GM 6L80 Transmission Information Thread

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rdezs

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That's also exactly where our 2014 Escalade runs for transmission temperature since new. I don't think I've ever seen it over 155. It's got the factory tow package, so it's got the external cooler up front as well. It's never towed anything.... But I was watching it 3 years ago when we had a 116° heatwave. 65 mph and it was just under 155° transmission temperature. It seems the OEM cooling system is quite adequate...
 
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That's also exactly where our 2014 Escalade runs for transmission temperature since new. I don't think I've ever seen it over 155. It's got the factory tow package, so it's got the external cooler up front as well. It's never towed anything.... But I was watching it 3 years ago when we had a 116° heatwave. 65 mph and it was just under 155° transmission temperature. It seems the OEM cooling system is quite adequate...
Mine is similar, except for the summer where it will top out at around 210F in stop and go traffic when temps are 110-120 out. I've noticed no difference at all in it's performance or behaviors between winter (typically runs at 130-160 and now (175-210). This is my 09 Sierra White Diamond w/external factory trans cooler...
IMG_5495.jpeg
 

rdezs

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Vegas, Phoenix, Yuma and Tucson in August.... Been there, absolutely brutal. (I'm like 900 miles NNW of Vegas, at 2600 ft altitude)

I suspect the reason my wife's Escalade has had zero issues with the transmission.... Is that she really does drive like Miss Daisy. After all, she is a school bus driver. She gets scared if she gives the Escalade more than about 1/4 throttle. I don't think it's ever been over 1800 RPM with her behind the wheel. That combined with her 50 mile round trip commute on a 55 mph State highway.... Plus the inline transmission filter I put on it sometime ago... It's hard to predict how long it will last. Lol, I probably put more wear on that transmission in one high-speed run to the hospital a month ago, then she's done in 11 years.

The 4L65e in the Hummer is probably another story all together. It's like having an Escalade or Tahoe pulling a 4200 lb trailer it's entire life.
 

John18A

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Hi Nick,
Thanks so much for all the information. I just stumbled across this a couple days ago, read the first 9 pages and going to finish up today. Can't wait to have a look at your YouTube channel as well. I know almost nothing about transmissions and this has been a huge education. Thank you!

I have a 2013 Suburban Z71, 6L80 that I think is original and I'm at 170k. I just bought the truck a couple months ago, drove it from Houston back to my house in Florida. I've put about 3000 miles on it so far. No shifting issues, but it seems to run hot. At 75mph on a flat interstate, unloaded with me and my wife, the DIC indicates 216 degrees with an outside temp of 90. On hills, or if I drive faster, I've seen it creep up to 225.

Took it in to have it serviced yesterday to a shop that I thought was reputable. He said I have no cooling blockages and I'm not equipped with a TBV, and also said he found a few shavings in the pan but nothing crazy.

Them tried to sell me a "new transmission" for $8450, said it was "top shelf" with a 36k mile warranty. I said finish the service and button it up. Not sure if he meant new, remanufactured, or rebuilt by him but I don't care. I'm not doing anything until I'm sure I incorporate your recommendations you laid out up front of the thread.

Still exploring options, I think I'll check to make sure the sensor is functioning properly, maybe upgrade the cooling. Sooner or later I'll need to buy or rebuild but no matter what I do I think I'd be an idiot not to make sure it is built to last.

Thanks again! Appreciate again all the time and expertise you have put in to passing on this info.

John
 

ilikemikes

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Hey Nick, I'm at 16,500 miles and 1 year on my new trans rebuild. I just recently started getting a light whining noise as I increase in speed. What are the chances its coming from the transmission? Thanks in advance.
 
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Hey Nick, I'm at 16,500 miles and 1 year on my new trans rebuild. I just recently started getting a light whining noise as I increase in speed. What are the chances its coming from the transmission? Thanks in advance.
No idea based on the above. Where does the noise seem to be coming from? Knowing and sharing that would help narrow down the location/source...
 

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Hey Nick, I'm at 16,500 miles and 1 year on my new trans rebuild. I just recently started getting a light whining noise as I increase in speed. What are the chances its coming from the transmission? Thanks in advance.

Time to get out the stethoscope and investigate.
 

ilikemikes

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Time to get out the stethoscope and investigate.
Yeah, its a new sound that I'm trying to pinpoint. Probably cost $150 around here to diagnose. I have roughly 1500 miles and 4 months left on trans warranty. From inside the ** its sounds like its coming from middle to rear end. YT videos name a bunch of stuff. I guess I could put it on jacks and run it but have some safety concerns with that by myself. Now that I'm writing this I think I will just take it back to the trans shop and see what they say. They also cleaned/flushed my differentials and TC when they did the rebuild.
 

ilikemikes

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Yeah, its a new sound that I'm trying to pinpoint. Probably cost $150 around here to diagnose. I have roughly 1500 miles and 4 months left on trans warranty. From inside the ** its sounds like its coming from middle to rear end. YT videos name a bunch of stuff. I guess I could put it on jacks and run it but have some safety concerns with that by myself. Now that I'm writing this I think I will just take it back to the trans shop and see what they say. They also cleaned/flushed my differentials and TC when they did the rebuild.
Transmission shop said it checked out. They also said there is a slight whining noise coming from the rear differential which is typical for vehicles close to 200k. I can’t live with that so I’ll start looking into the differential.
 

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