While driving there was a pop and transmission will not engage in any gear?

Good morning, JAY117,

My first thought is that the fluid pump in the transmission went. You can check this by starting the vehicle.

Pull the dipstick for the transmission, wipe it off with a clean rag and put back in the transmission. Pull it back out and look at the fluid level. With it running in park the fluid should be in the crosshatch area on the stick.

If the pump is bad, it will look like it is overfilled. If it does, the fluid is stuck in the pan and not circulating through the transmission causing you to have no gears.

Check this and let me know what you see.

Thank you,
Brendon

Fluid levels look okay. I have not put the full 10 pints that the book recommends. But with about 6 pints it still looks a little low on the dipstick.

Hello JAY117,

Can you take a look at the RPO codes in the glove box? There are 2 transmissions for this vehicle.

The label should be in the glove box. We are looking for one of these codes.

MD2 or MD8

Do you mean 6 quarts? Because 6 pints is only 3 quarts.

MD8 is the 700R4 which should be 10.5 quarts or so, so that's 21 pints.

MD2 is the TH180C which I am still looking for a fluid capacity on.

I know the vehicle is old, so I don't know if the label is legible or not. If so, see if you can see one of those 2 codes.

Also does it still have the stock size pan on it or a deeper one?

Thank you,
Brendon

I am unable to read the label but from what I understand it's a 4l60e transmission with original pan. My apologies I misspoke earlier I have put 4 quarts in so far.

Hello JAY117,

Okay. No problem. I am adding a picture of the placement of something called a TV cable. Check your transmission and see if you have this cable.

Since you dropped the pan and replaced the filter, I would fill it with fluid completely and see if anything changes. I would get it up to 8 quarts, start it then check it while it is running. Then add accordingly. Keep in mind as the fluid heats up it will expand making the fluid level higher.

What was the condition of the old fluid and filter? What color was the fluid?

Was the filter sitting in the pan when you pulled it off or did you have to remove it from the transmission?

Thank you,
Brendon

The filter was still in the transmission it was kind of hard to get out. The old fluid was dark but not super shiny. I will get it up to 8 quarts and check it out. But it does not seem like it is filling into the radiator ad part of the cooling side. Thank you

Hello JAY117,

Okay. The dark color is more than likely from clutch material wearing off over the years.

What do you mean by, "But it does not seem like it is filling into the radiator ad part of the cooling side"? Can you explain further for me?

Also were you able to look on the passenger side of the transmission and see if you have a cable? I will re-add the picture for you, maybe it didn't come through for some reason.

Please let me know. If this vehicle is an 87 it will not have a 4L60E in it. They weren't made yet. The 700R4 was rebadged the 4L60 in about 93 I think but it was not electronically controlled until around 96.

In order to provide you with the most accurate information and the best help, we need to be sure which transmission you have. Please take a look at the photo and look on the passenger side of the transmission and see if you see the black cable on the transmission.

Thank you,
Brendon

My transmission fluid cools through the radiator so the pump being out would make sense on my it's not filling all the way. And yes, my s10 is a 1987 chevy with the 2.8l and a 4l60e transmission stock. Thank you for your help I will start to get ready to pull the transmission out and get the pump replaced.

Hello JAY117,

Okay. Sounds good. If it isn't flowing into there, then the pump would make sense.

Here is a link with a lot of good information for your transmission:
https://www.usshift.com/4l60e.shtml

You're very welcome. Happy to help :) Please let me know if I can provide you with any other information.

Thank you,
Brendon

Thank you, I am going to go ahead and find a pump to order and get my truck running and driving.

Hello JAY117,

You're welcome. When I do big jobs, especially ones that might be apart for a little while. I use an organizer and a piece of paper so I can keep track of bolts and take pictures with my phone as things come apart. I have a horrible memory, so this helps me.

Here is a link to the organizer I was talking about. You can get them just about anywhere. Lowes has nice ones too.
https://www.harborfreight.com/20-bin-medium-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12145234740&campaignid=12145234740&utm_content=117048376996&adsetid=117048376996&product=93928&store=639&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4vuk4J2LgAMVh7rICh1Tsw4VEAQYAyABEgIPvfD_BwE

You will need a puller for the pump. I found one on as an example. I have never bought nor am I affiliated with the seller. Here is the link for you:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255775223198?epid=25043912290&hash=item3b8d642d9e:g:uLcAAOSwznxkr2TU&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4HkH6FDfSP1df%2B4S3PSS5sCJv3PNV8M7wFp6FO9foJAGm7SqYodXYMb2TJ7eKpsV4jvw2YQgUFWgYGmD9%2BQ%2FQSgxuFu9xXeSlughbutX1zq40txdGUCZE2E1Wq6JQDkjX%2B6JKHliOxxTEH6CR3XioLkbK1ho0RcEkhmQV2iuIUI7KyQiE%2FMWeRoaNcWUlWFloUOqYLTSWjjC75E4Lw9k7pzy2%2B5gzJo6vVOQQSWlkzNAnTY5ctLaX1Wp619ImmWOn0FRPzOOJ9izv0dUnSR%2BuXL2elOzf79MlkVK8h2AmQUV%7Ctkp%3ABFBM8Kni5ali

I found a video for the pump removal in case you need it. Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/P9UtP80GfAg

Also here is a link to an installation video for you also:
https://youtu.be/50tlMAjBMlE

Please let me know if you need any other information.

Thank you,
Brendon