2004 tahoe clunk/ jerks forward when starting

[davin622]

Hey guys I have a 2004 Tahoe 5.3 with 80k miles. When I start the vehicle I am hearing a loud clunk and the vehicle jerks forward. This happens about 1-2 seconds after starting. The noise seems to be coming from under the vehicle. This happens when the car is in park and has been happening cold or hot about 50% of the time. It starts fine and runs normal afterward. Any ideas? I googled this issue and couldn't find anything. Thanks for the help

 

[davin622]

I was just told that this may be a torque converter issue. Is this the likely problem? and do you guys think I'm looking at a new transmission? I change the fluid in the pan and change filter every 20 or 30k. The fluid is also clean and red, and is not low.

 

[MO Viet Vet]

I would also be leaning toward the torque convertor. Did you google the problem?

 

[davin622]

yes I did google it and searched the forum for the issue and found nothing. strangely enough I unplugged the battery for about and hour and plugged it back in and it has not done it again today.

 

[MO Viet Vet]

I found this:

This slight movement is due to the residual transmission fluid in the clutch packs that creates a partial apply on start up. This movement is stopped by the parking pawl and/or transmission fluid exhausting completely from the clutch packs.

 

[davin622]

I found this:

This slight movement is due to the residual transmission fluid in the clutch packs that creates a partial apply on start up. This movement is stopped by the parking pawl and/or transmission fluid exhausting completely from the clutch packs.

Do you think this is a big issue? Is my 4l60e about to bight the dust or am I ok for a while? It has the typical harsh 1-2 and noisy 2-3 shifts already most of the time.

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Well, with the other problems you stated I would start saving for a rebuild. But you may drive this thing for many many more miles before you do that.