New guy with a 2013 Escalade ESV Premium AWD

[petethepug]

Very nice Premium ESV. GM at it’s best and biggest. If you need a tow hitch bumper cover, the online paint to match mail order places work great and did a spot on match for my Esky diamond white pearl bumper.

The tinted tails, 3rd brake light and bumper exit exhaust show so damn nice on light colored vehicles.

 

[91RS]

Congratulations, and welcome to the group! Stick around and make friends - this is a great group of knowledgeable people.

If I were to do anything to the transmission though, it would be a new upgraded TC with a billet housing. When the TCs in these fail (lockup clutch is flimsy and fails with the added stress that AFM places on it) - and you’re getting into the mileage where they start to, they take out the transmission with the debris from it. I had a local transmission shop do the one in my 2012 XL Denali because I do a lot of towing with it.

Interesting. I've been around here a long time and haven't really heard people talk about doing this. Is this an aftermarket converter? I have heard people talk about the Camaro ZL1 converter. Is that the same thing?

 

[Geotrash]

Interesting. I've been around here a long time and haven't really heard people talk about doing this. Is this an aftermarket converter? I have heard people talk about the Camaro ZL1 converter. Is that the same thing?

The one the shop put in mine is a remanufactured factory converter but with an upgraded billet housing and lockup clutch.

Here is some more info on the failures:

Prevent Problems with a 6L80/90 Converter Upgrade | Sonnax

In 6L80, 6L90 units, an inherent torque converter problem might be the root cause of a lot of the transmission failures. Sonnax has the answer.

www.sonnax.com

 

[skpyle]

This is a terrible photo from my phone of the RPO codes, but it will work.

I will reply to all your comments the next time I am at my PC.

Thanks!

 

[skpyle]

Welcome!! Great looking rig! It’s what I want and soon! Love all the body colored accents on the premium package, the dark finish 22s and those LED tails just look so good! The 6.2 is awesome! And will be lots of fun for you!

Thank you! The understated look is what drew me in. The more I look at it, the more I like it. Yes, the 6.2L makes GREAT noises when I put my foot in the water pump...

you have plenty of room and nothing to hit, I have to squeeze 2 in here, neither will fit in the garage.
View attachment 352697

Yeah, you got me there. I just have to learn how to park without being able to see where I am going. Though, I did figure out how to enable the door mirrors to pivot down when I shift into reverse.

I do like those wheels. Are they 20" or 22"?

They are 22", aluminum with machined highlights and painted surfaces. I very much like them!

Very nice Premium ESV. GM at it’s best and biggest. If you need a tow hitch bumper cover, the online paint to match mail order places work great and did a spot on match for my Esky diamond white pearl bumper.

The tinted tails, 3rd brake light and bumper exit exhaust show so damn nice on light colored vehicles.

Yep, I am falling very much in love with this SUV. My Explorer was a nice SUV, but this is bigger, better, brasher, more comfortable, and more powerful.
Good to know about the hitch cover. I just realized it was missing. Thanks!

 

[gooffeyguy]

Yeah, you got me there. I just have to learn how to park without being able to see where I am going. Though, I did figure out how to enable the door mirrors to pivot down when I shift into reverse.

I love that feature, but my wife hates it, lol

 

[skpyle]

I got alot done today. Actually, yesterday and today.

Yesterday: replaced the battery, installed an EverStart MAXX-H6. The old battery tested good, but I had no idea of its age. I sucked out the PS reservoir and refilled it with Lubegard 23232 synthetic PS fluid and 4oz of SeaFoam HydraTrans-Tune. I like it for helping to clean out sludge and such.

Today: refilled the front differential with Mobil 1 Synthetic 75W-90LS gear oil and refilled the AWD transfer case with ACDelco Dexron-VI full synthetic ATF 88865618.
I removed the cover from the rear differential to drain the fluid. It did not look bad at all. It was the color of old gear oil, with no real fuzz on the magnetic fill plug or on the magnet inside the cover. I did get a look at the G80 locker in the rear differential. I am going to have to educate myself on how a locker works vs an LSD. Glad I have it, though.

