Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra's w 8100/Allison

kanton1

I will check my gauges tonight on my way to work. I will post my results tommorrow am.

Kyle

eric2001

Your "new" gauges are working fine. Mine only light the symbol, not the lettering on each. So is the fuel gauge still in metric?
-Eric

4x4man

I checked my gauges this morning going into work and mine like Eric's only lights the symbol for each gauge, not the names.

Kyle,
No noises from my 8.1L either, sorry no help to you there...

Bob

lauriet1

Ok - looked at two other trucks on the dealer lot and verified that only the gauge notches, needles and symbols light up, not the words. I think this is what happened:

When the conversion was done prior to import, an overlay was placed on the instrument panel (this info came from the importer himself). I believe this overlay allowed light to shine through the area where the words were. The dealer claims my original panel was repaired.

I believe United Radio/AC Delco did not fix my original panel and, at their option, sent a new one....so after all is said and done, I have a real US instrument cluster which works properly.

So ends the tale.

kanton1

kyle

kg11

My 2500HD has had the trans (allison) replaced twice for shifting problems (as posted #1041 and 1042)Now after 6 mo and 10k mi it's doing it again.I WANT MY MONEY BACK!
kip

rabbitrun

Is it worth getting one. Have 2002 Chevy 2500HD SB 8100/3.73/Allison. Plan on keeping it for 8+ years. Jeff if you are still around just drove down from north idaho. Took highway 95. Snow conditions all the way.
TIA
Steve

kanton1

shifts smooth as silk! Only 600 miles on her though. I hope it remains the same.

good luck,
Kyle

kanton1

do you have any funny "grinding" type noise (not knocking) at cold start up?

I have this weird "grind" that starts about 10 seconds after start up that lasts about 1 second. Never happens any other time. only occurs first start up of the day. sounds almost like a dry cylinder?

thanks,
kyle

kg11

my truck has had three transmissions in it and none of them have made grinding sounds,but this one makes the same thump,as if into gear imediatly upon startup.The first two only made the thump when downshifting(comeing to a stop).This one only did it on startup,EVERY startup until yesterday.Now it's doing it downshifting too,just like the first two,downshifting hard and getting "confused"about the difference between first and neutral at stop lights.I've never had your problem but I certianly wouldn't ignore it.I'm sure it's not right.
kip

kg11

My truck developed it's latest problem on Jan 25 (fri.)driving in about a foot of fresh snow.I parked it over the weekend and took it to the dealer on Jan 28(mon.).I couldn't reproduce the problem and neither could the shop foreman .He drove it hard for half an hour,and it worked perfectly.He told me a nice little story about "Adaptive Programing" in the electronic controll module.The early transmissions were returned to Allison for research.The problems were said to be caused by faulty solinoids that control the valve body.These electronic components were not used in the Allison 1000 used in Isuzu and GMC 2-ton trucks for 8 or 9 years now.I love this truck inspite of the hassles.No other GAS powered vehicle has as much towing power as the Vortech 8100/Allison.
kip
BTW 2 weeks and still no more trouble

nht

Yes, my 8.1 also has funny noise at start up. It's not knocking, not grinding, but like a small honking (as with a weak battery).

nht

nht

First strike was fixed (?) after 7 days at dealer service. Drive once for about 70miles. Sit idle for 3 weeks. Lock up again.

This time they said they found a bad switch and want to load 300miles on it to make sure it's fixed. It has only 700miles on (brand new, BTW). I did not let them do that because I know it won't lock up. Seems to me (twice) lock up happens when truck sits idle long enough.

Me too, I want MY MONEY BACK ...

nht

lauriet1

Kip and 75V - I've experienced this problem, but only a couple of times. At first, I wrote if off to road conditions and not really knowing the truck since it was new to me, but this morning, the roads were fine and I've had some time to get used the vehicle now.

Short of going through thousands of posts (both here and on the diesel page where I looked for info as well), do you (or anyone else) know if GM has acknowledged this? Do you just call GM C.Service and report it to them? Do you think it would be worth having the "reflash" done even though it doesn't have a new tranny? (as far as I know)

I've never owned a vehicle with a MFR warranty, so all this procerdural stuff is new to me.

