☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Leaving stop light car runs high rpms 5000-6000 and doesn't want to go over 20 mph 2009 Chevy Traverse

asked by on November 28, 2016

Was leaving a stop light and 2009 Traverse didn't want to accelerate. Ran high rpms and slowly got up to speed. The next day same thing happened when leaving a stop sign. Took a little bit and high rpms but got up to 45mph, after I got to 45 it was fine. A few times when I was stopping, the rpms would go up a little instead of going down. The day after that was at a stop and car didn't want to accelerate and 4000rpm or higher. Eventually hit 6000 rpm at 40 mph and then the rpms stayed the same but car wouldn't go over 20mph. Had it towed to a shop. It's giving them 3 different codes but nothing definitive. Mechanic is suggesting replacing TCM but can't guarantee that is the problem or replacing transmission all together. Neither of these is cheap as you know. Any help and or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

My car has 138000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Gears slipping when accelerating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hi there - first thing to check is the transmission fluid level - low fluid levels can cause lots of problems like this - your transmission is obviously slipping badly. If the fluid is at a correct level, and doesn’t smell burned, you may well have burned out clutches in the transmission, or solenoid or valve problems in the valve body of the transmission. The problem codes reviewed by your mechanic should have helped guide the diagnosis. I would recommend a 2nd opinion transmission inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Chevrolet
Traverse
2009
V6-3.6L
automatic transmission
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My car has a check engine light and gave codes P2195, P2251, P0170
Based on these fault codes, it sounds like you have an oxygen sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/oxygen-sensor) that as failed and it will need to be replaced. The trouble codes will also have to be cleared after the sensor is replaced to see...
Read more
My car died and won't start what could the problem be?
Hello. A no start condition can be caused by many things. If you believe that the engine may not be getting fuel then I would start with examining the vehicle's fuel system. It may be possible that one of the...
Read more
When I push on the brake pedal to stop it makes a ratchet clicking sound and a medal grinding sound, like medal on medal.
Hello. I will help you with your concern about the brakes on your 1996 Blazer. Of course, your vehicle has to be actually examined and fully diagnosed but what you are describing are common symptoms that occur when the brake...
Read more
Rough to no acceleration and misfire
It is possible that one or more of your spark plugs or ignition coils have failed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement). The spark plugs and the ignition coils make up the ignition system and this system is responsible for burning the fuel. If the...
Read more
The engine light is on and the code is P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank . What part do I need to fix it?
While a number of things like a faulty oxygen sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) or exhaust leak can cause fault code P0420 to be set, the most common fault is the catalytic converter itself. However, as a replacement can be very expensive, your...
Read more
Power steering failure 2005 Pontiac G6
Hello - this steering behavior does resemble the symptoms from that Recall (14V153000). The specific component that failed for your model was the "steering torque sensor" and should have been replaced as part of the Recall (Bulletin 14116 ). I...
Read more
My 2005 Kia Sorento doesn't have the power to go down the road. It will start and run, but it won't go faster than 35 mph.
Check to see if any vacuum lines were disconnected when your engine was serviced. A vacuum leak can cause the engine to have a loss of power under a load. If all of the vacuum lines are good, then the...
Read more
Vibration and sound along with clicking once wheels are turned when off the ground
Hello thank you for writing in. There are several components that you will want to have looked at. Regarding the wheel bearing, they do cause similar symptoms, and if you hit hard enough, you will want to have them inspected....
Read more

Related articles

2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2012 Dodge Ram: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a way to get a load of mulch or gravel, or need to haul a large trailer or boat behind your vehicle, chances are you are looking for a truck. Trucks are not meant to...
Read more
2012 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2012 GMC Terrain: Which One Should I Buy?
The mid-size crossover SUV category offers the comfort and size of an SUV, but on the platform of a car, giving it the look and feel of a large hatchback. The unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles is used instead...
Read more
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Need a Lot of Trunk Space
Many Many people focus more on interior room than cargo carrying capacity. That’s natural if you have a large family or regularly carpool, but what about drivers who need to carry a lot of stuff most of the time and...
Read more

Browse other content

Maintenance
Estimates
Services
Cities