Hi! I am hoping someone can direct me the way I need to go to help me figure out what is wrong with my 2000 Chevy Blazer...before I push it into the river...

Ok, I recently noticed that the check engine light came on. I took it to a local autozone to have it put on their code machine and it came back showing the code P0750 which said it was the shift solenoid. It does seem to be slipping a bit. I ended up taking it to a local transmission shop today and had them hook it up to a machine and then ride around in it for as few minutes. The gentleman told me that it seems to be missing 1st and 4th gear. He said the only way they can be definite as to what the problem is is by hooking it up to another machine that would cost around 80 dollars (that I don't have after putting 1500 into the truck in the past 4 weeks). So now my truck is parked...I am wondering if it is the solenoid and if it would cause the truck to miss those specific gears. I also noticed last night that when I step on the gas a metal rattling sound comes from the front end. I thought maybe that was something to do with the transmission too but the man at the transmission shop said that the sound was not and it wasn't to be worried about (OK whatever, usually uncommon noises mean problems). I am really looking forward to any advice anyone can give me. I decided not to trade my truck in and instead put the money into making it right, but it really seems to be starting to become overwhelming....

 

I could not find P0750 for your specific vehicle, but it details Shift Solenoid A. Here are the two codes that I have for this particular solenoid:
P0751 - Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off
P0753 - Shift Solenoid A Electrical
Are you sure it wasn't one of these?

A problem with this solenoid could cause the transmission to be stuck in 2nd & 3rd.

 

I am almost certain that was the code, the man at autozone said it was a shift solenoid. I am just in fear of replacing the solenoid and the problem not go away. By the way, with you stating that the shift solenoid would cause the tranny to be stuck in 2nd and 3rd, it really leans me towards the fact that it really may be the solenoid. I do wonder though, I am pretty new to this, when you said solenoid A stuck off or electrical, is this the same solenoid or two different ones? If it is solenoid A, is it hard to change? What would be the procedure? I really appreciate your help!

 

Those are two different codes for the same solenoid.

It really isn't too difficult to replace. You have to drop the pan. The location is shown in each of the code descriptions. There will be a clip that holds the solenoid into the valve body.

Have you recently had the transmission serviced?

 

Thanks again! You stated that the place in which the solenoid is located is shown within the code descriptions. I appreciate that. When changing the solenoid, the tranny pan has to be removed..in doing so, aren't there other supplies I will need then..transmission fluid? Seal for the pan? What tools will I need? Sorry for all the questions, I am just debating doing it myself...also, do you know an average price for Solenoid A? Autozone told me 102.99 but the transmission shop told me 24.99...quite a difference. Again, I appreciate all the advice. I really hope this is the problem and I can stop spending so much to keep this truck running. It's been so good to me, and now it seems everything is messing up!

Also, I had the transmission serviced last year, why? Does that make a difference? I just hope it just needs the solenoid...I am so broke because of this truck!

 

It depends on the parts that were used when the transmission was last serviced. The pan gasket should be able to be reused unless someone used sealer on it or it tears when you remove it.

I mentioned the transmission service because this is the most common point for problems to happen to the solenoids and/or their wiring/connectors. If someone tries to take a short cut and not remove components that may be in the way, they can damage things. Sometimes the effects will be immediate and others, quite a while later.

You may have to jack up and support the back of the transmission and remove the transmission cross member to be able to properly remove the pan.

 

Here I am again with questions..you have been such a help! I got some better facts today..took the blazer into autozone again and had them put it on the machine again and I will list exactly what the print out stated...
Code P0753 (you were right )
Definition
1-2 shift solenoid valve performance
Explanation
ECM has detected an open or shorted condition on the shift solenoid circuit
Probable cause
1. shift solenoid failure - repair other codes first
2. open or short circuit condition

So if I am reading this print out right, it really should be my shift solenoid because the first probable cause states it to be shift solenoid failure - repair other codes first and there is no other codes. I bought the solenoid at the transmission shop so it should be the right one, I hope!

So, all I need now is the gasket, filter, and transmission fluid.so I went to Autozone to get those supplies and they asked me if the truck has a deep or shallow pan that it makes a difference as to what gasket and filter I need. I haven't the slightest idea which so again, I am stuck!
I also wanted to mention that the man at the transmission shop seemed really angry when I didn't let them put the truck on the 80 dollar machine and instead bought the part..he said it may be an electrical problem and if so I am waisting my time just changing the solenoid...I'm so overwhelmed! Need your advice again...

 

Again, search is your friend.

"deep+shallow+pan" will get you comparison pictures.
Transmission cover types

 

I have a similar problem with my 02 Blazer ZR2 - At 140k, it was running like a champ - no issues and all of a sudden, the tans went out. Now I have no reverse and it defaults to 2nd going forward. I never had ANY indication anything was wrong. All the fluids were in range, nothing low or burned, etc.
I'm at a loss - a mechanic (not Chev or trans specialist) said I have to replace the entore transmission. Could it be something else? I REALLY don't need the $2500 repair for a whole trans right now.
Thanks for any info you can provide...
Linda

 

calalinda1, your problem is classic sun shell failure. Search for "sun+shell" and you should turn up quite a number of threads discussing this. If the rest of the transmission is still somewhat healthy, you can get away with just replacing the sun shell. However, you need to find someone that is fluent in these transmissions so that you do not end up with more problems.

Also, $2500 is ridiculous for a replacement transmission. A much cheaper alternative may be for you to swap in a lower mileage junkyard unit, but you wouldn't be getting an upgraded sun shell and could end up with the same problem sometime down the road.