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Mechanics of the OT, I need your help with my transmission

Posted on 5/23/25 at 9:55 pm
Posted by NeilArmstrong1969
Member since Jul 2024
58 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 9:55 pm
Over the past few days I’ve noticed my vehicle skipping or sputtering forward whenever I change gears. I was driving to work this morning, getting onto the interstate, and my vehicle wouldn’t go above 50mph. Then all of a sudden my gas pedal just stopped working. I stepped down on the pedal and gave it some gas but it wasn’t working. I was able to safely exit the off ramp by Bluebonnet, and was stuck at that red light for about an hour waiting on a tow truck. I put my vehicle in drive and pressed down on the gas pedal and the engine would rev, but I wasn’t moving at all. I got towed to my mechanic, they were closed for Memorial Day, so I got towed to another transmission shop but they’re also closed until Tuesday.

I checked my transmission fluid and it seemed to be fine. Am I going to have to totally replace my transmission? I drive a 2017 Tahoe with 164k miles on it. I had a friend recommend buying a tube of a chemical called Shutter Fixx and adding it into my transmission fluid. My friend had a vehicle that was having a similar problem to mine and he added Shutter Fixx and got another 4 years out of his vehicle before he had any problems. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any help or feedback is greatly appreciated, Geaux Tigers

Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
40660 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 9:58 pm to
Thanks for sharing the detailed breakdown — that’s helpful in understanding what you’re dealing with. Based on the symptoms you described (sputtering/skipping when shifting, loss of power over 50 mph, gas pedal unresponsive, engine revving in drive but not moving), you’re likely dealing with a serious transmission issue, especially with a 2017 Tahoe at 164,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of what could be going on and how to proceed:

Possible Causes
Transmission Slipping or Failure:
If the engine revs but the vehicle doesn't move, that’s a classic sign of internal transmission failure.
Could be a failed torque converter, clutch packs, or solenoid pack.
Electronic Throttle or Transmission Control Issues:
A malfunctioning throttle position sensor (TPS) or transmission control module (TCM) could cause loss of acceleration and erratic shifting.
However, if the vehicle revved but didn't move in Drive, it's more mechanical than electronic.
Fluid Condition:
Even if the level looks okay, burnt or dirty fluid indicates internal wear.
Smell the fluid — does it smell burnt? Is it dark brown or black?
About Shudder Fixx / Additives
Shudder Fixx by Lubegard is designed to treat torque converter shudder, a common issue with GM 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions. It can be effective if:

You’re dealing with torque converter shudder specifically (feels like driving over rumble strips when accelerating).
Your transmission still has some function left.
BUT — it’s a band-aid, not a repair. In your case:

If the transmission completely disengaged, meaning it revs and doesn't move at all, the additive is unlikely to solve it.
It's harmless to try once the shop opens, but don’t expect it to restore full function.
What to Do Next
Wait for a proper diagnostic from the transmission shop.
Ask them to scan for transmission codes — they can tell you whether it's internal wear or a sensor/module issue.
Be prepared that at 164K miles, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be needed, especially if the fluid hasn’t been changed regularly.
Cost Expectations
Transmission rebuild: ~$3,000–$4,500
New or remanufactured transmission: ~$4,000–$6,000
Used transmission with installation: ~$2,000–$3,000 (riskier)
Final Thoughts
It sounds like your transmission is likely at the end of its life — not uncommon for high-mileage GM SUVs of that era, especially if the 6L80 or 8L90 transmission hasn't been serviced regularly. Shudder Fixx might help if the issue is minor, but don’t count on it reviving a failing trans.

Let me know what the shop says when they run diagnostics — happy to help you make sense of the quote or options they give. And… Geaux Tigers indeed.
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
28535 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:04 pm to
I don't know that transmission specifically but I am curious about how you have maintained it over its life.
Posted by Rebel
Graceland
Member since Jan 2005
138216 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:10 pm to
did you ask Grok or ChatGBT?
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
43787 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:11 pm to
Grok gives the type goodbye
Posted by LSU Neil
Springfield
Member since Feb 2007
2941 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:12 pm to
It’s been shuttering for a long time and you didn’t know what it was.

165k on a 2017 Chevy is outstanding this day and age be happy you got that much

Change transmission fluid AND filter every 55,000-60,000 in a ford and or a Chevy. Do NOT let them talk you into a flush and fill.

It’s too late for yours. Replace the trans or trade it in.
Posted by calcotron
Member since Nov 2007
9395 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:13 pm to
You should be asking them to look at your motor mounts. It ain't the transmission.
Posted by Planetarium
Member since Jul 2020
305 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:19 pm to
Does it move after it’s been shut off/ cooled off?
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
40660 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:22 pm to
ChatGPT
Posted by Darth_Vader
A galaxy far, far away
Member since Dec 2011
69167 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:22 pm to
Sounds like you’ve had a serious transmission failure. It’s shot. You have two choices.

1. Allow the transmission shop to rebuild your transmission. That’s a crap shoot on whether or not they know what they’re doing. Make sure you get a very detailed description of the warranty they offer.

2. Buy a transmission. If you go to the dealership, you’ll most likely have the option of buying either a brand new or reman transmission. The remain will cost less. You’ll at least have the peace of mind of knowing this transmission was built (or rebuilt) to manufacturer specifications with OEM parts and is installed by GM trained technicians to GM specs. But again, make sure you get all the warranty details. Your other option is to buy an “aftermarket” new or rebuilt transmission from the transmission shop. This transmission most likely will not have OEM parts, nor built by to GM standards. So, another crap shoot.

Good luck.
Posted by Rebel
Graceland
Member since Jan 2005
138216 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:25 pm to
Posted by OWLFAN86
Erotic Novelist
Member since Jun 2004
189200 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:27 pm to
Because the OT is so obsessed with trannies
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35276 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:27 pm to
Your transmission is burned up. It won’t get out of second gear. It’s a goner.


Sorry.
Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7219 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:36 pm to
It's likely a transmission failure. New one will run you at least $6,000. If you have no other issues, buy a new transmission and hope to get another 100k out of it.
Posted by LSUDUCKMAN67
DTB
Member since Sep 2020
1400 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:37 pm to
Just trade in a 2018 Chevy Silverado with 135k. Transmission started to act up so it was time for it to go while I could unleash it.
Get ready though bc ur trade in value won’t be worth anything. Especially if it’s acting up that bad. Those Chevy transmissions it isn’t if it will go out it’s when…….
Posted by Kafka
I am the moral conscience of TD
Member since Jul 2007
150818 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 10:41 pm to
PROBLEM WITH YOUR TRANNY???

LOL
Posted by Pintail
Member since Nov 2011
11430 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 11:02 pm to
quote:

2017 Tahoe with 164k miles


You got 14k more than normal with that transmission.

Your torque converter is trash and sent metal shavings through your transmission. It is toast and you need a new one.

ETA: make sure to get a reman with a good warranty and upgraded torque converter.


This post was edited on 5/23/25 at 11:05 pm
Posted by biglego
San Francisco
Member since Nov 2007
80315 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 11:02 pm to
Time to go truck shopping
Posted by ChatGPT of LA
Member since Mar 2023
2581 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 11:07 pm to
Ignition coils are going out. Change the coils and new plugs and you'll be good
This post was edited on 5/24/25 at 3:40 am
Posted by Herschal
Land of the Free
Member since Sep 2011
1953 posts
Posted on 5/23/25 at 11:08 pm to
I replaced my 2016 Tahoe transmission at 138,000.

It sucks, but I’m determined to keep this one for a while.
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