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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • dthatcherdthatcher Member Posts: 8
    First of all a 13 years truck having a tranny problem can't be uncommon.t Try having a 2011 (with only 25K) with a tranny problem like I had!!!l It's obvious whoever you have been using don"t have a clue no matter how hard they try. Some times you have to bite the bullet and take it to a dealer an bent over a little to find out what's going on ( can't believe I'm saying this). Your now out 1400 dollars and it sounds like your in worse shape. My suggestion is have a dealer or some other transmission specialist take a look since it's sounds like you have been taking it to Mom and Pop shops. Trying to save money by going here and there usually back fires ( especially on big items like a tranny) I feel your pain but it sounds like a total replacement that comes with a warranty is needed to take care of this matter once and for all.
  • bim38bim38 Member Posts: 1
    At times it is very difficult to put my truck in "Park". Its seems like the vehicle has to drift an inch or two before I can put it in "Park". I'd like to see if anybody else had this problem. I haven't tried replacing anything yet. Could it be the neutral safety switch or the parking pin in the tranny?
  • jjacksjjacks Member Posts: 16
    FYI, anyone reading this should go back and look at my experiences with this problem. A GM area rep of 20 something years was fired over my deal. GM gave me 3500 (if i recall correctly) to trade in my '11 to get a '12. Some of the problems the '11 had (the vibrations and the rear gear whine) are not present in the '12, but I'm here to tell you that the 6 speed trans has fatal design flaws that WILL ALWAYS MAKE IT SHIFT LIKE [non-permissible content removed]. They are sprag-less, they have clutch-to-clutch shifting, and the electronics are lacking. Downshifts involve precise timing of clutch packs releasing while others engage (as do upshifts although there is enough slippage to mask the 'jerkiness'). This is done with solenoids re-directing trans fluid. The problem is that the transmission doesn't know when one clutch pack is fully released before another is engaged, thus there is 'overlap' of two gears trying to be engaged at the same time....hence the jerky, lunging, speed-up feel. When the viscosity of the fluid is thicker, ie when it is colder, the transmission will act more stupid because the rate at which the fluid evacuates the clutch packs is slower....which means another pack is engaging when the other is still engaged to some extent.

    As far as the gear searching at 45, or any other speed for the matter, that is a product of programming. Contrary to what they will tell you, the transmission doesn't 'learn' anything. That irritates the fire out of me. The transmission selects outcomes from a preprogrammed set of input data......your driving style hasn't got squat to do with junk driving characteristics of the transmission.

    The transmissions can't be fixed. It can be 'helped' a bit with programming. The only thing that will fix this transmission is an internal re-design of the hard parts.

    And fyi, the 6 speed does not get any better gas mileage than the 4 speed. If anything, it's worse.
  • rchs1958rchs1958 Member Posts: 1
    hello, my truck when you slow down to turn, around 10 mph, then step on the gas, it feels like the transaxle, hits hard, is this caused by the transmission shift patterns, the dealer says, it is learning , my driving patterns, Really at 10,000 miles, is this a programing issue, the engine is a 4.3 it up shifts and down shifts great, just annoying to turn and stepping on the gas, worried this is going to affect u joints or the rear end
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    Put Amsoil transmission fluid in (better cold performance) and buy one of these-

    www.rangetechnology.com

    The AFM is part of the reason for the jerks. Get the one that will keep it in V8 mode.

