1997 Chevrolet Suburban: transmission slipping

Filed Jan 7, 2004 · Transmission · 77,400 miles · OH · fire

The torque converter clutch relay in the transmission overheated, causing excessive pressure, which caused the transmission fluid to push the dip stick up out of the dipstick tube. Then the transmission fluid escaped. Traveling down the undercarriage of the vehicle, the transmission fluid hit the exhaust manifold and ignited into a flame that burned along the undercarriage of the vehicle (including the steel plate under the gas tank) and extended two feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. We were forced to evacuate ourselves and our four children from the vehicle along side the highway. Four other vehicles were forced off the road as white smoke hindered their field of vision. The mil indicator (I.e., check engine light) had a code of p1870 (transmission slipping). This code has been associated with hundreds of torque converter clutch relay failures in gm/chevy full-size pick-ups, suburbans, and tahoes (discovered by searching for "p1870" on the internet and queries at the federal safety agency website). Technicians have determined that the tcc relay is undersized and tends to overheat causing major transmission damage (in my case, a full transmission re-build was required - $2000 plus towing and rental car). Technicians say that there is an aftermarket tcc relay made by sonnax that, when installed, prevents this problem from occurring. This is a serious safety issue (just look at the black charring on the bottom of my gas tank shield) that caused great peril to my wife, four children, and myself. Gm needs to be held accountable to correct this potentially fatal failure.

Filed Jun 8, 2003 · Transmission · 132,370 miles · TX

Transmission binded in first gear and slipped in middle gears. It was determined there was coolant and/or water in the transmission and the color was a dark green/yellow color. When transmission pulled off there was much metal, bearings, and a 2 to 3 inch bolt from the valve body. Also found cracks in sunshell. Input drum and pump vain and clutch(es) needed replacing. In summary, it needed an overhaul.

Filed Jan 3, 2003 · Fuel system, Transmission · 54,000 miles · AK

Transmission starting failing at 50,000 (coded slippage). Going down highway and blew tranny fluid all over the place leaving us stranded. Transmission shifts hard in 1st and 2nd gear. Steering has momentary oversteer, causing the feeling of slipping on ice (safety concern as no control over vehicle), replaced rotors three times, replaced fuel sending and wiring unit (wires had actually melted inside the gas tank!!). What next!!!! This vehicle only has 73,000 on it. We do not pull anything behind it, so feel that tranny should not have failed. Why will chevrolet not recall these problems? Have heard others say that the radiator is not big enough to handle cooling the engine and transmission, essentially causing early transmission failure due to overheating. Chevrolet needs to address these issues before there is loss of life or a bad accident. Ts

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 Dec 18, 2000 · Brakes · WI

Abs engages at slow speed in normal driving conditions and occasionally following braking when cornering. Decrease in braking distance also noticed as it feels as if slipping occurs in brakes. Grinding noise also attendant to this situation. Dealer service replaced sensor and hub assembly. Brakes had been replaced previously at 70,000 miles, which I consider too early on this vehicle.