"PROBLEM IS -- When you have a rapid slow down from around 10mph to 40mph range (such as going thru an intersection) but DO NOT FULLY STOP. If you pick-up the accelorator the transmission gets between gears then slams back into the previous gear and if you try to accerate at all it gets between gears and really slams"

"This is exactly the problem I had with mine.I don't remember how far back that discussion was.I bought the truck in Mar.01 .The problem showed up in the first 1k mi and got worse with time.I took it to the dealer in June with 6k on it and they replaced the whole trans. The new trans was just as bad within a few miles.I took it back to the dealer(pretty unhappy by now)and they put ANOTHER tranny in it.This time I sugested the problem might be electronic and they "reflashed" it.I now have 17k on it and hav'nt had any problems in the last 11k."

n75v111

Previous Post I have made copies of for my records FWIW.
893xindian4,1024xnht,1026xkg11,1030xwoolyback, 1038xindian4,1040xnht,1041xn75v111,1042xkg11

lauriet1 - My delivery date was 02/28/01 similar to yours - LT SB Xcab 4x4 W/appx 16,000 miles--

Near as I can find out NO GM ackowledgement of the problem. I did a test drive for my dealer to demo the problem on 1/25/02.
I would suggest anyone consider the same to have an official dealer warrenty invoice stating the problem to cover what ever happens in the future months.

I do notice recently that it does miss the shift occasionaly even on MILD slowdowns and go ons.

Guess we need to stay tuned to each other on this.

Loren/75v

kg11

is a waste of time.Go to your dealer and tell them to fix it.Don't let them tell you it's normal.It isn't.I e-mailed cust service and they told me to go to the dealer.One of thier techs need to test drive it then schedule repairs
I would love to write the whole story but I can't type very fast.
The dealer told me the engine knock was normal,but I've been reading "GM engine knock" and now I've talked to a lawyer.I'll be taking the truck to the dealer on fri and demanding a fix or refund.
I'll keep in touch.
kip
BTW the sticker on the driver's side door,top line says mine was built 01/01

1i2cu

I had them service the external filter on the Alison. Dealer said the filter for Ali. was $16.18,$14.95 to remove filter and $39.95 to clean seal, which really meant to pressurize the system. After they fiddled with the Ali, they told me they had an error code and had no idea what it meant. Now when you shift from reverse to drive BAM, the truck jumps. By the way, it took the dealer 2.5 hrs to screw with the truck and left grease marks everywhere, GMC & Caddy dealer. They had 3 jerks trying to figure out the problem. The good thing about the whole mess was they didn't charge anything for their screwup.
P.S. I had to tell them to contact Alison or flash the trans.

grumpy558

Hi Guys--Well, finally got my truck--02 Chev CC 3500,Lt,4x4, dually, 8100 w/allison.
Considering some of the posts, have I made the "Right Choice"????
My dream plan for this truck was to retire in a year and put a lance slidein on the truck and pull a enclosed motorcycle trailer(4800lb)--
You guys are a god sent wealth of info and I wish I had checked out your advice earlier but now I got what I got LOL--
Well is the dream possible or am I going to have a hard time sleeping at night????
Any advice is truly appreciated and also any recommendations on this combo that warrant immediate modifications--Thks all

hdrider

All,
I bought this truck on Thanksgiving weekend in AZ for $31K. I got the platinum GM bumper-to-bumper warranty (7 yrs/75K miles or something to that effect) for $1500. Figure with the price of dealer maintenance, it would pay for itself in a few years. In fact, the sales manager said there was going to be an increase in the hourly rate up to something like $75/hour in the near future. Not sure if this is true or not, but the current rates are high enough as it is.

My fiancee put 600 miles on it for me (as I was visiting when I bought it and had to fly home). I picked it up over the New Year's weekend and we drove across part of AZ, and all of NM and TX to where I'm stationed in LA. I averaged between 13 and 13.5 mpg. I get between 9.7 and 10.8 mpg around town and occassional highway. I drive very mild mannered, but like the power when needed.

