Post New Transmission: Infamous Clunks

[tkdgirl]

As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.

 

[Geotrash]

As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.

Clunks...you mean as the transmission is downshifting...like when you approach a stop sign?

If so, my guess you would benefit from a proper transmission tune since it seems your previous tune was wiped out by the shop...if I'm understanding that part right.

 

[Foggy]

You'll need your original tuner to update to their custom settings from before
the trans failure. GM just put it back to stock... but it should still not "clunk" imo

 

[Tahoe14]

@Geotrash, it seems odd that his old one had a clunk and now his new one also. Do you think it might be something else.

 

[Geotrash]

@Geotrash, it seems odd that his old one had a clunk and now his new one also. Do you think it might be something else.

I do. That’s why I asked her for a little more clarification. It’s super common on these to have driveline clunks that show up as the transmission is downshifting, or upshifting. Most often it’s motor mounts, front differential mounts, transfer case, or driveshaft yokes. If the transmission is shifting harder than is ideal, it’s gonna make any slop in the system that much more noticeable. Since it’s a Denali, my money is on the front differential mounts.

 

[NickTransmissions]

As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.

The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.

 

[petethepug]

2011 Yukon Denali. 2-3 clunk is red flag in the trans or the motor mounts or front differential bushings are worn.

Either way it’s either covered under warranty or repairable. Best to take it back and say diagnose it (under warranty) and see what surfaces.

Last year our 09 Escalade AWD had the first rebuilt trans go out after a month. Warranty covered 150% of the 2nd trans. Looking forward to the next 100k miles

 

[tkdgirl]

But wouldn't the vehicle not work properly if it went back to the default tune? I mean I told the transmission guy that he could not flash

The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.

Nick, thank you. Here is the history:

July 2023: Engine rebuilt due to lifters, deleted, custom tune optimized for towing.
July 2024: Transmission blows while towing. New GM transmission installed by local (ohio) mechanic where my car died. Taken to a GM dealership to program.
Last week: Transmission clucking begins.

It actually did a bit of clunking when I was towing before the transmission blew.

I don't think the local mechanic did any of those things you mentioned above. The rear main seal was replaced when the engine was rebuilt.

My local mechanic, who has the Denali right now, said the transmission was 'programmed' to act the way it is.

I have no idea what's going, just that the clunking is not normal and I don't want it to blow another transmission.

 

[tkdgirl]

The GM units come ready to plug and play, no adapt relearns or programming needed. If all of your downshifts are harsh, it can be your tuning and/or non-transmission causes, as also suggested. Engine/powertrain sensors and switches can also cause irregularities in transmission behavior. These include the MAF, TPS, Ignition switch/module and many more.

These symptoms can also be caused by weakness in the transmission itself, specifically the compensator feed system which is a combination of apply, accumulation and exhaust circuits designed to mechanically control shift timing, firmness as well as prevent centrifugal apply of clutch packs inside the unit when they are not supposed to be on/working. It can also be the torque converter failing which, in case of it being so new, it would be defective.

If it's just the 3-2 downshift that indicates to me something's potentially weak in the 3-5-R hydraulic circuit causing the clutch not to release timely. This can also be cauesed by the TEHCM or valve body (or both).

I'd rule out any non-transmission causes first then contact a GM service center and see what they will do for disgnosis and warranty replacement if/as necessary.

Whichever shop or dealership svc center did the trans R&R work should have also inspected all mounts, the driveline, wheel bearings, flexplate and other systems underneath to catch and repair/replace anything that's worn/bad. They should have also done the rear main seal, flushed your lines and transmission cooler(s) to ensure all contaminant from the previous trans failure was removed.

 

[B-train]

I'd be curious to see what the new shift programming from GM is. I compared my 2008 Denali with the 6 speed to my friend's 2014 Denali and found 2 completely different shift patterns. I don't recall the names right off hand, but maybe the rebuilt transmissions require the newer shift pattern? Could a pattern for a different year/transmission cause weirdness? Just a random thought for someone who may know more than I on shift patterns.

 

[Geotrash]

I'd be curious to see what the new shift programming from GM is. I compared my 2008 Denali with the 6 speed to my friend's 2014 Denali and found 2 completely different shift patterns. I don't recall the names right off hand, but maybe the rebuilt transmissions require the newer shift pattern? Could a pattern for a different year/transmission cause weirdness? Just a random thought for someone who may know more than I on shift patterns.

This matches what I experience with my '07 and '12 XL Denali's. The shift points and patterns are noticeably different between the two. It's especially noticeable in tow/haul mode. The '07 is much more prone to downshifting earlier when slowing down and revs higher before upshifting.

Side note: Interestingly, Blackbear said they couldn't tune the tow/haul mode in my '07 for me, and I didn't ask them about it for my '12, though both have Blackbear tunes and I love them. Not sure whether it was a technical limitation of their platform or not wanting to mess with those tables. It makes me wonder if I could use HP Tuners to adjust the tow/haul shift points.

