Transmission quits working completely until I turn it off, then restart it, and then it works briefly, quits again.

2000 Chevy 1500 4WD Automatic Transmission: While driving, transmission quits working completely until I turn it off, then restart it, and then it works briefly again, then the transmission stops working again, it revs, but doesn't engage. 213k miles. Nothing has been changed or added since we bought it. We've gotten about 7k miles out of it since purchase. Possibly the transmission was rebuilt once before. What is the problem? I searched the other threads but didn't see an exact match for my symptoms.

My car has 213000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
if the engine speed is increasing and the vehicle does not move, the transmission is slipping. The first thing to do would be to let the engine idle and warm up to operating temperature and then check the transmission fluid level while the engine is running and the gear selector is in park. If the fluid is at the proper level and the transmission is malfunctioning there may be an internal failure. If the fluid level is too low from a leak, this may cause the transmission to slip as well. Consider hring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out for a closer look and offer a more personal diagnosis of your transmission concerns.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Transmission failure can be caused by slipping, symptomatic noises, lack of fluid due to leaks, overheating, or outside factors that affect the transmission.
A few common causes are low or dirty transmission fluid, or faulty shift solenoids. The transmission uses fluid pressure to shift the gears, and does so using electronic solenoids. If there is an issue with either of these the vehicle may experience problems shifting or transferring power to the wheels.
What are the most common transmission problems with the 2000 Chevy Silverado? The most common transmission problems with the 2000 Chevy Silverado are Transmission loses reverse, Shifting problem with 2nd and 3rd gear, Difficulties shifting gears, and Rattling noise.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Transmission won`t engage or stay in gear

If when you put your vehicle into gear and it won`t move, this may be a problem with low transmission fluid due to a leak, the shifter, shifter cable, or it could even be a problem in the valve body of your automatic transmission.

Over time, dirt, debris and other tiny particles can accumulate in the transmission fluid, affecting its fluid properties. This can cause the vehicle to die when you shift into drive or reverse, allow a loss of power, transmission slip, rough shifts or even prevent the vehicle from shifting into gear at all.
How do you reset the transmission control module in your Chevy Silverado? Turn the key, press the gas, wait, turn the key off, release the gas, wait, and you`re ready to go. More often than not, this procedure is going to do the trick.
The TCM fuse is in the main fuse block and is probably 10 amps. If the fuse is blown, that is confirmation but the faulty fuse means there is a short circuit in the TCM and/or wiring that would have to be traced and repaired.
If your vehicle shifts gears without warning at any speed or refuses to go into any gear, the transmission is either about to fail or has already failed. If the gear shift in your car is difficult to get into gears, causes grinding noises, or just won`t move at all, the transmission is dying or has died.
The most common gear issue for a 4L60E transmission is a loss of third gear. This problem typically occurs out of the blue. You can put the vehicle into drive and shift it into second gear without issue, and just as you try to go into third, nothing happens.
You experience delayed gear shifting and a sense of pulling or slipping when trying to shift between gears. The vehicle will not downshift as you slow down. An inability for the solenoid valve to operate may prevent your car from downshifting, and the engine will continue to rev as you attempt to brake.
When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it`s vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you`re not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.
Often (though not always) the gear might change to neutral on its own. Sometimes the transmission will “reject” your gear change and revert to its previous gear.
Bad habits such as parking without the handbrake, changing gears incorrectly, and shifting an automatic transmission before the car comes to a complete stop can cause your transmission to wear out prematurely.
If your manual transmission won`t shift into reverse, try pumping the clutch a few times to build up pressure. If this doesn`t help, turn off the engine and shift through gears, including into reverse. If you are able to engage reverse this way, you know that the clutch needs attention.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Transmission quits working completely until I turn it off, then restart it, and then it works briefly, quits again.
ANSWER : if the engine speed is increasing and the vehicle does not move, the transmission is slipping. The first thing to do would be to let the engine idle and warm up to operating temperature and then check the transmission fluid level while the engine is running and the gear selector is in park. If the fluid is at the proper level and the transmission is malfunctioning there may be an internal failure. If the fluid level is too low from a leak, this may cause the transmission to slip as well. Consider hring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out for a closer look and offer a more personal diagnosis of your transmission concerns.

Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.

Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.

Why turn signal lever won’t return to neutral position after turn is completed?
ANSWER : Hi there. There is a lock ring on the turn signal lever with a return spring that makes the lever return to the rest position. The lock ring is cracked or broken. You will have to disconnect the battery, remove the steering wheel and airbag, and then remove the turn signal lever assembly. Then you can remove and replace the lock ring. After that, install everything back together as you took it off. Hook up the battery and check the turn signals and make sure that the lever returns to the rest position. If you need further assistance with your turn signal lever not returning to the rest position, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.

My car shuts off when I turn on the light or even the turn signals please help need this car to get to work
ANSWER : Hi there. This type of electrical glitch can be very difficult to pinpoint or diagnose without a physical inspection. However, in general, the most common causes of this issue is an exposed electrical wire within the ignition system. It is best to have a professional mechanic complete an electrical problems inspection first in order to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.