4l60e transmission problems

[jbryant]

I have a 1998 K1500 that has transmission problems that have been getting progressively worse. It started with shifting problems from 3rd to 4th at highway speeds, then 1st began slipping. I changed the fluid and filter and now it has problems shifting from 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th, and still slips in 1st. Also there is a sort of dry rubbing sound in 2nd, it was also doing this before the fluid and filter change. All I can assume is that my tranny is about to go. (it has 210,000 on it) I've been looking at rebuild kits and rebuilt trans. form autozone and advance auto; any thought on these products if it needs replacing? I've also been told it could just be a seloniod problem, but it seems more serious than that. Appreciate any help. Thanks.

[Blue Bowtie]

You can scan the PCM for transmission error codes with a bi-directional scanner.

Does the trans act normally if manually shifted through the ranges? Does reverse slip?

If you get into a rebuild, this is what you'll be facing:

http://www.wwdsltd.com/4L60/4L60ERepairs.html

[jbryant]

It does act normal for the most part when shifted manually, except for the fact that 2nd makes the "dry rubbing" sound. reverse does not slip at all so far. I have taken it to auto zone to have the codes read by a obd scanner, but from what I understand there is a special scanner used for trans that they dont use. So no trouble codes for the trans.

Thanks for replying and thanks for the link, very helpful. Any idea about the quality of transmission products from auto zone or advance auto? I've read a lot of bad things about some of their suppliers on-line, and some favorable things about other suppliers of theirs.

[transman618]

Originally Posted by jbryant

It does act normal for the most part when shifted manually, except for the fact that 2nd makes the "dry rubbing" sound. reverse does not slip at all so far. I have taken it to auto zone to have the codes read by a obd scanner, but from what I understand there is a special scanner used for trans that they dont use. So no trouble codes for the trans.

Thanks for replying and thanks for the link, very helpful. Any idea about the quality of transmission products from auto zone or advance auto? I've read a lot of bad things about some of their suppliers on-line, and some favorable things about other suppliers of theirs.

210k is a lot of miles for a 4L60E. It does in fact sound like its time for an overhaul. Be careful with these because when you buy one from an outside source and it seems cheap, it literally is. You get what you pay for. This transmission has many issues from the factory that need to be addressed during overhaul. If you find one of these for lets say $1200, $1300 or even $1400 it probably wont have many of the upgrades needed to keep this trans running very long. When I build these, I perform all the upgrades. Try to get a spec sheet on one of these Auto Zone specials because I would like to see what they are putting in these.

When your trans was slipping in 3rd and 4th gears I can tell you right away that your 3-4 clutches are gone. The 3-4's are a weak link in these transmissions and commonly fail. This is one upgrade that must be done. Other upgrades include the sun shell, the valve body (TCC regulator valve) the pump and other things. I would love to see a spec sheet on some of these cheapie transmissions. Your best bet is have yours rebuilt by someone who knows this transmission. For instance, someone who builds racing versions of this trans would be a great person to build yours. Stay away from large chain type transmission shops. They are just all volume, get em in, get em out, drain their wallet and hope the trans makes it through the warranty period. They dont build to last.


transman

[jbryant]

Thanks transman for the advice. If I were to tackle the rebuild myself, could you suggest a good rebuild kit, and should it come with everything that I need. From what I see on-line I would have to buy a sun shell separately it appears. Do you think that my truck should be okay to drive for the time being or should I just leave it alone? Thanks again for the help.

jbryant

[tblake]

I've rebuilt a couple 4t60e's (different trans I know) but I used raybestos clutches and bands. They seem to be higher quality than the aught tow zone brand.

Transman, is that your daughter? She's a cutie!