I have a 93 v6 auto trans pick up and I have had this problem for a few months, Sometimes I cannot get the truck to move and If I fiddle with the shifter or put it in 4L in will lockup and go. Yesterday I was driving in the snow and put it in 4L to go up a steep hill and when i stopped at the to to put it 4h it slipped so bad I couldn't get to go so I put it back in 4L and it worked fine. Today it still wouldn't go any where in 2H or 4H but is ok in 4L I haven't had time to check codes yet. But can anyone tell where else I might need to start looking. I assume the trans is probably ok cause it shifts and goes ok in 4L. any help would be appreciated
Thanks

 

I would start by checking your fluid level, make sure it's not low.

 

already checked that yesterday it's good

 

sounds like u might need to adjust the linkage that tells it what gear to be in, like its just in between gears when u put it in 4h or 2h.

 

or you got some nasty slip that is being hidden due to the compounding torque after the convertor through the gearset. tranny doesnt have to work nearly as hard when it is pulling 2.5 times less in 4l

 

going to check linkage and codes later tonite. anyother ideas would be great
Thanks

 

If this is an auto, your transfer case it shot. 2hi and 4hi run on the same.. clutch... or whatever, but 4 low is on its own. Common problem.

 

That not what I really wanted to here. but if they do run on the same clutch that would make sense. Is there anyway to check it to confirm thats what it is ?

 

Just checked codes and everything is fine. I guess it's junk. I don't quite understand why it would go to crap by just going into 4 L and it won't come out of it. could it be any of the shift solenoids being stuck

 

dont know if this will help. when my trans lost first, it would pretty much slip, but still move, i used to get shudder...thought was the tires. but 4l still pulled the truck onto the flatbed without the winch. crappy thing is the transfer and trans are pretty mated on these things. find a trans shop you trust or find a nice donor trans after you've gone though a linkage check.
my bill was 2140 for full rebuild plus a new part in the transfer case that was looking tired

 

thanks for all the input from everyone I guess i'll check the linkage tomorrow and go from there.

 

this happened with mine a while back. It was the shift solenoids...problem fixed after I had them replaced.