I've never had the downshifting problem. Allison is smooth. I prefer manual trannies, but the fiancee likes sitting next to me on the bench seat and the auto saves on bruised kneecaps!

I too have that short "grinding" noise (actually sounds like slipping noise to me) right after start up on cold mornings. It sounds like it's coming from the Allison. It may be something turning in the tranny, but since the fluid is in the bottom of the pan, it hasn't circulated yet. Once the circulation starts, lubricocity takes over and no more noise. No worries as it goes away quickly and the Allison performs flawlessly so far.

I too get that "rattling" sound from the engine on cold start ups (that seems to be what folks call "knocking"). Tapers off quickly though. Doesn't seem to effect performance, though. Got the extended warranty for a reason, I reckon! I run dino oil, penzoil to be exact. Been running that for years without any problems. Can't justify the price of synthetic.

I love the truck and have had no problems in the first 5000 miles (need to change that darn tranny filter, I see...) The Crew Cab is great with tons of storage space behind and under the seats! Got everything out of my old truck box hidden away except my tool box! (And that truck box was FULL!) I also love the 8' bed as it holds my hog (and will still hold it once I do get around to getting a new truck box!) 34 gallon tank is the way to go! I've also been driving CC LWB trucks all my life so I have no problem with tight parking lots or streets. I've never had to turn around or back out of an area that was too tight. I can parallel park it anywhere the space is a couple feet longer than my truck. Years of practice, I reckon...

Folks have to remember that vehicles nowadays are so technologically advanced that computer problems are going to be more prominent and prevolent than ever before (and they control just about every function in a modern vehicle). Just look at trouble you have with a home PC and software. Electrons don't always do what you want them to do...

There are a lot of success stories out there, and a few sad stories. It's a matter of odds, and having a good dealer.

My quarter... Hasta La Vista!
Dave

n75v111

Kyle

Would you mind giving me your VIN #?

My build date as I mentioned eairlier was built 02/12/01 and I'm trying to get GM to give me 7yr/100,000 mile extended warrenty. So far getting the run around so currently planning to keep at them ever 30 days and having another VIN build date with known replacement issues would certainly help.

Appreciate greatly if you would.

Thanks -- Loren/75v

kg11

I'm kg11 or Kip Lambel.If you post your e-dress you might get more than just mine.There appear to be 4 or 5 of us here with quality issues.I've spoken to a lawyer about the infamous "engine knock"and have an appointment with a GM engineer on 2/26.
kip

n75v111

kg11 - Sorry if i had your name wrong - not sure

anyway, didn't know if you had a problem letting me know your vin.

MY fax 641-754-2731 if you'd prefer
or loren.bovee@emersonprocess.com

let me know either way & thanks for your info on this.

love this truck -- pulling 32' 5th wh --
hope to squeeze the ext. warrenty out of GM so they will replace the alli later on if it gets worse.

Loren B / 75v

kanton1

I don't know if there are two Kyle's on this board and which one you want, but the only concern I have (thus far) is that weird grind/buzzing at cold start up. I actually went to the dealer yesterday and took a walk with the service manager. We started both the 8100's they had on the lot; one was quiet, and one made the noise (much fainter, not as loud as mine). Service manager does not have a clue. I did come across a bulletin that might be the cause, but I can't read the whole thing. It is the coolant restrictor whining noise bulletin. Does any body have access to this one?

Thanks Kyle

kg11

I was trying to clear up Loren's confusion about your+my identy.I'm the one who's had the trans replaced twice.I'll look for the TSB on the coolant restrictor noise.

Loren I haven't decided but I absolutly did'nt want to post my VIN here.I need to talk to my lawyer about this and he's out of town for a extra long weekend.I do have access to the TSBs and I'm thinking about setting up a website for Allison related complaints,much like the one on the "engine knock"thread.(post #297)
kip

kg11

I am interested in finding out if there's enough interest in this.Stand up and be counted.Do you like your Allison or not?I want to hear either way.
kip

quadrunner500

Kip, I have the ZF 6-spd manual ahead of my Duramax diesel, so my opinion doesn't count. Nevertheless, from my readings at http://www.thedieselpage.com , I don't note a pervasive thread of dissatisfaction, or unreliability to attribute to the Allison 1000. While I've read a few reports and some problems, (your case being the worst), I would be inclined to say with whatever shortcomings, it's still the best HD pickup automatic transmission out there, more features, more gears, weighs 330 lbs, fully 90 lbs more than the GM 4L80 heavy duty automatic. Has the automatic torque converter lockup feature in 2nd and 3rd to reduce temperature when tow/haul mode is switched on, helical gearing, pto capability. While the 2500HD and 3500 models won't deliver the following numbers, the Allison 1000 series itself is capable of GCWRs of up to 26,000 lbs, well into the medium duty truck range.