As for the rear axle, I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure it is the 8.625" diameter ring gear unit. I can't figure out which RPO code is for the axle itself. However, my circumstantial evidence:
RPO C6C: GVW rating - 7400 lbs
10 bolt differential cover with reusable rubber/steel gasket
No drain plug at the bottom ( only 9.25" axles get that.)
Soo... that is what I think.
Anyway, it is full of fresh Mobil 1 Synthetic 75W-90 LS gear oil.

I flushed the brake hydraulic system with DOT4 fluid, starting by sucking out the master cylinder reservoir. I then refilled the reservoir with fresh DOT4, then connected my Motive bleeder. Never flush without it!

It was not smooth sailing, though. The right rear caliper bleeder screw was VERY tight. Like I was only able to crack it enough to slowly bleed. I was wary of it snapping off. I let that corner bleed for a long time. The fluid started out brownish, and improved some over time. It needs to flush more at that corner. I will do so when I clean and inspect the brakes.

The left rear caliper bleeder screw was tight, but I was able to open it smoothly. The fluid started out very dark, but not black. It eventually cleaned up, mostly. Again, I will flush it again when I clean and inspect the brakes.

Both front caliper's bleeder screws opened smoothly and bled well. Both fluid started out brownish, but quickly cleaned up. Both of those bled to clean fluid.

Fun fact: I was able to acces all four bleeder screws from under the SUV with the wheels still on. I have never dealt with 22" rims before...

New battery install.

PS fluid change.

Front differential fluid change. I put a bit of oil on the fill plug to slow the rust.

AWD transfer case fluid change.

Rear differential fluid change.









Now...I did run into what may be my first real issue with this SUV. I think the front differential left side axle bearing is loose.
I have started a separate thread on it in the engine/drivetrain section:

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...erential-left-side-axle-bearing-loose.129896/


All in all, I am VERY happy with my Escalade!
Oh, I forgot to mention, this thing is CLEAN underneath!!! NO RUST!!! That matters, because my Explorer was slowly dissolving before my eyes.

Thanks!

 

[skpyle]

More photos here:

Rear cover, gasket, and hardware cleaned and ready to reinstall. NOTE: that rear differential cover is some THICK metal! Thicker than the GM 10-bolts and Ford 8.8" rear ends I have been dealing with.

Had to get a look at the G80 locker in there...

This is the front differential left side axle output flange I referenced above and am talking about in my other thread.


Thanks!

 

[skpyle]

I love that feature, but my wife hates it, lol

Haha! I honestly doubt my wife will ever drive my Escalade. She is tiny (5" 1") and is afraid of it. Far to big for her. She is used to driving a 2002 Mustang. I will pull out the 3rd row seats and put the Mustang in the back...

 

[Doubeleive]

Thank you! The understated look is what drew me in. The more I look at it, the more I like it. Yes, the 6.2L makes GREAT noises when I put my foot in the water pump...



Yeah, you got me there. I just have to learn how to park without being able to see where I am going. Though, I did figure out how to enable the door mirrors to pivot down when I shift into reverse.


They are 22", aluminum with machined highlights and painted surfaces. I very much like them!



Yep, I am falling very much in love with this SUV. My Explorer was a nice SUV, but this is bigger, better, brasher, more comfortable, and more powerful.
Good to know about the hitch cover. I just realized it was missing. Thanks!

Easy, but I have been doing it for 20+ years with 5% tint myself

 

[skpyle]

Easy, but I have been doing it for 20+ years with 5% tint myself

Good point! In due time, I will get a feel for how big this beast is and exactly where the back end is.
Thanks!

