One day reverse worked perfectly and the next the reverse gear simply is broken. Mechanic/shop has confirmed it's not an electrical issue or linkage issue - the transmission is simply toast and needs to be rebuilt/replaced.
Sometimes it does eventually partially engage but for the most part I have to push the truck if I want to go in reverse. This truck was never used for towing (it doesn't even have a hitch) and was not abused off road (it's not even a 4x4, only 2WD/rear wheel drive). I am not the original owner so I don't know if they abused it but either way it's unlikely they did anything to cause this. Very disappointed in the quality of this GM product. I have owned (and do own) other GM products with the same 4L60E transmission and have mixed feelings about it. The same trans in my 1998 Chevy Silverado and 1995 Chevy Suburban were fine at 200K+ and 175K+ miles respectively, and I currently own a 2002 GMC Envoy also with the 4L60E trans at almost 190K miles. On the other hand, I previously owned a 1996 GMC Yukon the same 4L60E transmission lost 3rd and 4th gear at 115K miles. So it seems very hit or miss whether you get a good one or not. For me that is like a 50% failure rate.
As such I would not recommend a first generation Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon from 2004-2012 model years. I'm sure the new 2015+ ones are awesome as they don't share a single part. I do like other GM trucks and SUVs - if you want a truck buy a Silverado/Sierra as they are much better. I just can not recommend the Colorado/Canyon as I have had so many problems and it drives like a turd.
One day reverse worked perfectly and the next the reverse gear simply is broken. Mechanic/shop has confirmed it's not an electrical issue or linkage issue - the transmission is simply toast and needs to be rebuilt/replaced.
Sometimes it does eventually partially engage but for the most part I have to push the truck if I want to go in reverse. This truck was never used for towing (it doesn't even have a hitch) and was not abused off road (it's not even a 4x4, only 2WD/rear wheel drive). I am not the original owner so I don't know if they abused it but either way it's unlikely they did anything to cause this. Very disappointed in the quality of this GM product. I have owned (and do own) other GM products with the same 4L60E transmission and have mixed feelings about it. The same trans in my 1998 Chevy Silverado and 1995 Chevy Suburban were fine at 200K+ and 175K+ miles respectively, and I currently own a 2002 GMC Envoy also with the 4L60E trans at almost 190K miles. On the other hand, I previously owned a 1996 GMC Yukon the same 4L60E transmission lost 3rd and 4th gear at 115K miles. So it seems very hit or miss whether you get a good one or not. For me that is like a 50% failure rate.
As such I would not recommend a first generation Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon from 2004-2012 model years. I'm sure the new 2015+ ones are awesome as they don't share a single part. I do like other GM trucks and SUVs - if you want a truck buy a Silverado/Sierra as they are much better. I just can not recommend the Colorado/Canyon as I have had so many problems and it drives like a turd.
- msca, Fairfax, CA, US