http://www.duramaxdiesel.com/

For more info, go to the above link, click on "Allison Transmission." In spite of your problems to the contrary, you may agree it's the best truck automatic going.

kg11

Thanks for the input.I don't see a lot of folks here jumping on the bandwagon.I bought the GMC instead of ford for two reasons and the Allison tranny was #1 ,comfort was the second reason ,and OK I guess horsepower/torque was a big factor too.The Duramax page you posted says the Allison 1000 is "all new" but the trans in our Isuzu shop truck looks the same and shares the same helical gears.As far as I can determine all the probs with these trannys is electronic.The TCM seems to be sensitive to sudden temp changes,and the dealer's shop foreman told me some of the problems are cuased by solinoids in the valve body.The medium duty allison don't have problems,nor does it have all them fancy electronics.My current(3rd) trans has shifted harshly on 3 occations in 11k mi and considering my experience with this truck I'm pretty concerned about it's future.
kip

nht

Kg11,

Yes I am interested.
I got transmission lockup twice on my 2002 8.1L 2500HD. I currently have no confidence on my Allison.

I also often get a short "honking?" sound at start up.

thn

kg11

does it feel like shifting into gear with your foot on the brakes when it makes this sound?Have you talked to your dealer about the noise?I don't know what is cuasing it but I know it isn't right.If one dealer don't fix it,take it to another one.
I don't think I'll be building a website.One response in 5 days doesn't indicate a huge problem.I'll be glad to pass on any info I can get right here.
kip

4964me1

Looks like I'm not the only one. I too have the dreaded engine knock, Alison "honk", (mine's more like a "beep") Been to three different dealerships, got no satisfaction whatsoever. According to GM it's a "normal characteristic" of the engine. The customer service department is a bunch of phone geeks who don't know the first thing about cars. One guy even had the nads to tell me it's just "lifter noise", because he "called the dealer, because they no more than we do" LIFTER NOISE??! A brand new motor shouldn't have lifter noise! Another dealership told me it was a "piston condition", but that it's not detrimental to the engine. A CONDITION? What kind of condition? PMS? Dealer #3 diagnosed it as a "known design issue with short skirt pistons; they have a tendency to 'rattle around' in the cylinder until the engine warms up. So that leads to WHAT? Broken piston skirts? Scored/out of round cylinder walls? ULTIMATE ENGINE FAILURE?? But it's supposedly "not detrimental to the engine" yeah I think that means "Well, we're just going to gamble and hope the waranty runs out BEFORE it blows up because it's cheaper than a recall" I've worked on enough engines to know that any kind of knock is BAD. After several weeks going back and forth with GM they finally sent me an additional warranty on the engine. ONLY the engine.
As for the trans, Here's my story:
Slamming into gear when you slow down? Yep, did it since it was new. At 4,500 miles I got in it one day after it sat for about a week, service engine soon light came on, NO REVERSE. Tried drive... After about 5 seconds in gear, WHAM!! damn thing almost went right through the front of my garage. Put it in reverse, same thing. Took it right to the dealer. Their crack diagnostic team decided that since the trouble codes said there was something wrong with the transmission, and there was no code stored in the TCM that it MUST be a faulty TCM. (transmission control module) which they subsequently replaced, reset the service engine soon light, and it's been fine. IT doesn't shift the same as it did before, and I'm afraid to let it sit longer than a few days or the same crap might happen. I'm pissed off. The dealerships know less about the GD truck than I do. It knocks, it burns about 2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles, I have 6,000 miles on it now, and it's been in the shop 4 times. Every damn thing that's wrong with it they just shrug their shoulders and say it's "NORMAL". My last car had 170,000 miles on it and never did half the [non-permissible content removed] this truck does. I don't trust that motor, I don't trust that Allison, and I no longer have any faith in Chevy, OR GM. I spent all my money on that truck. I can't afford a lawyer unless I sell it and take an $8,000 loss. Anybody out there got any suggestions?

