One problem related to transmission solenoid has been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet S10. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The ses light appeared and stayed on after approximately 1-2 hours driving at freeway speed. This happened on several occasions. After turning engine off overnight or for several hours, the light would go off. Then after continued driving, comes back on again. While on, the transmission shifts extremely hard, jolting passengers. This occurred several times. Took car to dealer for service but light was not on. Service advised could not get ses code with light off. When ses problem happened again, took to dealer. Service advised that ses problem coded to the transmission. Manager advised that nothing was wrong with transmission, but problem was electical. Transmission man may be able to fix by placing a wire to bypass solenoid problem. When the transmission man tried to do so, he found that a wire was already in place. Service advised that my blazer was a later model that already had the wire. He advised that nothing was wrong with the transmission, and to continue to drive until it failed to shift completely. A solenoid which controlled the shifting was sticking and causing the problem. When this happened I could shut off the engine completely, and the computer/ solenoid would reset and I could continue driving. Otherwise the assembly body would have to be replaced. My problem is that this seems to be a problem Chevrolet determined early on and tried to fix with the wire bypassing the solenoid. I'm expected to wait until it goes out completely, drive my car in 2d gear from wherever it is to the dealer, and pay to have the assembly body replaced, at my expense. What's wrong with this picture ? I would expect a known problem with the ses light/ solenoid to have been remedied prior to sale of a new vehicle. I would appreciate any guidance or assistance you can provide regarding this matter. The solution seems totally illogical as well as poor customer service.