Chevy Transmission Repair
The new era of adaptive Chevy automatic transmissions is upon us. With these new complicated units come a host of differences from performance to problems. Unfortunately with every new era comes growing pains associated with it. One of these growing pains is being able to accurately diagnose the transmission problem. The “new era” transmission diagnosis requires an expert Chevy transmission repair mechanic and should not be done by your standard shop mechanic anymore. That’s why we say “Big transmission problem or minor repair, it takes an expert to know”.
The Chevrolet Line of Automatic Transmissions are equipped in the popular Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Impala, Malibus, Chevrolet Silverado and Suburbans. They are new, different and designed to give optimal performance while providing better gas mileage than Chevrolet's previous designs.
These new age Chevy transmissions are driver adaptive meaning an adaptive automatic transmission studies your driving behavior and then adjusts its workings to deliver “suitable” throttle response and “appropriate” shift points. This can prove to create some moments that may have you raising an eyebrow if you apply the gas in the middle of a command. Sometimes there will be an odd flare, clunk and double shift. Usually it smooths out but does catch your attention. Not to worry most of these behaviors are considered normal.
Most of us have become accustomed to the shift characteristics established in the 90s and early 2000s. However the new 6 speed adaptive shift and AI technology has brought changes some people love and others do not.
Chevrolet's six speed line includes the 6L90E, 6L80E, 6T75E, and 6T40E to name a few. These are highly complex transmissions that require proper service and maintenance as well. Transmission flushes should be started at 80k Miles and done annually or every 12 months and 12k miles after that.
The 6T75 rolled out in 2007 with a design flaw that led to a number of Chevy transmission repair requests. Chevrolet issued a service campaign to correct the R-3-5 Wave plate flaw. This issue was an extreme premature transmission failure. In response GM extended the factory warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Chevrolet Travers models, Impala’s, Malibu's and more were all subject to this service campaign. An update was implemented changing the design March of 2009. The unit has still fallen upon other issues including Torque Converter clutch failure and the TECHM (Transmission Electronic Control Hydraulic Module) has been subject to premature failure. When working properly it has an odd flare feel on the 2-3 shift that never seems to vanish.
The Chevrolet Silverado and Suburban 6L90E AND 6L80E Automatic transmissions have also had a hand full of challenges from Torque Converters to Pumps that can and do lead to very expensive Chevy transmission repairs.
Diagnosing these complex units is not as simple as going to the auto parts store and having a code read. Often time the answer lies in streaming live data, not codes so you will need to see a Chevy transmission repair specialist to address any concerns. Improper transmission diagnostics can lead to high repair bills replacing expensive parts without the need.
The new era is upon us and proper care, maintenance, diagnostics are of utmost importance. Chevy Automatic Transmissions require expert attention by trained and qualified Chevy transmission repair technicians. The days of letting the all-purpose muffler shop handle your transmission needs are gone. Always seek and ATRA or ATSG certified Transmission specialist to address your vehicle’s needs.
