No power to wheels while driving.

Asked by Arthur Aug 14, 2020 at 04:11 PM about the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 LS 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

While driving, something will cut power to the wheels suddenly, motor seems
to still be pushing power when pedal is pressed, but the motor just revs, it
doesn't get to tires.

This happens during two occasions:
1. After driving all day on the highway around 75 to 80 mph, it'll start
happening and generally limit the driving speed to around 65 to 70 mph after
that. Doesn't seem to get much worse after that.
2. While pulling a trailer. That gets real bad. Progresses in the same manner
as above, except driving speed will continue to get more limited as time goes
on. At one point, I couldn't go over 10mph and going over hills was a nogo.

Note: Parking for 30 minutes seemed to recover some of the issue as top
speed became about 40 mph. Quickly degenerated back to 10 mph though.

Note: First time pulling was with a 36' travel trailer. 2nd time was with a small
uhaul trailer. The uhaul trailer event was not as bad, if it matters.

Note: Mechanics thought it was transmission related so a transmission and
transfer case swap was performed. Transfer case needed to be swapped for
other issues. The problem has continued to persist.

3 Answers

I don't know. I have one of those bluetooth devices you attach to the OBD plug that interfaces with a smart device, but I haven't had a chance to get all that together while pulling something. I will mention however, the entire cooling system was replaced by that very same mechanic maybe a year earlier, and from what I understand, the radiator cools the transmission oil. All that being said, in answer to your question, I have no idea. Does that sound like it might be the case?

Any resolution here, Arthur? Having a similar issue on 2016 Suburban 1500 with 72k miles. Coincidentally, have been hauling a trailer over the last month once or twice a week to move a two-ton tractor. However, this issue has only occurred without the trailer and I am unlikely to use it for the trailer until it resolved. I can confirm that transmission is not overheating based on the trans temp reading in the dash info center. I am wondering if it could be throttle body sensor or system kicking it into limp mode, but I have not seen an engine light or error code. Thanks for any update.

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