Shift Inhibited

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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My first post on Duramax Diesels:hello:. I've been reading almost all day on other posts and suggestions on how to diagnose the shift inhibited issue. I've learned a lot today and thanks to everyone who help others on this forum. I have narrowed my plan of action down to a couple things and I would appreciate it if someone would agree or direct me on a different path. I got the shift inhibited warning and the service engine light on my truck yesterday morning. I got the normal slipping etc. I put the shifter in drive and drove down the road and the transmission would not shift out of 1st gear. I pulled over at the first safe place to do so. I shut the engine off, waited about a minute, restarted the engine and drove off. The transmission shifted like a new truck and it did so all the way home, approx 125 miles with multiple stop/start at stop signs and lights. It drove like a new truck. So, here we go.
1) Does the perfectly shifting transmission indicate nothing wrong internally?
2) Should I lean toward taking the most widely suggested advice and replace the NSBU switch then the ignition switch?
3) Say heck with it and take it in to the dealer?

I used my AutoCal and pulled these codes: P0700,0846,0871,0875

I would appreciate any advice:thumb:.
 

zakkb787

<that’s not me...
Sep 29, 2014
2,340
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Granite Falls NC
I’m sorry I can’t exactly help you with your problem but I’d like to applaud you for this being your first post. Lots of info. Research already done. Game plan laid out. And exact codes stated. Wish there were more like you lol Welcome and hope it gets fixed for you!
 

Mike L.

Got Sheep?
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Aug 12, 2006
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Fullerton CA
I would start with a new NSBU switch. If that doesn't fix it, replace Pressure Switch manifold and internal harness.
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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Thanks, Zach. I think the NSBU switch is a no brainer. Not that expensive and it is 13 years old. I didn't mention the miles on the odometer so I actually didn't give ALL the info:D. It has 120,000 miles and it does see a lot of garage time too. I have a company car so the truck is more of a garage ornament than anything else. Did I mention that before yesterday, the truck sat in the garage without starting it for two months? I wonder if that could have caused this.... Hmmm.
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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Hi Mike. I like the NSBU part of your reply. But that internal stuff is scary. I do appreciate the advice. I will post my findings as soon as they are available. DO you have any experience with RockAuto? They have the NSBU for about $50.00

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS NS377 {#29541852} Info
Automatic trans.; 5 speed trans.
 

DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
3,729
297
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Boise, ID, USA
I use RockAuto all the time, but their part quality varies (you get what you pay for). I don't know if the Standard Motor Products switch is any good or not.

I do know that Amazon has ACDelco parts for cheaper than RockAuto sometimes, so it is worth looking what the real OEM part would cost there.
 

Mike L.

Got Sheep?
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Aug 12, 2006
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The 4L60E,4L80E switches are the same as Allison. I think the sealing is better in the Allison switch for bad weather.
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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Thanks to everyone. I have a NSBU switch and an ignition switch ordered. Should be here Friday. I'll post my results.:cool:
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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WooHoo, almost. I received the new NSBU switch today but it doesn't include any special instructions. Like, should I disconect battery, put the transmission lever in any special position. Stuff like that. Anyone out there have any "oh by the way" tips? I did find one online tutorial on replacing a NSBU but it was for a different year/part number.
 

torqued2dmax

Member
Mar 26, 2017
646
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Brookville, PA
The only difference is most pre 2004.5 are 2 plug and most 2004.5 and up are 1 large plug . You blocks the tires and put in N follow video or posts , very easy as long as you dont move gear out of N ! Buy the slightly more $ NSBU because it has shields on it to help keep out some road crap !
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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How about that! Fixed. The NSBU switch did the trick. Very easy install, too. Now I have to decide if I want to proceed with replacing the ignition switch that I purchased with the NSBU.

Thanks to all who helped with excellent advice.:thumb:

Andy
 

2004LB7

Super Moderator
Staff member
Dec 15, 2010
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Norcal
Put the ignition switch in your glove box and save it for if the problem continues
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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Just completed installing the ignition switch. Might as well, I have it and the old one is 13 years old. Much more work installing the ignition switch than the NSBU. That steering column cowling is a beotch. Ole Blackie is running great again:thumb:.

Not a single beer was injured during this project....
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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Thanks, Torqued. I feel good about the whole project. It kinda re-energized me into putting more effort into fixing up some odds and ends on this truck. I would like to keep it another two years. A friend of mine purchased a brand new F250 Lariot diesel about a year ago. When he sells it in two years he promised it to me. He buys a new truck every few years and takes very good care of them. I'm going to tackle the stepper motors in my instrument cluster now. Better go get another twelve pack:D. Thanks again for everyones help!

Andy
 

Andrewf

New member
Feb 19, 2018
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0
Hi all. Well, I was happy with my temporary fix. Can't explain this but I have the shift range inhibited problem again. As mentioned in my earlier posts, I changed the NSBU switch and the ignition switch. It is obviously an intermittent problem. This morning I started the truck, pulled it out of the garage and let it warm up a tad in the driveway. About 35 degrees outside so everything is cold. I got a delay when I shifted into drive, the underscore line under D flashed and then I got the lovely shift range inhibited banner:mad:. No service engine light. Same thing happens for reverse. After everything warms up, shifts like a new truck. This tells me the transmission is in good health with exception of a minor item (switch/valve/pressure switch manifold??) I'm going to try one more thing, take Mike's advice and change the pressure switch manifold and wiring harness. Here's my question, should I go to Allison and buy original OEM parts or do any of you know where to go (vendor) to get these parts?
Thanks to all who have helped along the way:hug: