Avalanch Transmission Problems

[RRGuy]

I have been plagued the past couple years with not always being able to get our 2004 Chevy Avalanche back into gear after towing. We have towed this Avalanche about 80,000 miles.

This issue has been covered in previous posts. This summer we traveled 14,000 miles through Canada and Alaska. About one out of ten times we could not get the Avalanche back in gear after towing. I tried all the "remedies" I have heard of-- Disconnecting battery, charging battery, wiggling wires at base of steering column, resetting parking and regular brakes. One thing I tried which worked sometimes was run engine for awhile then wait. It always went back in gear eventually but, worse case took two days. I was lucky on this summer travels as had three traveling companion RVers who could help push Avalanche out of way and park when disconnected, and provide us with alternate transportation when Avalanche was not drivable.

I never found a positive fix. I know several others have had same problem with GM products. Has anyone found a positive fix? I have had it in several Chevy and independent repair places but none of them had a clue.

Anyway I am considering getting a new 2012 or 2013 Avalanche. I am wondering if anyone has had problems with newer Avalanches.

John Abbott, 2004 Winnebago Journey, 2004 Chevy Avalanche.
Melbourne, FL

[bmacrc46]

John,
I have no experience towing our Avalanche but it is a great truck. We have a 2003 with 165k and I was considering a new one. My brother in-law has a 2010 and it is a really nice truck. That being said the Avalanche is at the end of its life cycle and is being discontinued next year. Even though I love our Avalanche if I was going to buy a truck today I would buy a Ford. The pricing is quite a bit better and they are now flat tow-able.

I know I didn't answer your question but if you have your heart set on a new Avalanche don't wait too long.

Good Luck!

[RRGuy]

Yes, bmacrc I agree. That is why we want to get a 2013. I just wanted to find out if still a problem. I guess we are one of the few unlucky ones.

It is set up for tow with Blue Ox and I want to sell as tow. I hoped I can find positive fix for problem.

My wife says it is more like one out of 25 times, not one of 10. Other than that it has been the perfect dingy. We have over 70,000 running miles plus well over 80,000 or 90,000 tow miles.

John Abbott, 2004 Winnebago, Journey
2004 Chevy Avalanche


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