05 Silverado automatic transmission whine

chevydriver2fl · #1 02-26-2006, 08:07 AM

I have an 05 Silverado with 26200 miles on it. About 2 weeks ago we had a cold snap (overnight low approx 3 deg F) and I noticed it now has a high pitched whine in the transmission when I first start driving it. I've tried letting it warm up first and that helps some, but I still get the high pitched whine until the engine reaches about halfway on the control panel temp gauge. It has never done this before. Anybody know if this is normal???

MT-2500 · #2 02-26-2006, 07:58 PM

Welcome to your first post on AF.
Trans and engine sise would have helped but.
It is not Normal.
Check your fluid level.
Head for your dealer and get it checked out and documented in case of future trouble with it. Also leave it overnight so they can drive it when cold to test.
PS if you hve a K&N filter leave it at home or they will say that done it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
MT

chevydriver2fl · #3 02-27-2006, 07:50 AM

Thanks...will do...although I don't expect much from the dealer

I did check the fluid level and it was just shy of the bottom of the crosshairs. Surely not enough to cause any problems? The trany doesn't slip or anything, just the whine when it's cold and it just started doing that. Other than this it's been good, smooth running...unlike the '99 I had...speaking of transmission/dealer woes!! (a whole other longgg story) I don't think I have a K&N filter, since I don't know what it is, so that shouldn't be a problem. What is trans and engine sise?? Is that a more specific site within Automotive Forums? Thanks again for the welcome...I'm learning a lot just by reading all the different posts.

chevydriver2fl · #4 02-27-2006, 08:00 AM

I think I just realized what you meant by trans and engine sise....duuhhh The engine is a 5.3L V8 and it's a 1500 LS (would that be the transmission size? cause I can't find it spelled out for me anywhere obvious)...I'm a girl, what can I say, I'm still learning this stuff...at least I try

MT-2500 · #5 02-27-2006, 09:57 AM

The whine will usually be caused by a stopped up transmission filter or planetary gears or inside transmission gears. Or if a 4 wheel drive could be transfer case. Could be several different sise of transmissions.
Is it automatic or standard transmission.
Should be under warranty.
Have the dealer verify it in writing that it has been checked out and looked at by them.
That way if transmission goes bad later you have proof of it being checked by dealer.
Do not let them wool you around.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
MT

chevydriver2fl · #6 02-28-2006, 08:43 AM

It's not a 4WD. It is and automatic and it's still under warranty (just). Thanks for the pointers on what could be wrong, it helps to have a little ammo when I go to the dealer. I've had enough bad experiences with them in the past not to trust them on anything!! My '99 silverado had a horrible intermittent vibration in the steering column. It would get so bad I thought the truck was going to literally shake itself to pieces. Scared the crap out of me more than a few times!! After they ran me around the tire testing bush until the well ran dry...around 110k the automatic transmission finally/suddenly gave out. I lost all but 1st and reverse. They said "oh...that was probably caused by the butterfly gear in the tranny...it's known to go out after 100k"...and no, that's normal wear and tear don'tcha know!! If I had known that I would have been sure to trade the truck in before 100k. After a very expensive, out of my pocket, transmission change later, the vibration had coincidentally disappeared too... ...hhhmmmmm... Anyway, thanks again, and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
fl

chevydriver2fl · #7 03-04-2006, 06:57 AM

Well, I've been to the dealer

they found that there was a software update for the PCM that adjusted the hydraulic pressure higher thru the pump. Makes sense, I guess, if the fluid is cold, it would be thicker and the pump would have a harder time forcing it through. So far it seems to have corrected the problem. It's been below freezing since I got it back and it hasn't had the whine...yet. From what I've read on this site, software updates seem to be the dealer's answer to most problems

MT-2500 · #8 03-04-2006, 10:43 PM

Thanks for posting back and letting us know how it went.
Ans 10-4 on the dealer computer flash. And yes they win some and some they do not. But they are trying anway.
Glad it is better.
MT

tykrz · #9 03-05-2006, 12:03 PM

Even if it drops to -45C ATF fluid really does not thicken up. If it did, the transmission would not function properly in cold weather driving.

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