Feels like something slips, but only at part throttle

[gooffeyguy]

2012 Denali AWD

So lately I've been noticing from a stop with medium throttle it feels like the tires are slipping/spinning for a fraction of a second then they grab and I go. It doesn't do this at light throttle or heavy throttle. I know the tires aren't really slipping/spinning, but it's that feeling. Almost like a clutch slipping then grabbing on a manual transmission.

I don't have any codes and all drivetrain fluids have been changed within the past year. I've checked the drive shafts/U-joints and they seem fine with very little play. I was thinking maybe something like a bad motor or differential mount, but the symptoms don't seem the same.

Other than this slight annoyance when leaving a stoplight, everything else is fine, quiet, and smooth. I wonder if it's something internally with the trans?

 

[wjburken]

2012 Denali AWD

So lately I've been noticing from a stop with medium throttle it feels like the tires are slipping/spinning for a fraction of a second then they grab and I go. It doesn't do this at light throttle or heavy throttle. I know the tires aren't really slipping/spinning, but it's that feeling. Almost like a clutch slipping then grabbing on a manual transmission.

I don't have any codes and all drivetrain fluids have been changed within the past year. I've checked the drive shafts/U-joints and they seem fine with very little play. I was thinking maybe something like a bad motor or differential mount, but the symptoms don't seem the same.

Other than this slight annoyance when leaving a stoplight, everything else is fine, quiet, and smooth. I wonder if it's something internally with the trans?

Had similar symptoms on our ‘07 Denali. Replacing the transfer case helped and a new front differential took care of the rest. Also had the pinion bearing/seal on the rear differential replaced in the process.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Had similar symptoms on our ‘07 Denali. Replacing the transfer case helped and a new front differential took care of the rest. Also had the pinion bearing/seal on the rear differential replaced in the process.

How many miles were on it at the time? I just hit 120k, and everything underneath looks great, no leaks, seepage, or gunk anywhere

 

[wjburken]

How many miles were on it at the time? I just hit 120k, and everything underneath looks great, no leaks, seepage, or gunk anywhere

I was a little further down the line than you are. This all started above 200K. 120K seems a little soon for that type of stuff.

Might double check your front diff mount bushings closely.

 

[donjetman]

Maybe a torque converter

 

[91RS]

Broken engine mount?

 

[Jimmyy]

Try shifting into 1st when stopped and manually shift up. You could have a lazy pressure solenoid.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I'll check the front differential mount next time I get under it.

Engine mount is easier to check, I'll try to do that this week.

I'll try manual shifting it into 1st when stopped next time I drive it.

It's not that noticeable, and it's weird that it only does it (or it's only noticeable) with only part throttle (probably 30-50%) take offs. Not with normal, slowly easing into it take offs or hard, 50%+ throttle take offs.

What would signs of a bad converter be?

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[Rocket Man]

Just drive WOT all the time, problem solved. Plus it’s fun as f.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I messed with manual mode a bit on my way home from work today.

I think it may have something to do with the hill start assist

Like maybe I'm only noticing it when I'm on a slight incline, up or down.

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