    It will make your truck more pleasant to drive.
  • bigman55434bigman55434 Member Posts: 22
    Apparently my last post with one swear word in it was too much for the moderator, and my post got deleted. Sorry for being too "descriptive" of what I think of GM transmissions. Anyway, I will reiterate what jjacks says. I think he is spot on. On top of all the jerkiness, I have experienced situations where the transmission on my 2011 Sierra 1500 failed to upshift from 1st to 2nd, and then slammed into 3rd. I am also convinced all the programming to manage torque (aka torque management) makes overall driveability worse, because it affects both the transmission and the throttle input (regardless of what my right foot is telling the engine to do). I will gladly take a pre-2007 GM truck over anything made today. I have 1200 miles on my 2013 Sierra 1500 now, and aside from the axle bearing GM forgot to install in the right front axle, which destroyed the axle, axle tube, and seal, my drivers side door panel squeaks and creaks every time I touch it. There is also some weird harmonic when I turn at more than 20mph (like an exit ramp). I think quality control has gone way down as well as the engineering. GM better get its act together soon.
  • dthatcherdthatcher Member Posts: 8
    You buy a 40K plus truck and it does get personal when you can't get it fixed!!!!
  • cronic94cronic94 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2013
    I have a 2005 Sierra 180000 miles transmission shudders in 3-4 gear. Watching the tach the RPM's go up slightly when the shudder happens. Fluid looks clean would this be a mechanical problem or a solenoid . When using the tow switch it doesn't have an effect on the problem.
  • gopogopo Member Posts: 1
    Wow...I hate reading this. I just bought a preowned 2011 GMC Terrain with the 6-speed transmission. Im experiencing the same exact issues as you and I also feel like horrible programming is one of a few issues here. Hopefully a ECU update can atleast even things out a bit. If not I'll have to look for a custom tune. I really wish GMC would remedy this!
  • tooheeldrivetooheeldrive Member Posts: 17
    There is nothing wrong with the 6L80/90 transmissions. They are light years ahead of the old 4l60e's. Perhaps you got a lemon. Or perhaps you are trying to fix something that isn't broken. Some suggestions for a 'fix' are not a good idea. Don't use a non GM spec oil to "fix it"... GM Dexron VI oil is designed for the six speeds and is good for 100K miles in normal service (50K miles for severe conditions). The suggestion to use a 'tuner' (re-programmer) to change the AFM and transmission computer is also a poor recommendation. The use of a tuner will instantly void the 100,000 mile drive train warranty.

    They do shift a bit hard when new and they do 'learn' driving style, but are biased for fuel economy. If you suddenly change the way you are driving... the transmission will be confused and shifting may be erratic. To force the computer to relearn your style, disconnect the battery for at least 30 minutes. It took at least 20K miles for the shift quality to smooth out on my 2010/5.3L. My only complaint with the transmission is with the way manual mode works. I think GM needs to re-think the way they do manual mode and let the driver force the transmission to start in 2nd or 3rd for snowy conditions. But that is a minor annoyance. Overall, I am quite happy with my 2010 Silverado and would buy it again.
  • bigman55434bigman55434 Member Posts: 22
    Nothing wrong with the 6L80/90 transmissions? Really? That's a BOLD statement to make when you have nothing to refute what everyone is observing. If there was nothing wrong with my 2008 Sierra's transmission, why did GM give me $3k in buyback money (aka Purchase Assistance) towards my next truck? Why is it that my 2011 Sierra completely failed to upshift from 1st to 2nd, on a level road, 70 degree day, and light throttle input? It revved past 4000 RPM's before it SLAMMED into 3rd or 4th gear. It did that twice in a row before it started sorting itself out. As for learning mode, my transmissions have all shifted better when they were new. They seem to get worse as time goes on. It does not take 20k miles for learning mode to work. Its a few hundred at most. The problem with these transmissions, for the most part, is the horrible TCU and ECU programming. In an attempt to manage torque and get these tranny's to last 100k miles (for the warranty), they have ruined driveability.
  • tooheeldrivetooheeldrive Member Posts: 17
    The problem you had with your 2008 Sierra is irrelevant to the discussion of the current transmissions. The transmission in your 2008 was a 4L60e and has absolutely nothing in common with the 6L80e that was first installed in the Sierra/Silverado in 2009.

    A little "googling" turns up few complaints with the reliability and durability of the 6L80e/90e transmissions, in fact, most, who are knowledgeable about transmissions, think they are excellent.

    As long as the transmission and computer in your 2011 Sierra are stock and unmodified, I am sure that GM will take care of you.
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    The Amsoil transmission fluid is actually better than the GM new Dexron 6 because it is A FULL SYNTHETIC. GM has never claimed the new Dexron 6 is a full synthetic. In addition, the Range Technology product is a box that plugs in to the OBD port and sends a MESSAGE THROUGH THE ECM but DOESN'T OVER WRITE IT.

    The range technology product turns off the AFM and all reports states it takes the clunkiness out of the powertrain.

    Let's face it-the torque mgmt, the AFM, and the poorly designed 6 speed transmission takes a lot of pleasure OUT of owning this vehicle.

    I know, I own one.
  • tooheeldrivetooheeldrive Member Posts: 17
    I'm sure Amsoil transmission fluid is a fine product, but until it is Dexron VI certified, I won't use it.

    Thanks for enlightening me about the Range Technology product. I thought it was a tuner, but I see now that it just fools the computer and locks out AFM via the OBD port. I can do the same thing by putting the transmission in M5.

    I must not be as demanding as you are... I like driving my Silverado.
  • hblackhblack Member Posts: 1
    I have a 95 1500 silverado. When I first drive it the transmisson shifts just fine. After about 10 miles if I ever stop and go again it will not shift out of 2nd gear. From that point forward it remains in 2nd gear even when taking off. Once it cools down it will shift through all the gears again. I've replaced the computer box behind the glove box and also changed the ignition switch. I was advised that sometimes a worn ignition switch will not power up the part of the computer that tells the trans to change. Any ideas??
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    You can do the same thing by putting it in "M5". But with the Range product you get the sixth gear back.

    I am sure you are aware that "certification" means paying a fee to GM to become certified and then a Royalty for each quart sold. In addition to the standard tests.

    I am not an engineer, but I would venture to say the Amsoil meets or exceeds GMs requirement as the product is already formulated. If you browse other forums online-many Silverado owners are reporting good results and improved powertrain smoothness with the two products I mentioned above.
  • bigman55434bigman55434 Member Posts: 22
    My point is that every 6 speed truck transmission GM has made since 2006 has exhibited the same poor driveability, clunky shifts, and missed shifts. They need to fix it.
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    They are using the same transmission in the 2014s. I am hearing the shift to 4cylinder mode is smoother as is the transmission.
  • tooheeldrivetooheeldrive Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2013
    That is just an absurd statement. You need to get (your transmission) checked out.
  • brandon171brandon171 Member Posts: 2
  • brandon171brandon171 Member Posts: 2
    2001 Silverado: Transmission all of a sudden will not shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. Oil is new last summer, level is ok?

    I blew a line at night last summer and smoked the 3rd gear clutches. Transmission was rebuilt and new filter and oil switched out. Electrical?

    I also hit a deer a few months ago and had to replace front differential. Don't know if this had anything to do with it.
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    Do you own a truck with the six speed transmission ? These transmissions are not smooth shifting. Let's just say they are less than refined.
  • donl1donl1 Member Posts: 112
    I must have got a bad one...mine has always shifted fine. ;)
  • ceb66ceb66 Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2013
    Since this is a site dedicated to car purchases, I'm certain Edmunds would want their readers to know what other new owners are saying:

    If you're considering a new 2013 GMC Sierra or 2013 Chevrolet Silverado make sure you take it on a long test drive at 45 mph on level ground. Turn the Driver Display to Instant Economy. Ask the salesman if the Active Fuel Management AFM is seamless from four cylinders to eight. Sure GM says its seamless from eight to four. You're essentially coasting. During the test drive, determine if the transmission is growling as the AFM activates all eight cylinders. Make sure you grill the salesman with questions such as "has General Motors received overwhelming complaints about this transmission"? "Have they received complaints about clunking"? "Are there General Motors maintenance directives referencing all of the complaints"? "Do the directives instruct the dealer to avoid the issue and tell the owner "it's operating as designed"?

    DRIVE IT EXTENSIVELY THEN ASK IF THE GENERAL MOTORS SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH AFM IS AN ACKWARD MESS. MANY ARE.

    In their latest seasonal publication, GMC The Magazine, on page 5, they state the "engines seamlessly switch to four cylinders." Hey GMC Magazine, why not describe the opposite, the switch back up to eight cylinders? Oh, that's right, I'm sure omission of that little tidbit was an oversight! The switch up to eight IS FAR FROM SEAMLESS. It's actually incredibly annoying and no, you never get used to it. A friend put dual pipes and glass packs on his. That makes the growling and lagging even more noticeable.

    New General Motors GMC Chevrolet Truck buyer beware and drive these trucks extensively before purchase of these new GMC Chevrolet trucks.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    edited July 2013
    So to summarize what you're saying is that the GM trucks are a pile of junk?

    Just trying to clarify.
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    edited July 2013
    Actually, those who have driven the 2014s have said that the AFM switch is now "seamless".

    The problems you describe are isolated to some trucks between model year 2009 and 2012.

    Not all clunk. However, I am not sure if all trucks have sloppy transmissions, or some owners standards for quality are not the same. In my truck (2011) the transmission is "sloppy" and the AFM isn't a smooth transition either. Five different dealers have stated "You have the latest software".

