Later model transmissions issues

[preston123]

What has been the experiences with the later model 6 speed transmissions with the 5.3L (2010-2014)? Has anyone had them go out? Any major work beyond normal maintenance? I know the 2007-2009 had some pretty serious issues but I was told it was fixed in the later models. A relative of mine had their transmissions go out in a 2007 suburban at 40k.

The reason I am asking is that I am starting to notice and feel the shifting of the transmission on my 2013 Yukon 2WD with 120k miles when driving. Not always while accelerating sometimes while cruising. I know sometimes I push it a little too hard. There isn’t like a pattern to the feel that it has. The transmission has been serviced at a dealer twice over the vehicles lifetime for normal maintenance. Nothing broken. Not sure if this is just normal for this vehicle and I am being paranoid. I know this isn’t much to go on. But I am just trying to gauge others experience and what the logevity of this transmission is.

 

[Geotrash]

What has been the experiences with the later model 6 speed transmissions with the 5.3L (2010-2014)? Has anyone had them go out? Any major work beyond normal maintenance? I know the 2007-2009 had some pretty serious issues but I was told it was fixed in the later models. A relative of mine had their transmissions go out in a 2007 suburban at 40k.

The reason I am asking is that I am starting to notice and feel the shifting of the transmission on my 2013 Yukon 2WD with 120k miles when driving. Not always while accelerating sometimes while cruising. I know sometimes I push it a little too hard. There isn’t like a pattern to the feel that it has. The transmission has been serviced at a dealer twice over the vehicles lifetime for normal maintenance. Nothing broken. Not sure if this is just normal for this vehicle and I am being paranoid. I know this isn’t much to go on. But I am just trying to gauge others experience and what the logevity of this transmission is.

The longevity of the 6L80E is excellent. Easily a 200K+ transmission with proper care. I have 215K on the original in my 2007 Yukon XL Denali, and 122K on the original in my 2012 XL Denali as well. Both with considerable towing in their lives.

That said, there are a few weak spots, with arguably the most significant being the torque converter (TC). The AFM system on the engine is constantly switching between 4 and 8 cylinder operation, and that puts added stress on the lock-up clutch in the TC. When it fails it sends debris through the transmission and cooler lines, taking them out. The solution is to upgrade the TC before it fails with one that has a stronger lock-up clutch. There are often telltale signs that it's starting to get weak, such as a pronounced shudder as the AFM system activates and deactivates.

There are also some valve body issues that can lead to delayed shifts, etc, and these can be fixed with the transmission still in the vehicle.

Can you be a little more descriptive about what you're experiencing? That will help us give you more precise guidance.

 

[donjetman]

A friend had the 6L80 in his 2014 pu go out at 100K miles

 

[swathdiver]

What has been the experiences with the later model 6 speed transmissions with the 5.3L (2010-2014)? Has anyone had them go out? Any major work beyond normal maintenance? I know the 2007-2009 had some pretty serious issues but I was told it was fixed in the later models. A relative of mine had their transmissions go out in a 2007 suburban at 40k.

The reason I am asking is that I am starting to notice and feel the shifting of the transmission on my 2013 Yukon 2WD with 120k miles when driving. Not always while accelerating sometimes while cruising. I know sometimes I push it a little too hard. There isn’t like a pattern to the feel that it has. The transmission has been serviced at a dealer twice over the vehicles lifetime for normal maintenance. Nothing broken. Not sure if this is just normal for this vehicle and I am being paranoid. I know this isn’t much to go on. But I am just trying to gauge others experience and what the logevity of this transmission is.

One went 410,000 before the customer drove it from Kansas to Texas to be overhauled before it plumb quit on him. The inside was in excellent shape as it had regular maintenance.

Besides the clutch in the torque converter, the solenoids in the valve body often fail around 165K and they can be rebuilt on your kitchen table for $110 plus fluids. However, if you change the fluid every 40K miles or so, such an issue isn't likely until later, if at all.

The best part of a BlackBear tune to me is in what they did to the transmission. It shifts so much better and doesn't hunt around like some experience on here.

A friend had the 6L80 in his 2014 pu go out at 100K miles

Very common on the K2s because they have thermostats that keep them at 195+ all the time.