'01 Tahoe transmission issue

[ScottyBoy]

Ok, so my brother just called me and said that he thinks the transmission in his Tahoe has bit the dust. Its a 2001 Tahoe with a 5.3 engine and I am guessing it has the 4L60E transmission in it. Its got around 200k miles or so on it, so this isn't a huge surprise to me. He said ever since he got the Tahoe it has been fine and never shown any signs of slipping or anything.( This Tahoe was purchased in 2003 by my late brother David and my youngest brother took ownership of it shortly after David's death in late 20007. )
As far as I know (and as far as he knows), the transmission has probably never been serviced ever. He said the fluid looks dark red and does not smell burnt, and is at the full line when hot. He can drive the truck only up to about 20-25 mph, it will not shift after that.
Do you guys think it needs a full rebuild or can it posibly be something or a part that might be bad? He lives 6 hours away so I can't exactly go check it out for myself.
I know with 200k miles a full rebuild would be the thing to do regardless, but he is really strapped for cash right now and is barely making ends meet. Any suggestions or hints that I can tell him would be appreciated.

 

[Black02Silverado]

Scotty, not much to do that I know of, with that many miles on it more than likely it is toast. He could go get some dexron III ATF at WallyWorld and change it out to see if it helps since it is toast anyway.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

^^Definitely the first step.

 

[ScottyBoy]

Yeah, I am thinking its toast too. But I was just wondering if anybody knew of any parts such as solenoids or anything in them that commonly fail and cause it to not shift.

I explained to him how to drop the pan and change the filter, he will try that before doing anything else I guess.

 

[OldCracker29]

Have him take it to a transmission shop and have them hook up a scanner. My '99 went into limp mode, wouldn't shift out of second. It turned out to be the TPS. The guy only charged me $20.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I remember my brother bought a 99 for really cheap because the transmission would not shift out of 2nd gear. I remember him saying all it was was a 20$ sensor or something that he replaced himself. If he was still alive I could ask him about it.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Just sounds like he needs to get it checked out and go from there.

 

[Zembonez]

If he's strapped for cash. Used trans FTW! He could easily find an under 100K used unit for a LOT less than it would cost to have his rebuilt. The 4L60 is known to make 150K or better before having many issues

 

[OldCracker29]

What was the verdict on this situation?

 

[Black02Silverado]

What did you find out Scotty?