Dreaded 6L80E transmission issues

[Foxy]

Transmission won't go into reverse or drive now. Only 104,000 miles on my 2016 LS Chevy Tahoe. I had already suspected this would happen given the faulty 1-2-3-4 clutch pistons are crappy from the factory. And 3-5-R are in the same boat. Let's not talk about the super fragile valve body also lol. I know they now make all the updated parts but it's going to still cost a lot of money for a brand new transmission. I thought about going the rebuild route but I know just putting in a brand new transmission with the updated parts is the correct way to go. Two years ago the dreaded lifter failure happened also. I opted to just do the full AFM/DOD Camshaft package delete. I went with the stage 1 TSP Camshaft and HP tune which has been great. With all the money I have put into it I'm fully invested on keeping it now so I'm going to bite the bullet and replace the transmission.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

@NickTransmissions is our resident transmission expert, and he will chime in with his thoughts and perspectives.

I suggest that you hold the parts cannon in abeyance, until Nick can respond to your situation.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Transmission won't go into reverse or drive now. Only 104,000 miles on my 2016 LS Chevy Tahoe. I had already suspected this would happen given the faulty 1-2-3-4 clutch pistons are crappy from the factory. And 3-5-R are in the same boat. Let's not talk about the super fragile valve body also lol. I know they now make all the updated parts but it's going to still cost a lot of money for a brand new transmission. I thought about going the rebuild route but I know just putting in a brand new transmission with the updated parts is the correct way to go. Two years ago the dreaded lifter failure happened also. I opted to just do the full AFM/DOD Camshaft package delete. I went with the stage 1 TSP Camshaft and HP tune which has been great. With all the money I have put into it I'm fully invested on keeping it now so I'm going to bite the bullet and replace the transmission.

Brand New Transmission = OEM General Motors (no non-GM upgrades like billet pistons, etc): 3 yr/100k mile warranty, whichever comes first

Overhauled Transmission Upgraded as per your requirements, application and intended usage: Varies based on where you go.

My advice: Find a competent, trustworthy local builder who knows these transmissions very well and can build you what you need. I've built 6L80s and 90s for everything from stock daily drivers to all out race vehicles and everything in between but I am Las Vegas so chances are it's not close to you (your profile doesn't have your location so don't know where you're at so just going by likelihood (or lackthereof) that you're in Vegas or surrounding area as well). Have that builder also source the torque converter and ensure it's not just a factory/OEM spec replacement.

Lastly, I would also get a tune for the transmission (you'll need one if you start adding clutches/steels to the 456 pack).

 

[Foxy]

Brand New Transmission = OEM General Motors (no non-GM upgrades like billet pistons, etc): 3 yr/100k mile warranty, whichever comes first

Overhauled Transmission Upgraded as per your requirements, application and intended usage: Varies based on where you go.

My advice: Find a competent, trustworthy local builder who knows these transmissions very well and can build you what you need. I've built 6L80s and 90s for everything from stock daily drivers to all out race vehicles and everything in between but I am Las Vegas so chances are it's not close to you (your profile doesn't have your location so don't know where you're at so just going by likelihood (or lackthereof) that you're in Vegas or surrounding area as well). Have that builder also source the torque converter and ensure it's not just a factory/OEM spec replacement.

Lastly, I would also get a tune for the transmission (you'll need one if you start adding clutches/steels to the 456 pack).

Thank you very much for the info. I'm located in Anchorage Alaska so I'm pretty far away

 

[georgerenner]

Brand New Transmission = OEM General Motors (no non-GM upgrades like billet pistons, etc): 3 yr/100k mile warranty, whichever comes first

Overhauled Transmission Upgraded as per your requirements, application and intended usage: Varies based on where you go.

My advice: Find a competent, trustworthy local builder who knows these transmissions very well and can build you what you need. I've built 6L80s and 90s for everything from stock daily drivers to all out race vehicles and everything in between but I am Las Vegas so chances are it's not close to you (your profile doesn't have your location so don't know where you're at so just going by likelihood (or lackthereof) that you're in Vegas or surrounding area as well). Have that builder also source the torque converter and ensure it's not just a factory/OEM spec replacement.

Lastly, I would also get a tune for the transmission (you'll need one if you start adding clutches/steels to the 456 pack).