kg11

I filed a claim with BBB just now.I've been to the dealer at least 9 times for Allison trans probs.They replaced It twiceand it still aint right.Been to the dealer 3 times for the engine knock.First time checked for "new design"pushrods,said the noise is normal for this engine.Second time left it for two hrs to cool so they could start it cold.When I went to pick it up I was told to bring it back today 02/26 for an engineer to listen to it.I told them time's up.The trans is a POS the engine knocks and burns oil and I WANT A REFUND!The service writer didn't know what to do,so I went to the sales manager who told me to call cust svc.I had e-mailed cust service before and they had refered me to the dealer.This morning I phoned them and they offered me a warranty on the engine.I politely declined,hung up and called BBB
kip

nht

Hi kg11,

The honking noise just happens in about 1 sec right after starting the engine. Talked to dealer and they just simply ignored. DOn't know how to describe to it since it did not happen at dealer.

nht

hi 4964me1,

Your transmission lock up is exactly like mine, which happened twice when my 2500hd sat for more than a week. The first time they also changed the TCM and 2nd time they changed a switch (?).They were not sure if they fixed it 2nd time and they wanted to put 300 miles on it to check but I did not let them do that. This problem seems only happen when the truck sits for couple weeks. I'm almost sure that it will happen again to mine if I leave it sit long enough. I wonder if it happens 3rd time, I can file for lemon. Anybody knows?

noobie1

Feel for you guys having problems with your trucks. But, in the interest of fairness and accurate information to others reading this page, time for some positive input; I love this truck. The Allison? Absolutely love it. It was pretty whiney in the first two gears when it was new. That quieted down within a couple of hundred miles. Sometimes it can be a little bumpy when down shifting while coming to a stop. The manual method cures that.
Oil consumption? Coming up to the third change (9000 mi.): less than a quart between changes (Mobil 1, 10w-30).
Fuel consumption is 11.5 to 12.5 mpg average, depending on how much city driving. 13mpg all hyway.
Most of its problems have been very minor. It's a great truck. Thank God I got a good one.

-David

4964me1

Yeah, I must admit, I love mine, too. But when you pay $37,000 for something you expect the two most important components to work right. I bought that engine/transmission combo because I figured if its good enough for a motorhome, I'll never break it having it in my truck. Add the frustration of GM trying to tell you everything that's wrong with it is a "normal characteristic" and the GM customer service people calling the dealer for their "technical expertise" ("I don't know, I've never worked on one of these before")
and I think you'll see how most of us feel.

I just want the damn truck to work right. Right now it's got more miles on it going up and down on the lift than going down the road. My dealer drives it as often as I do. Truck of the year, huh?

ryanbab

"you pay $37,000"

You paid that for your truck? You paid sticker?

kg11

Sticker 37,736 .I paid 33,580 +tax and lic.Total 36+ OTD .I couldn't agree with 496 more."I just want the damn truck to work right"They kept telling me "it's normal" so I asked for my money back.IF they can fix it,I'll keep it ,but I'm not interested in an extended warranty .It already has problems they can't fix.
kip

maccarty1

I have 2001HD with 3600 miles on it right now. I too have the engine knock, tranny horn sounds, 4wd came apart, screeching heater motor, easy-lock passenger side seatbelt, and the latest; "Oil Consumption", oh but that's normal (LOL). Had the truck since October 15 and it sat three weeks in the shop waiting for parts. I'm very disappointed with GM(Goofy Motors).

