[chevy123]

Hi, I have a 2004 Silverado (regular cab, 4x4) with manual transmission.
I bought this truck last year with about 20K miles on it.

I have a problem on cold starts. The truck starts to surge/buck in 1st gear
(even on gentle taps to the gas). This problem goes away once I drive
around a bit in higher gears. Also, after the initial cold start, the problem
does not re-appear in the same day. The problem re-appears when the
truck is undriven for 2 or more days and then a cold start is attempted.

I do not know if this is a manual transmission problem or a problem with
the air/gas intake. Has anyone encountered a similar problem with their
vehicles? Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all very much and have a great day.
Chevy Transmission

- Chevy123

 

[Crawdaddy]

Sounds like you may be low on tranny fluid or something. The fluid may just need changing. I would think it's because the tranny fluid is not warming up enough to be viscous. I do remember reading/hearing somewhere that you're not supposed to drive until the tranny has warmed up, but who does that? With a manual tranny, I don't think you don't have all the complicated valve bodies that auto trannies do, so I wouldn't think it's something related to that. I'll let some of the more experienced people run with it..but tranny fluid definitley seems like a good starting place.

 

[chevy123]

Tranny Fluid

Thank you for that suggestion. I will look at transmission fluid level. If
I recall, its not easy to access the fluid for manual transmission silverados.
It does seem a bit ridiculous if I really have to wait around until the tranny
fluid warms up especially with a 2004 truck.

Chevy123

 

[unplugged]

I think the reference was for an automatic transmission. If it isn't clutch shudder, I would follow your suspicion of a fuel issue. Don't forget to take a look at the condition of the plugs and wires too.

Silverado Parts

 

[chevy123]

Thanks for the advice. This truck had a fuel system flush and spark plug check
in July of 2006 (by prior owner). It was done at a Chevy dealer. I wonder if
that problem is related to what I'm encountering now.

chevy123