2nd gears; slippage in trans. Producing heat/smell; much metal/debris in bottom of trans. From failing components; manufacturers defect in production/assembly.

Filed Nov 18, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · TX

While stopping, applying brake, heard a clunk noise and felt a jarring. After parking, tried to put into reverse and could not. Was able to drive forward but heard a grinding noise. Now unable to get into gear and it does not shift. No reverse. The brake problem became apparent with a grinding noise while moving through stop and go traffic. Failed calipers and resulting in damaged rotors and pads.

Filed Oct 23, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Whenever brakes are applied, would hear a loud noise , like clunking or banging sound. After brakes are applied, vehicle would fail to stop or slow down right away. Went through an intersection due to no braking power.