1997 Chevrolet Express Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Dt: while driving service engine light illuminated on the dash panel. The consumer took the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who performed a diagnostic test which showed that transmission was slipping. The dealer noted the next step would be to check the transmission fluid. Due to the color of the fluid it was determined a new transmission would be needed. The dealer referred the consumer to other independent shops, and they too confirmed what the dealer said. The consumer took the vehicle home and parked it. No corrections or repairs were made. …”

“Transmission has hard shift from first to second. Sets off s e s light. Took to jerry brown Chevrolet in bufford ga, the transmission man there test drove my van with me, he hooked a test unit to see what was going on said something called staor? Bushings and /or valve body, said he sees this alot in the 1997 and 1998 models. My question is if GM knew about it why are they not letting owners know and fixing them.”

“On 12-02-01 while traveling at 70 MPH down the highway at 5 a.m. On my way to work there was a very loud screeching noise and I lost all power to the van, transmission gone . Vehicle towed to mark bass Chevrolet dealer in coal city,il. Mileage at 107060. No longer covered under warranty, transmission replaced at a cost of $1863.34 to consumer plus tow bill and rental car for 1 week. On 12-29-01 driving down the highway with the cruise again set at 68 MPH I again lost the transmission. Mileage now at 108219 and vehicle again towed to dealership for repairs. …”

“The reaction shell broke in the transmission, disabling the vehicle completely while in traffic. This caused my wife who was driving it to essentially stall out. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repairs to a vehicle with such low mileage totaled over $2200.00. Mighty poor quality. Thankfully the failure did not take place while she was passing someone, or going uphill.”

“The transmission had an overheating problem that caused the vehicle to switch to safe mode. Safe mode compensated the transmission heat problem by hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty repair shop where I learned that the problem was in the design of the transmission. It was the opinion of the repair shop that GM knew of the problem but would not issue a recall because the issue was not life threatening. Cost of modification was $1,600.”