Gear not shifting, URGENT HELP NEEDED

[humvee]

Due to radiator issues offroad, my H3 was towed approx 60km, ignition was set to 'accessory' as I needed access to steering and fog lights.

After fixing the radiator issue, I started the truck, and realized that my gear indicator (in the dash) shows N, even when I change the gear lever position to P,R,N,D,1 or 2.

Additional Info:

- My tires roll and I can push the truck, so I confirm that the gear is physically in N.
- I cannot move the gear from P position without pressing the shift-lock override button under the leather.
- When I move the gear lever, it feels very loose, no feedback or anything.
- Towards the end of the trip (while being towed), the battery died (while the gear was in N). Battery is charged now.
- The truck starts with no issues, I can turn and remove the key from the ignition without any issues.


I disconnected the battery for 45 mins to re-set the computer but that didn't work. Truck is still in N, no matter where I set the gear lever.

Any ideas? Your insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rsc]

As I understand it, you should never tow an automatic without disconnecting the driveshaft (s). I bet the transmission didn't get enough fluid moving through it and burned up from the tow. But that's just conjecture as I've never towed an automatic before either.

 

[f5moab]

RSC is right. However you don't need to physically disconnect the driveshaft but to flat tow a Hummer H3 auto, the t/case needs to be put into Neutral and the auto trans shifted to PARK; however, neutral should be ok. Putting the t/case in neutral effectively disconnects the shafts to the differentials.

 

[backcountryislife]

I think the tow truck likely did exactly what Doug is saying, and the T-case is in N... that's not the same as the trans. You just need to put the t-case back in 4H & you're good to go! (unless I'm missing something?)

Don't you just have to push the "4" for 3 sec to get it out of N??

 

[chaos254]

As I understand it, you should never tow an automatic without disconnecting the driveshaft (s). I bet the transmission didn't get enough fluid moving through it and burned up from the tow. But that's just conjecture as I've never towed an automatic before either.

Thats how it was explained to me by one of our techs. Even if you put the vehicle in neutral, the transmission/axles are spinning like you were driving it. Since the engine is not on, the transmission fluid never gets cooled down.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[cgalpha08]

If the t case is in N then it shouldn't spin the transmission right. So it should not have burned up.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Neutral on the transfer case = no transmission spinning. However, I'm not certain he did anything but put the transmission in neutral.

But I'm confused - what Hummer does the OP have? US H3s don't lock the steering column when you turn them off - so I'm a bit confused by the problem.

 

[f5moab]

If he needed steering he was flat towed with all four on the ground. Most people do not realize that auto equipped H3s don't lock the steering column with the key out of the cylinder (manuals will lock). I have surprised a few. However, unless he brought it into Qatar from the USA, it might have been built in S. Africa and who knows if Qatar requires a locking steering wheel even for automatics? I sure don't.

One point to note, is when you flat tow a H3 and you remain inside (such as being pulled off a trail), if you keep the ignition key On, you retain brake boost since the brake boost motor will recharge the accumulator when needed.

If he was flat towed with the trans in N, there is a good chance something was burned up; however, damage may not be apparant right away. But saying -
"I cannot move the gear from P position without pressing the shift-lock override button under the leather.
When I move the gear lever, it feels very loose, no feedback or anything."

Makes me wonder if the gear range selector cable has been damaged or is completely off the switch. Might want to check:

 

[RamRod]

Makes me wonder if the gear range selector cable has been damaged or is completely off the switch. Might want to check:

Before getting too carried away I would start with that, its basic but at least it eliminates it as a potential problem vary quickly!

 

[Sennin]

The South African Build H3 auto does have steering lock, and requires the key to be in the ignition. (Think they didn't read the note regarding auto and manualand steering locks :wink

As i also understand it the transfer case is in N, and not the gearbox, so the op just has to cycle the dash buttons to see if that engages, that will be my first bet. ( I had my 3.7 H3 flat towed 2 years back when it had the engine issue when under load, was fine when engine idled, so everything in N, and engine running to provide steering and brake power )

 

[twinmill28]

Yep, I'd have to say T case is in neutral and needs to be re-engaged. Tow truck driver more than likely set it up prior to towing.
No damage, just follow the above instructions to take the truck out of neutral or read your owners manual in the section for flat towing.
I've practiced this on both my 2 & 3 to make sure I knew and understood how that worked "just in case".
No charge for the info, consider this one on me

 

[humvee]

Thank you guys for all your input.. As f5Moab predicted, the gear range selector cable was disconnected, I was so relieved when I finally got under the truck.

I will disengage the drive shaft when being towed in the future, glad this didn't turn into a bigger issue. BIG THANKS!

Though everything is back to normal, I can't help but think I did some damage to the gear now. Any way of finding out?

 

[humvee]

My hummer is an SA model, steering locks when you remove the key...

Thanks again for all the input! Much appreciated