 

[swathdiver]

Are you SURE that they replaced the transmission with a different unit and did not overhaul yours or reuse your TECHM?

When was the last time you pulled the rear differential cover and had a look back there? Broken spider gears sometimes do similarly to what you describe.

 

[NickTransmissions]

But wouldn't the vehicle not work properly if it went back to the default tune? I mean I told the transmission guy that he could not flash

Nick, thank you. Here is the history:

July 2023: Engine rebuilt due to lifters, deleted, custom tune optimized for towing.
July 2024: Transmission blows while towing. New GM transmission installed by local (ohio) mechanic where my car died. Taken to a GM dealership to program.
Last week: Transmission clucking begins.

It actually did a bit of clunking when I was towing before the transmission blew.

I don't think the local mechanic did any of those things you mentioned above. The rear main seal was replaced when the engine was rebuilt.

My local mechanic, who has the Denali right now, said the transmission was 'programmed' to act the way it is.

I have no idea what's going, just that the clunking is not normal and I don't want it to blow another transmission.

You're welcome...I would definitely have the mechanic go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb to rule in or out causes and sources of your clunking. Even a worn rear transmission mount can causr those or similar symptoms.

Not sure i like his explanation about the shifting but maybe that is simply the extent of his knowledge. Shift strategy logic is programmed to the TEHCM based on OS variant which is driven by a number of factors including model/sub-model, installed powertrain package, variant of valve body (they changed a few times over the years in the 6L80s and 90s) and more.

Keep us posted.

 

[tkdgirl]

You're welcome...I would definitely have the mechanic go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb to rule in or out causes and sources of your clunking. Even a worn rear transmission mount can causr those or similar symptoms.

Not sure i like his explanation about the shifting but maybe that is simply the extent of his knowledge. Shift strategy logic is programmed to the TEHCM based on OS variant which is driven by a number of factors including model/sub-model, installed powertrain package, variant of valve body (they changed a few times over the years in the 6L80s and 90s) and more.

Keep us posted.

So far, not a single GM dealership has returned my call.

@NickTransmissions because I have a custom tune, are they going to give me the runaround, and, ultimately void any warranty?

 

[gbink53]

As I posted here last month, my transmission blew and was replaced with a GM OEM one.

Since then, I am having a terrible time with 2-3 clunks when stopping. It did happen with the old transmission but only when towing. Now, it's everyday driving. I have a custom tune so not sure where to start on this. The dealer programmed the transmission only because of the custom tune.

Well good luck. I’m getting real sour on GMC. My 2020 XL 50K miles, as I posted earlier had clunking sound, thought it was transmission but dealer says it’s torque converter. No OEM replacements in stock, back ordered for months with no ETA in foreseeable future. Now no loaners either but they sure want me to rent one at thousands/month. Awaiting attorney to call after they research issue. $70k immobile paperweight.

 

[Foggy]

This matches what I experience with my '07 and '12 XL Denali's. The shift points and patterns are noticeably different between the two. It's especially noticeable in tow/haul mode. The '07 is much more prone to downshifting earlier when slowing down and revs higher before upshifting.

Side note: Interestingly, Blackbear said they couldn't tune the tow/haul mode in my '07 for me, and I didn't ask them about it for my '12, though both have Blackbear tunes and I love them. Not sure whether it was a technical limitation of their platform or not wanting to mess with those tables. It makes me wonder if I could use HP Tuners to adjust the tow/haul shift points.

My 14 with HPTuners lets me program shift points, TCC lockup, etc separately
as 2 diff tables between TOW mode and Reg Drive mode.
The adapts and all that stuff in the general settings are the same
I put my shift points in the Drive mode to more what the Tow mode was from
the factory as my personal preference

 

[Geotrash]

My 14 with HPTuners lets me program shift points, TCC lockup, etc separately
as 2 diff tables between TOW mode and Reg Drive mode.
The adapts and all that stuff in the general settings are the same
I put my shift points in the Drive mode to more what the Tow mode was from
the factory as my personal preference

Thank you, Tom. Very helpful. I now have HP Tuners but haven't removed the shrink wrap from it yet. This gives me some helpful insight to get started with.

 

[j91z28d1]

So far, not a single GM dealership has returned my call.

@NickTransmissions because I have a custom tune, are they going to give me the runaround, and, ultimately void any warranty?

I'm curious who tuned the tranmission?

 

[Foggy]

I'm curious who tuned the tranmission?

My guess is that the new trans is just the stock calibrations.. And that whomever tuned
the vehicle last year did some of the normal mods thru HPTuners that makes the
6L80E a "nice" transmission to have. (personally imo the factory settings suck!)

 

[j91z28d1]

My guess is that the new trans is just the stock calibrations.. And that whomever tuned
the vehicle last year did some of the normal mods thru HPTuners that makes the
6L80E a "nice" transmission to have. (personally imo the factory settings suck!)

yeah, I was going to say, who ever tuned it can flash it back to stock as a test right? you don't have to have a dealer do it. it would also tell you if the tcm was replaced or not. as the new one would need to be re credited?