I appreciate your coming to the aid of the masses who struggle with transmission issues! I have subscribed to your youtube channel!

 

[georgerenner]

Transmission won't go into reverse or drive now. Only 104,000 miles on my 2016 LS Chevy Tahoe. I had already suspected this would happen given the faulty 1-2-3-4 clutch pistons are crappy from the factory. And 3-5-R are in the same boat. Let's not talk about the super fragile valve body also lol. I know they now make all the updated parts but it's going to still cost a lot of money for a brand new transmission. I thought about going the rebuild route but I know just putting in a brand new transmission with the updated parts is the correct way to go. Two years ago the dreaded lifter failure happened also. I opted to just do the full AFM/DOD Camshaft package delete. I went with the stage 1 TSP Camshaft and HP tune which has been great. With all the money I have put into it I'm fully invested on keeping it now so I'm going to bite the bullet and replace the transmission.

I totally agree with Nick! Check close to home for a reputable rebuilder. They will make your transmission bullet proof and can even, in my case, reprogram the ecm for better performance and afm delete! I do not know what can be done with your vehicle, mine is a 2011, and I am not sure how easy it is to tune your year model. I also have a 3 year warranty on my rebuild and have extended my network of automobile mechanics I can trust! Anyway, I am sorry to hear about your problem! Keep us posted on what you decide to do!

 

[petethepug]

Of course there’s always the one and done conversion to a 10SP 10L80. Milage improvement (check), performance improvement (check), almost invisible shifts and quieter more comfortable ride (check)

Home - Powertrain Swap Solutions

www.powertrainswapsolutions.com

 

[homesick]

Of course there’s always the one and done conversion to a 10SP 10L80. Milage improvement (check), performance improvement (check), almost invisible shifts and quieter more comfortable ride (check)

Home - Powertrain Swap Solutions

www.powertrainswapsolutions.com

What about durability and reliability?

joe

 

[NickTransmissions]

I appreciate your coming to the aid of the masses who struggle with transmission issues! I have subscribed to your youtube channel!

Appreciate the sub and views, George!

 

[Foxy]

I ended up going with a brand new transmission and torque converter with the updated aftermarket parts for the 6L80E transmission. I didn't want to do a rebuild being that it came from GM with faulty parts already. While going through it there was a bad Camshaft position sensor that had to be swapped out. Now the computer is trying to relearn not only the new transmission but new Camshaft sensor. I'm hoping I don't have to bring it back to the tuner. If needed I will just have to bite the bullet.

 

[vatahoelt]

Brand New Transmission = OEM General Motors (no non-GM upgrades like billet pistons, etc): 3 yr/100k mile warranty, whichever comes first

Overhauled Transmission Upgraded as per your requirements, application and intended usage: Varies based on where you go.

My advice: Find a competent, trustworthy local builder who knows these transmissions very well and can build you what you need. I've built 6L80s and 90s for everything from stock daily drivers to all out race vehicles and everything in between but I am Las Vegas so chances are it's not close to you (your profile doesn't have your location so don't know where you're at so just going by likelihood (or lackthereof) that you're in Vegas or surrounding area as well). Have that builder also source the torque converter and ensure it's not just a factory/OEM spec replacement.

Lastly, I would also get a tune for the transmission (you'll need one if you start adding clutches/steels to the 456 pack).

recently starting having issues with my 6L80. Shudder at first and now the pump is whining and transmission is slipping pretty bad. Do you or anyone else reading have any shop recommendations in the Northern Va area? Seems County Transmission and Hi-Tech Transmissions are the main shops that I see referrals for.

 

[Fless]

I ended up going with a brand new transmission and torque converter with the updated aftermarket parts for the 6L80E transmission. I didn't want to do a rebuild being that it came from GM with faulty parts already. While going through it there was a bad Camshaft position sensor that had to be swapped out. Now the computer is trying to relearn not only the new transmission but new Camshaft sensor. I'm hoping I don't have to bring it back to the tuner. If needed I will just have to bite the bullet.

I didn't see this post a month ago but after changing a cam or crank sensor, a CASE relearn should be done with a capable scanner. It's a quick procedure once the engine is warmed up, and syncs the crank and cam sensors. No other learning required for that. And OE sensors only, if available.

 

[homesick]

What about durability and reliability?

joe

I'd sure like for someone to address this.

joe