2005 Suburban - Transmission Woes

[31rx7]

I have a 2005 Suburban, 5.3L, 2wd, 1500, towing package, and 60,000 miles. I purchased this vehicle used with about 50,000 miles on it. Two days ago, the transmission started slipping slightly and has gotten progressively worse in a hurry.

- Fluid and filter were changed about 10k miles ago,
- Has towed a 6000 lb rig about 2500 miles, including one round trip of 1500 miles. During towing, the transmission is in "trailer towing" mode, in "drive" (not overdrive), and speeds are kept reasonable (nothing over 65 or so).

When it started happening, I checked the fluid and both the level and color were fine, no burning smell. My mechanic and I went for a test drive yesterday with his scan tool hooked up, and there are no codes on the computer and the CEL does not come on. Today, my mechanic took off the pan, and found some metal shavings barely visible to the eye, but not excessive. The filter looked fine and the fluid itself did not show any signs of overheating - it looked new.

It looks like a new transmission will need to go in.

Has anybody had a similar issue come up with their Suburban? If so, what caused it and what was the resolution? I hate the thought of having to put a new tranny in such a new vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any assistance or insight.

[maxwedge]

No one can answer this till the exact source of the failure is determined, when the unit is disassembled this will be evident.

[31rx7]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

No one can answer this till the exact source of the failure is determined, when the unit is disassembled this will be evident.

I agree. I just thought it was odd to have a failure on 60k mile well cared for vehicle and was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience.