The C/K 1500 pickup is a name given to a line of full-sized pickup trucks manufactured by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1999. The K1500 is the four-wheel version that usually comes stocked with a two-door regular cab, an optional V-6 or V-8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is an essential device that helps controls the shifting gears. Without a working transmission, your K1500 pickup truck will start to have shifting problems and will eventually stop running.
Park your truck in a safe location on level ground. Apply the parking brake to prevent the truck from rolling while you are troubleshooting the transmission. Start your engine and allow the engine to idle for at least 15 minutes to warm up. Keep the engine running. Pop open the hood.
Go to the hood area and locate the transmission filler cap. Do not confuse this with your oil filler cap. Consult your owner's manual if you are not sure how to identify the transmission filler cap. Unscrew the transmission filler cap and pull the cap off. Look at the color of your transmission fluid as you are removing the transmission filler cap. The transmission fluid should be red. If your transmission fluid is a darker color, you need to change it.
Wipe the fluid from the transmission dipstick with a cloth rag. Replace the dipstick and remove it again. Inspect the dipstick to make sure the transmission fluid rests between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. If the dipstick reads that your transmission fluid is low, you need to add more fluid.
Replace the transmission dipstick and lower the hood of the truck. Get into your truck and prepare for a road test. Start with the vehicle turned off. Turn on the engine and listen for warning beeps. Notice if your transmission light activates on your dashboard. If your transmission light activates, take your vehicle to a local automotive shop. Automotive shops can usually diagnose the warning lights on your vehicle.
Depress the brake and shift from "Park" to "Reverse." You should feel your truck jump as your transmission shifts into gear. Listen for abnormal noises like grinding or metallic sounds. Noises at this point may indicate a damaged clutch or a bad oil pump.
Depress the brake and shift from "Reverse" to "Drive." Again, you should feel your truck jump slightly. Continue to listen for strange noises. If you are comfortable with driving the vehicle, let off the brake slowly and allow the truck to move forward. Drive as far in distance as you feel safe driving.
Listen for sounds coming from your transmission, especially when you are reaching high speeds and changing gears. Sounds made while you are traveling at a constant speed may indicate faulty bearings. Sounds made while your vehicle is changing gears may indicate damaged gears or a worn clutch. Check your rpm gauge to make sure the truck is even changing gears, as this could also indicate a problem with the gears or clutch. Consult a professional mechanic if you are having trouble getting the transmission to change gears, as this could indicate a serious problem.