    Your post was a "copy and paste" from a poster who used to post called "string" who should have never purchsed his truck in the first place. FYI-he got rid of the truck and went to a Honda Accord "Crosstour". Think about it.....
  • keithringkeithring Member Posts: 1
    I have a babied, garage kept 2002 Silverado 1500 4.8 Auto with 78k miles, never towed or plowed with it. Noticed it shifting a bit hard yesterday for the first time, this morning it really slammed and now I have no reverse and it is obviously messed up. Common for this year model? Ideas on cause?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    When was the last time you serviced the transmission?
  • rhlippincottrhlippincott Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2013
    i recently found a vacuum line coming off the top of my transmission with about 2 feet of vacuum hose but it isn't connected to anything don't see where it could possibly connect to does anyone have any idea,hesitates when shifting then jerks into gear.
  • aygee99aygee99 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 99 GMC Sierra.. when I stand outside the truck and turn the key to start it, it feels like the truck jumps forward. It doesn't move because it's in park but i am curious if this would be a transmission issue or something else??? Thanks in advance for any help with this...
  • wbeanwbean Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Sierra 1500, with 5.3 V8 and 4wd. The transmission is stuck in the tow/haul mode. It doesn't reset, after turning off, and the fluid is at proper level. And yes, I have tried the selector button. All shifting is normal, just can't get back to overdrive mode. Anyone got any ideas?
  • marion_blairmarion_blair Member Posts: 11
    A wise relative once told me; "When you have a major component of the vehicle fails, get rid of it" The point is the dealer cannot restore an engine or transmission to the condition it came out of the factory. I've learned this is true. 99% of mechanics don't have he expertise to properly repair a major engine or transmission issue. Save yourself some money and heartache and trade it.
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    He would be OK if he got a rebuilt from the factory and had it dealer installed. Of course, this is the most expensive option.

    Some would disagree with your opinion, some feel it's cheaper to replace a part in a vehicle than to buy a new one. This would hold true to a certain point.
  • marion_blairmarion_blair Member Posts: 11
    Agree, I'm looking at it more from a reliability standpoint but with the 100K power train warranty it's cheaper to keep it.
  • dewman08dewman08 Member Posts: 1
    hello, Im trying to help a buddy of mine with his 01 chevy silverado. recently he had his alternator go out, then all of sudden the transmisson wouldnt go in gear! no problems prior to this at all, i asked if there were any symptons of the transmisson having issues prior to this and he said that it was perfect.. now he says it will go in first and second to the best of his knowledge then start slipping out of gear.. any thoughts, just seems odd that the tranny would take a crap at the same exact time.. thx
  • cocacolakidcocacolakid Member Posts: 1
    I was wondering if anyone was having a similar issue. I was driving home today and my truck started whining when I gave her some juice. At a stop light I gave her some gas and she did not move. I could hear the transmission spinning just not engaging. After I had cut her off multiple times and ran her through all the gears nothing happened. I was dead in the middle of the road. After about 20 minutes of irritating the drivers behind me I gave her the old college try and she started going again. A few moments later she started reenacting the original problem. This time I was able to coast home. Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone know what could possibly cause this?
  • 2000tahoe442000tahoe44 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2013
    I have a 2000 Tahoe and All my interior light Quit Working. I replaced All my Fuse and Bulbs and Nothing worked. I made sure the override button is off as well. I replaced the switch to. Has anyone had this Problem that can Help me Please.
  • chrislee87chrislee87 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2015
    What could it be if my 2000 chevy silverado z71 four wheel drive automatic transmission takes a second to shift from park to drive and then jerks and then goes through all the gears until the final gear when you let off the gas for shift it drops rpm all way down when you give it gas it jumps back up to 5000 rpm and jerks and goes back in that same gear
  • bigbubabigbuba Member Posts: 1
    I do not work for any car company. While I have had some warranty issues, my dealer Dave Cross has been excellent to work with. I have driven city and cross country, mountains, deserts you name it. Some of it pulling a travel trailer. Best truck I have ever owned. Drove Fords and had way way too many warranty battles and left holding the bag on 3 of those. I have a 2013 with the 5.3 and 6L80. 75,000 miles. It is not perfect, but it operates very well and is more comfortable than anything else I have experienced. The trany does push a little and get a yoke clunk once and a while. But it beats multiple calls being broke down with my previous Fords. I still have a 93 F250 on the farm. My 2006 and 2011 Fords had real issues. GM took care of me and Ford just argued and argued. When you have to bring your PC in to show them the Ford TSB's, bad. Same on them. used to be a good car company. Ford gets a "D" on warranty and for my GMC experience a Solid "B", and maybe an "A". Strong motor, excellent trany and good driveability on long trips. And better yet I get where I am going. Thanks Dave Cross and GMC. I got what I thought I paid for. Big Bubba is a reasonably happy camper.
  • jonniescarjonniescar Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2018
    I don't know where to go to ask questions
    I have 1999 chevy silverado 1500.
    It drove fine, now it slips out of gear wont gointo any gear, Ill pull over sit 5 minutes start again its fine a short distance then slips out of gear again. Please help!

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