Q: SUV, GMC Envoy, 2004, vehicle has no get up and go! Not shifting into gear! Already changed transmission fluid and spark plugs!

asked by on January 10, 2018

Engine or transmission has no get up and go! We changed the plugs and transmission fluid but it's acting like it doesn't want to get higher than 40mph! It's sluggish and it fights to get into gear. All the while the rpms, rise to 4, then finally connects into gear!

My car has 137000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Engine hesitates during acceleration Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If engine speed increases steadily in response to accelerator inputs, then this is probably a transmission related fault. To give you a precise slate of possibilities though I would need to know exactly which gears (which "shift points") are "missing" and/or experiencing delayed shifting. Generally, there are electrical causes of what you describe plus lots of mechanical possibilities. These range from a vehicle speed sensor in the transmission, line pressure sensor, valve body or shift solenoid fault, hydraulic circuit/clutch pack fault and so forth. Sometimes a faulty throttle position sensor will cause these symptoms. There can also be multiple causes of course. An advanced automotive scanner is typically used to read transmission operating data and that aids in the diagnostic. If you want such a diagnostic, please request service using YourMechanic’s loss of power inspection/diagnostic service request page and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you, right at your location. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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

A/C is not blowing cold air - 2007 Dodge Nitro
Unless the leak is large enough that refrigerant is just blowing out or somewhere obvious and all at once, the system has to be recharged with a dye installed with it. The dye will leak out with the refrigerant and...
Protecting my car's battery in cold weather
A car battery relies on a chemical reaction in order to produce usable power or current. Cold weather is known to slow this process down which wreaks havoc on car batteries, resulting in them dying much quicker than when in...
My car wont stay on
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and...
Can you change the defected water pump without changing its defected belt (which is the drive belt and only belt in this model of
Hello. Yes you can replace the water pump without replacing the serpentine belt. If the belt is worn, and it breaks while you are driving, you can damage a lot of other components in that area. Typically the price of...
Engine cranks but does not start
Hello, Things like ignition coils (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement), crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement), spark plugs, spark plug wires or ignition module are all components that help to create spark and control ignition timing which may cause the motor to not produce spark or...
Which service do I need to book?
I would recommend having a headlight or tail light pigtail connector replacement appointment scheduled in order to get this part replaced.
Throttle body replaced and now my rpm idle very high
Hey Brandon. Thanks for sending in the question yesterday. There are two reasons why this tends to happen after replacing a throttle body. Either there is a vacuum line that has come loose (which is rather common), or the idle...
08 dodge ram keeps going into limp mode. new comp, cleaned tb, new crank and cam sensors, new egr and new plugs. any ideas?
Hi Steven. Thanks for contacting us today. Limp mode is generally triggered due to a fault within the driveline, such as a differential or transmission issue. The best way to get an indication as to what is causing it is...
I have a 1988 Chrysler Fifth Ave,everything under the hood was wet now it's been 3days and still won't start
Excessive moisture and, worse, liquid water, all over the engine will cause electrical components to malfunction. The engine should be inspected to determine if it can be "dried out" and to determine which connectors and components need to be removed...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Acadia
When When it comes to finding the right SUV for your family, it seems like there are always a lot of compromises to be made. One vehicle is so performance and off-road oriented that you can’t imagine taking your kids...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon
When When you want a big SUV that can hold its own, come what may, you’ll be happiest with a GMC Yukon. Although the inside of one of these vehicles can sometimes resemble an upscale hotel room, the 2012 GMC...
The Best Used Cars to Buy For a Graduation Gift
Your Your little bundle of joy has grown up and on the cusp of entering adulthood. Graduating is a milestone, and you want to reward their hard work and show how proud you are. Buying a used car is a...