Three problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle has a strong jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes has a slipping / delayed jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Valve body was replaced at 30,000 miles. Did not correct the problem. Vehicle taken back. Dealer replaced transmission fluid and added additives. Vehicle started making a popping noise when shifting at 30,100 miles. Dealer advised this was normal. Vehicle would not pull in reverse sometimes and would only shift at high rpm and no overdrive at 34,000 miles. Dealer rebuilt transmission and replaced broken sun shell gear. Vehicle still jerking hard / transmission slipping from 1st to 2nd. Dealer notified. Vehicle still under warrenty. Dealer advised they would have to contact gm for repair sugguestions. 3 months have went by and dealer will not schedule repair of transmission. Transmission now has popping noise when shifting all gears and makes vibration at 55mph to 65 mph. Transmission still popping, jerking, and slipping from 1st to 2nd.
Transmission shifts with jerk from 1st to 2nd gear with a clunk noise. All other shifting appear to be smooth without the jerk or clunk.
Consumer complains of premature stalling at idle. The vehicle lacks sufficient power, it surges and at times refuses to accelerate. The transmission doesn't shift down properly out of 4th gear and the air conditioning unit does not cool properly and makes whistling noises.