Post New Transmission: Infamous Clunks

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tkdgirl

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As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.
 

Geotrash

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As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.
Clunks...you mean as the transmission is downshifting...like when you approach a stop sign?

If so, my guess you would benefit from a proper transmission tune since it seems your previous tune was wiped out by the shop...if I'm understanding that part right.
 

Foggy

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You'll need your original tuner to update to their custom settings from before
the trans failure. GM just put it back to stock... but it should still not "clunk" imo
 

Geotrash

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@Geotrash, it seems odd that his old one had a clunk and now his new one also. Do you think it might be something else.
I do. That’s why I asked her for a little more clarification. It’s super common on these to have driveline clunks that show up as the transmission is downshifting, or upshifting. Most often it’s motor mounts, front differential mounts, transfer case, or driveshaft yokes. If the transmission is shifting harder than is ideal, it’s gonna make any slop in the system that much more noticeable. Since it’s a Denali, my money is on the front differential mounts.
 
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NickTransmissions

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As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.
The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.
 

petethepug

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2011 Yukon Denali. 2-3 clunk is red flag in the trans or the motor mounts or front differential bushings are worn.

Either way it’s either covered under warranty or repairable. Best to take it back and say diagnose it (under warranty) and see what surfaces.

Last year our 09 Escalade AWD had the first rebuilt trans go out after a month. Warranty covered 150% of the 2nd trans. Looking forward to the next 100k miles
 
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tkdgirl

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But wouldn't the vehicle not work properly if it went back to the default tune? I mean I told the transmission guy that he could not flash
The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.
Nick, thank you. Here is the history:

July 2023: Engine rebuilt due to lifters, deleted, custom tune optimized for towing.
July 2024: Transmission blows while towing. New GM transmission installed by local (ohio) mechanic where my car died. Taken to a GM dealership to program.
Last week: Transmission clucking begins.

It actually did a bit of clunking when I was towing before the transmission blew.

I don't think the local mechanic did any of those things you mentioned above. The rear main seal was replaced when the engine was rebuilt.

My local mechanic, who has the Denali right now, said the transmission was 'programmed' to act the way it is.

I have no idea what's going, just that the clunking is not normal and I don't want it to blow another transmission.
 
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tkdgirl

tkdgirl

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The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.
 

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B-train

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I'd be curious to see what the new shift programming from GM is. I compared my 2008 Denali with the 6 speed to my friend's 2014 Denali and found 2 completely different shift patterns. I don't recall the names right off hand, but maybe the rebuilt transmissions require the newer shift pattern? Could a pattern for a different year/transmission cause weirdness? Just a random thought for someone who may know more than I on shift patterns.
 

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