Chevy S10 Transmission Problems & Cost

Introduced for the 1982 model year, the Chevrolet S 10 was the first compact truck to be designed and built in America. It was a strong seller right up until was discontinued in 2004, and General Motors actually continued selling the second generation model in other markets until 2012. Part of the reason for it’s success were the bulletproof drivetrains, which included the Chevrolet S-10 4L60E. But no matter how good it was, 4L60E transmission problems do still happen. So let’s find out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy S10 Transmission Models

Chevy S10: 4L60E Transmission

Chevy S10 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4L60E Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy S10 transmission problems?

Chevy S10 Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy S10 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 01-07-30-002C – Transmission stuck in third gear with inoperable instrument cluster and multiple DTC’s – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65 Transmission
1999 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade – 2002 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT – 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Silverado – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Suburban – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Blazer – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Express – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet S10 – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sierra – 1997 – 1999 GMC Suburban – 1999 – 2003 GMC Yukon XL – 1997 – 2003 GMC Yukon – 1997 – 2001 GMC Jimmy – 1997 – 2003 GMC Savanna – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sonoma – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy XL – 1997 – 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E and 4L65E transmission may become stuck in third gear, the instrument cluster may not function, and the following DTC’s may be set: P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P1860.
Solution – The most likely cause of this transmission problem is a blown fuse or an open on circuit 1020 between the fuse panel and the transmission. If no battery voltage is found at the fuse, the ignition switch will need to be replaced

TSB 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
1996 Buick Roadmaster – 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood – 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade – 1996-2000 Chevrolet Camaro – 1996-2000 Corvette – 1996-2000 Pontiac Firebird – 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC Light Duty Truck Models – 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
1982-2005 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks: 2006-2007 Buick Rainier – 2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV & Escalade EXT – 2006 Chevrolet SSR – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Colorado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Express – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2006-2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL – 2006-2008 GMC Canyon – 2006-2008 GMC Envoy – 2006-2008 GMC Savana – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra Classic – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 – 2006-2008 Saab 9-7X – with the 4L60, 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L70E Automatic Transmission (RPOs MD8, M30, M32, M33 or M70)
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

TSB 04-07-30-028A – Transmission fluid leaks from reverse servo cover – 4L65E Transmission
Problem – Transmission fluid leaks may be observed under the vehicle, which may be caused by a 4L65 reverse servo seal that can actually shrink in the cold weather below 20°F/-6.7°C
Solution – Replace reverse servo cover seal

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

PIP5071 – Squawking noise on the 2-3 shift
Problem – An unusual squawking or groaning noise may be heard on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Solution – The 3-4 friction and steel plates, clutch plate, apply plate, and selective backing plates will have to be replaced.

Common Problems with the Chevy S10 Transmission

Intermittent harsh shifting
Problem – A common Chevrolet S-10 transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

General Motors knows how to make durable trucks. However, most Chevrolet S-10 transmission problems can actually sideline your ride if you ignore them for too long. What may start out as a simple problem, can quickly grow into a transmission ending event if you don’t address it soon enough. Of course, going to a mechanic isn’t cheap. But neither is replacing that Chevy S10 4L60E.

How often does a Chevy S10 transmission need to be replaced?

The key to avoiding Chevrolet S-10 transmission problems is to service your transmission regularly and avoid hard-driving as often as you can. Factory design flaws still play a part though, and can restrict service life to 120,000-180,000 miles. However a remanufactured transmission can last a lot longer.

How are Chevy S10 transmission issues diagnosed?

To figure out what is causing your Chevrolet S-10 transmission problems, a mechanic will usually connect a code reader to the OBDII code reader under the dash. Once all of the diagnostic trouble codes are downloaded, a visual inspection may need to be performed in order to verify the problem.

How is a Chevy S10 transmission replaced?

Replacing a Chevrolet S-10 4L60E transmission requires you to first unbolt the old one from the motor, driveshaft and frame. To install a new one, simply reverse the steps.

Recommendations for Chevy S10 transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy S10 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy S10 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy S10 Transmission

One of the cheapest ways to handle most Chevrolet S-10 transmission problems is to go out and buy a used 4L60E transmission from the local junkyard. They are pretty easy to find, and the prices usually won’t break the bank. However you don’t know how worn out the internal components actually are. And that junkyard warranty likely won’t cover labor charges if something goes wrong.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy S10 Transmission

Buying a rebuilt 4L60E transmission from your mechanic or the local transmission repair shop is certainly a better option. But unless they know how to modify to correct for all of the factory design flaws, it’s not likely to last much longer than the original did. Plus, if the warranty is only good at the shop that built the transmission, you may be paying for transmission repairs if a breakdown occurs and you’re not near that shop.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy S10 Transmission

One of the best solutions for most serious Chevrolet S10 transmission problems is a remanufactured 4L60E transmission. These are typically factory built, and come with modifications that will extend the service life. And many times, you can find one with a nationwide unlimited mile warranty.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy S10 Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!