Bill

4964me1

That was my OTD price, which with my deposit, tax, title and everything was still less than the sticker price. I've had mine a year as of March 1st. Anybody heard anything about an actual FIX (Not just a lame excuse)for any of these problems? Anybody get their hands on the service bulletins? McCarty, you say your 4WD "came apart".. what happened?

kanton1

My truck makes this noise only on the very first start up of the day. The noise starts about 10 seconds after running, and only last about 1-2 seconds. I had my truck sit at the dealer overnight so they could hear this noise. Tech knew exactly what it was. He said it was coming from the valve body building pressure, solenoids moving, and not having fluid in that part of the tranny after draining overnight. He called Allison tech to be sure, they said it is normal, some trucks are louder than others. We started another truck on the lot, no noise. I went to another dealer, started two trucks, #1 no noise, #2 made the noise, but not as loud as mine. Also the tech said to try and start the truck in neutral to see if the noise is different. I did, and no noise?! Anyway the tranny has been perfect so far, except the occasional harsh shift and downshift. I hope it remains good!

Good Luck,
Kyle

ryanbab

Just curious what was sticker? (msrp)

4964me1

I'll have to pull it out when I get home, and see. I think it was $37,6-something. As for the honk, my dad has the same truck and his does the same thing. Start it cold, and wait about 3-5 sec, and you can't miss the noise. Sounds almost like you're bumping the horn a little, Goes away about the same time the knock starts. Anyone notice that even though the knock fades after about 20 seconds, once you start driving it comes back? If you give it any gas at all you can't hear it, but if you let off when coasting to a stop it's definitely there.
That seems to last until the temp gauge gets off the peg. No way is that "the oil getting up to the top" If you're down the block and you still don't have oil up there you never will.

How's your oil pressure? I'm getting about 22PSI at hot idle. What about engine temp? Mine runs about 210 most of the time. Seems a little high to me, but of course the dealer is telling me everything is "within specifications". Of course, a quart of oil in 1000 miles is considered "NORMAL CONSUMPTION" to the GM folks. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? If I built a motor that used that much oil, I'd take it back out of the car and tear it down again to fix whatever I messed up the first time.

noobie1

I completely understand your frustration. I think kg11 has the right idea. There's a formal procedure explained in the back of your owner's manual (8-2) regarding the BBB. And of course, they have a web site. It seems to me your strongest points of argument are the knock and oil consumption. No matter how "NORMAL" GM claims it is, it still isn't right. You may also want to check the lemon laws in your state.
Mine runs around 205. I've never seen it over that. Oil pressure, 25-27 at idle.

-David

kg11

I talked to someone at BBB today and wasn't too impressed.They're accepting GM's position on engine noise and oil consumption.Piston slap don't harm the engine and as long as the're standing behind it with an extended warranty "what's the problem?".GM trucks use oil,live with it.Arbitration don't guarentee results.
My temp stays at 195 this time of year (70 today)and oil pressure at 22 at idle.
kip

harley23

I have a chance to purchase a 8.0 gmc with allison tranny built in early march. Have they solved any problems yet and should I trust this 2500. Or am I going to be at the dealer more than driving it. My 6.0 built in 2000 is having transmission problems with 23000 miles on it. It jerks betwee 45 and 55 mph.

noobie1

It's 8.1L. Check out post #1085 & #1086. You'll love driving it. Personally, I suspect only a small proportion of trucks have major problems like the ones we read about here. However, even if that's true it doesn't console anyone who has them. Tough call for a prospective buyer. The thing to remember is: most satisfied customers are silent until asked directly. So, places like this tend to distort reality.

-David

mgdvhman

this is where people come to complain more than praise....

if 5 people complain about the Tranny.....it may mean thousands and thousands of other are fine..

....however it does make you raise an eyebrow though....

Now if I never found this site...I'd probably never even have heard about anything bad...aka wouldn't have a worry at all.

Good luck

- Tim

obyone

cabin air filters?

mgdvhman

air filter?

LOL

- Tim

4964me1

Hey, does your steering column lock? You know, when you take the key out and turn the steering wheel it's supposed to click into place... Mine doesn't. I tried my dad's the other day, and his doesn't either. Granted, those things never made a difference in theft statistics, but I was just wondering. Is this feature just eliminated on the HD series? All Chevy trucks? Maybe they accidentally left it out at the factory, like the automatic climate control we were all supposed to get.