 

[skpyle]

I have taken Doubeleive's recommendation and ordered a clone Tech 2 from chinacardiags.com.
Should be here in 2 weeks.
Which is a screw up on my part. The Sonnax 6L45-6L90-ZIP zip-kit arrived yesterday. In the instructions, it requires relearning the transmission adapts after valve body work. Sooo...I am going to hit up my local trusted independent with a Tech 2 and see if he will do that next Wednesday. I am planning to start the transmission work Monday evening and finish by Tuesday evening.

 

[pwtr02ss]

Excellent progress so far. That thing is clean! With what you're doing, you'll have plenty of carefree miles ahead. Thanks for sharing

 

[91RS]

I have taken Doubeleive's recommendation and ordered a clone Tech 2 from chinacardiags.com.
Should be here in 2 weeks.
Which is a screw up on my part. The Sonnax 6L45-6L90-ZIP zip-kit arrived yesterday. In the instructions, it requires relearning the transmission adapts after valve body work. Sooo...I am going to hit up my local trusted independent with a Tech 2 and see if he will do that next Wednesday. I am planning to start the transmission work Monday evening and finish by Tuesday evening.

I’ll be curious to know what you think of that Sonnax kit. I liked their shift performance kit I had in my Trailblazer SS but that was a 4L70 which feels ancient to the way the 6L80 feels.

 

[skpyle]

Excellent progress so far. That thing is clean! With what you're doing, you'll have plenty of carefree miles ahead. Thanks for sharing

Thank you! That is my intent. I plan on driving this rig for 10 years, and keeping up with maintenance is my 'thing.'

I’ll be curious to know what you think of that Sonnax kit. I liked their shift performance kit I had in my Trailblazer SS but that was a 4L70 which feels ancient to the way the 6L80 feels.

I will let you know how it turns out. My intent for the Sonnax kit is longevity and reliability of the transmission. That and the Black Bear tune.

 

[Steedog]

Welcome to the TYF, and congrats on your Esky! Very nice. Looks extremely clean. I need to do some of things you've completed in a short period already haha

 

[Geotrash]

I will let you know how it turns out. My intent for the Sonnax kit is longevity and reliability of the transmission. That and the Black Bear tune.

If you would be willing to do a write-up on your transmission work, it would be amazing! I'll likely follow suit on both my 2007 and 2012 this winter and it would be so much easier to have the steps laid out.

 

[skpyle]

If you would be willing to do a write-up on your transmission work, it would be amazing! I'll likely follow suit on both my 2007 and 2012 this winter and it would be so much easier to have the steps laid out.

I will gladly do so!!! Stay tuned next week.

My intended timeline will be:

Monday morning: get home from work in the morning, put the Escalade up on four ramps, let it cool some. Spray AeroKroil on the down pipe nuts again before I go to bed.
Monday evening: drop the down pipe from the manifolds. Suck out as much fluid from the transmission via the dipstick tube as I can. See if I can drop the pan and have it clear the lowered exhaust. Remove the valve body. Let the transmission drip drain overnight.

Tuesday: Rebuild the TECHM pressure switches, go through the valve body and install what I can from the Sonnax ZIP kit. Reassemble and reinstall the valve body. Install new pan with drain plug. Reconnect the exhaust, replacing the upstream O2 sensors in the process. Install a remote spin-on transmission filter assembly somewhere under the front end. I will splice into the remote fluid cooler lines for this. Refill the transmission with Dexron-VI, and start flushing. I will leave the spin on filter off the remote mount and flush out the fluid from there. I have over 5 gallons of full synthetic GM Dexron-VI, so the transmission fluid is going to end up red whether it likes it or not...

Wednesday: Have the Escalade flatbedded to a local transmission shop to have the 'Reset Transmission Adapts' performed via a Tech 2. Then hopefully drive it home.


I will document and take photos.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I will gladly do so!!! Stay tuned next week.

