Transmission is banging into gear
 

OK my brother-in-law drives a 99 bravada with about 100k miles, smarttrac 4wd (i think that is what the dash said), automatic. I was down visiting them this weekend and they asked me to look at the thing because the transmission was "slipping". I rode around with them for a while in it to try and diagnose the issue and don't know what else to do and what might be common failure on this thing. Below is some facts about what I found.

1. When starting from a light the car would not take off right away but wait a second then there woudl be thumping or banging sound once and the car woudl start moving.

2. He claims it happens some when going when it shifts.

3. When moving slow in a parking lot in and out of spaces turning it would make similiar banging sounds with a little bucking when it would make the sound.

4. Fluid was on the lower end of full but still not low. (Checked when the car had just gotten back from a 15 minute drive while on as close to level ground as we could find.

5. Fluid was a nice clean looking red without any discolorations really ro burnt smell.

Any ideas? I am a little unsure where to go next here. Also the car is in NC and I am in MI now since I just flew home last night. Anything that I find out will likely be taken car of at a dealership since they live in an apartment and he isn't a mechanic by any means.

RE: Transmission is banging into gear
 

Our trucks are known for Transmission problems, does this sound, sound likeit is grinding into gear? becausethe way you say it wont take off right away sounds likea clutch in the transmission is going bad.

Dont have him take it to a dealer unless he absolutely has to, a dealer will charge way to much, and sometimes charge you for more then you have to.

RE: Transmission is banging into gear
 

Didn't really hear much if any grinding. It would mostly just rev a little when he pushed the gas have a slight banging sound and be moving along. So nothing much to do for the friction material wearing away othe than a rebuild (or try some of the old timer tricks which may **** up the trans even more).

Also I shouldn't have said dealer really, I will encourage him to find a reputable local trans shop to take it to.

RE: Transmission is banging into gear
 

oh okay, yeah and try to watch the fowel language, against forum rules.

RE: Transmission is banging into gear
 

Thanks for the tip...

Anyone else have any other thoughts on what might be causing this issue?

RE: Transmission is banging into gear
 

Have you checked the front and rear diff fluid levels?