Hi all i am new to the forum and i need some help. i have a 98 gmc serria slt with the 305v8 the passing gear just never engages. It used to not shift out of first this was my dad'* truck he said that problem used to happen now and then. it hasn't done the not shifting out of first issue to me for over 6 months now. I'm not sure where to start. I know atv'* and dirt bikes somewhat so tools aren't alien to me. but i know so little about cars. I have my fathers tools and shop space.I can't really afford a mechanic. Where do i start?

Start by scanning for codes. The "passing gear" is simply the transmission downshifting in response to a demand for greater acceleration. Many factors can affect when and how the truck shifts, most of which will set a code when they are not behaving as expected. Does the truck rev up like it is trying to shift, but not engaging when you jump on it, or does it just simply stay in the same gear and just slowly accelerate.

it just continues to accelerate without kicking down. It has 163k on it and i don't know if the tranny filter has ever been changed. The truck has mostly highway miles on it. its done some trailer towing namely his 2 show tractors old farmal'* and related equipment he loved his heavy metal The truck has always been well cared for. and its a 1 owner vehicle He bought her as a GM program truck in 2007 with 9400 miles so basically new.

I had a similar problem with my truck except it would go into passing gear and stay there. It was the transmission shift cable connected to the throttle body. It was gummed up and wouldn't retract. Maybe your cable is broken and not pulling out when you accelerate. Simple fix, and worth a check. I think the part was about 20 bucks and a couple hours to change it.

He has a 98, 4L60E tranny. No kick down cable here. BTW, post is very old. Please do not reply to posts older than 2 months please.