My intended timeline will be:

Monday morning: get home from work in the morning, put the Escalade up on four ramps, let it cool some. Spray AeroKroil on the down pipe nuts again before I go to bed.
Monday evening: drop the down pipe from the manifolds. Suck out as much fluid from the transmission via the dipstick tube as I can. See if I can drop the pan and have it clear the lowered exhaust. Remove the valve body. Let the transmission drip drain overnight.

Tuesday: Rebuild the TECHM pressure switches, go through the valve body and install what I can from the Sonnax ZIP kit. Reassemble and reinstall the valve body. Install new pan with drain plug. Reconnect the exhaust, replacing the upstream O2 sensors in the process. Install a remote spin-on transmission filter assembly somewhere under the front end. I will splice into the remote fluid cooler lines for this. Refill the transmission with Dexron-VI, and start flushing. I will leave the spin on filter off the remote mount and flush out the fluid from there. I have over 5 gallons of full synthetic GM Dexron-VI, so the transmission fluid is going to end up red whether it likes it or not...

Wednesday: Have the Escalade flatbedded to a local transmission shop to have the 'Reset Transmission Adapts' performed via a Tech 2. Then hopefully drive it home.


I will document and take photos.

My dads 2012 avalanche is having some shifting issues that I think will be solved with the parts you have mentioned. @Just Fishing gave me a parts list that's essentially the same. Im very interested in your photos and thoughts. I'd say we'll be tearing into it in a month or so. I'm still recovering from some health issues. Hopefully I'm back to 100% by then!

 

[stevedonato]

Hello Gentlemen,

Long time lurker, now finally able to post. I come here from the Ford Explorer world. My beloved 1999 Explorer Limited 5.0L AWD was taken out by an inattentive drive last month.
Since I had to go back into debt to get a replacement, I decided to get something I wanted. I had been looking at 2010-2014 Tahoes for awhile. However, in my relative area, they were going for $25 large. Which I was OK enough with.
Then I stumbled upon this 2013 Escalade ESV Premium AWD at a dealer 4 hours from home. It was a two owner with 123,702 miles on the clock. I have a decent service history. Shock replacement at all four corners in early 2020 stands out as a very good thing.

The test drive was great! I was comfortable and had all kinds of room. However, it didn't feel all that big to drive. My Explorer was a little cozy inside. Granted, I am a fat bastard...
And...when I put my foot in the water pump, the 6.2L made GREAT noises!

The dealership replaced the oil pan gasket, oil cooler lines, transmission cooler lines, air filter, cabin air filter, and wiper blades during their inspection of the vehicle. As well as did an oil change.
They are delivering the Escalade to my home tomorrow afternoon. Why? Because they are touching up paint scratches on the bumpers and replacing all four door window trim appliques.

I have ordered an Alldatadiy subscription for it.
I have ordered an AutoCal V3 tune kit from BlackBear Performance.
I will be ordering a Tech 2 as soon as I sort through the 'Tell Me Why I Want A Tech 2' thread.

My plan is to change all the fluids immediately, with the exception of the transmission fluid. (It is currently nice and red, however...)
And replace the battery.
Oh yeah, I need to write down all the RPO codes from the sticker in the glove box.
Then inspect the brakes and such.
I have ordered Sonnax pressure switch rebuild kit and the 6L45-6L91-ZIP kit, and a new GM transmission pan. I will weld a bung to the new pan for a drain plug. When the Sonnax parts arrive, I will drain the trans and drop the valve body. Once back together, I will flush the transmission with new synthetic GM Dexron VI.

In the near future, I am doing a plugs/wires tune up and replacing the serpentine belt and tensioner.

From there, I will just drive the wheels off it and learn the nuances in care and feeding of a 2013 Escalade. I have been lurking here for a few months. My Explorer was totalled last month, but she was old. I had been looking for something else for a bit.

I plan on being an active member on this forum. Thanks for having me!



Photos below are at the dealership today:

View attachment 352513


View attachment 352514


View attachment 352515

What about the Timeing belt and tensionor?