Thoughts on '13 Denali with 153K miles...

[11bravo]

Folks, I just sold my Cayenne today, so I am now "really serious" about buying a used Denali. I have several in mind, and want to know your thoughts on a '13 that is spotless throughout, but has 153K on the clock. Was AFM still giving a lot of problems by the time time the 2013 models came out? I've owned somewhere more the 10 OBS and NBS Suv/trucks, and I know what to look for in the interior, tranny, t-case, etc. But, other than oil pressure, I don't know much about AFM signs of trouble.

Thanks for your help. I need to zero in on a likely purchase soon.

Jim, Las Vegas

 

[j91z28d1]

there's a sticky thread just above you post in the sub about what to expect.

basically all afm is ticking time bomb. and sadly somehow even none afm valve train fails sometimes too. Just factor in disabling it on the way home from the dealer, and deleting it when it starts tapping from a stuck lifter.


the rest if faily normal, oil pan/rear main leaks. wheel bearings, sensors, battery cables/wiring. if you have mag ride with air bags, rear shocks will fail around now, along with the air pump. radiator, fire wall T's. the folding mirrors gears are probably broken or soon. if the tranny hasn't been rebuilt, it's time for a new torque converter before it wipes the tranny out.

being a yukon your headlights will be completely faded out if it wasn't a garage queen. might have to replace the those housing.


I'm sure others will have more to check.

edit* motor mounts are probably toast by now if they haven't been replaced by the 300$ each hummer mounts.

basically you gotta be a diy mechanic or its going to murder you lol

 

[11bravo]

there's a sticky thread just above you post in the sub about what to expect.

basically all afm is ticking time bomb. and sadly somehow even none afm valve train fails sometimes too. Just factor in disabling it on the way home from the dealer, and deleting it when it starts tapping from a stuck lifter.


the rest if faily normal, oil pan/rear main leaks. wheel bearings, sensors, battery cables/wiring. if you have mag ride with air bags, rear shocks will fail around now, along with the air pump. radiator, fire wall T's. the folding mirrors gears are probably broken or soon. if the tranny hasn't been rebuilt, it's time for a new torque converter before it wipes the tranny out.

being a yukon your headlights will be completely faded out if it wasn't a garage queen. might have to replace the those housing.


I'm sure others will have more to check.

edit* motor mounts are probably toast by now if they haven't been replaced by the 300$ each hummer mounts.

basically you gotta be a diy mechanic or its going to murder you lol

How would this list differ if it was a '07 Denali with 144K? That is another option.

 

[petethepug]

‘13 Denali will have factory BT and the quick connection for adding BT music streaming.

It has the HDD Navi w/ internal music hard drive and back up cam w/ active grid lines.

‘13 has active braking downhill and brake hold at stop on hills to help if you’re towing or doing a boat launch.

If it’s clean, that’s a huge win. Interior parts are harder to come by and paint repair on these ship size panels are expensive to refinish.

The AFM likely would have reared its head from neglected maint by now. If / when trans goes you’re in Nick’s transmissions neighborhood as well of having options for the 2019+ 10sp trans. vs OEM 6SP. e85 is a $1 gal cheaper in Vegas and $2 less in SoCal. Hot temps and e85 means cooler engine temps w/ the 100+ octane.

2007-2014 GM SUV - Powertrain Swap Solutions

www.powertrainswapsolutions.com

Sorry you had to let go the Cayenne

 

[j91z28d1]

How would this list differ if it was a '07 Denali with 144K? That is another option.

does it have afm? then basically the same, maybe a little faster because of the age of the rubber parts and stuff. but it has always amazed me how my truck breaks along the same time line as the others. I've alway thought how a vehicle was maintained was everything. these seem to be a little more just time based.

the newer one might be a little nicer because of stuff like it will have the updated valve cover already on it. instead of needing to buy one? maybe the dashboard will be cracked less on the 13? but that might be more about how much time it's spent in the sun

 

[Geotrash]

Just for some added perspective, 160K is a rule of thumb that some of us use as the point that things start cropping up. Transmission failures on these often begin with the torque converter lockup clutch, so one way to prolong the life of it is to replace the torque converter with a remanufactured one that has a billet cover and stronger lockup clutch because when they fail, they spread shrapnel through the transmission and coolers, taking all of them out.

Other things not mentioned yet are the front wheel hubs - the bearings will start making noise or you’ll hear some knocking when you’re backing out of the driveway and turning the wheel.

Motor mounts are another item at this age and mileage, as well as the engine oil cooler lines which start seeping.

All of these are solvable and once you get through this point, they’ll run for another 160K with few, if any issues. They’re the best family/road trip vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m on my 4th.

 

[j91z28d1]

wrong place haha

 

[petethepug]

Does this ‘13 have any goodies like headrest DVD player, retractable running boards or ventilated seats!

Fortunately the Yukon headlamps are upgradable to aftermarket Bixenon LED assemblies.

 

[j91z28d1]

Does this ‘13 have any goodies like headrest DVD player, retractable running boards or ventilated seats!

Fortunately the Yukon headlamps are upgradable to aftermarket Bixenon LED assemblies.

cooled seats could be nice in Vagas.

I do want to try and replace my foam someday to see if it would flow some air.

 

[11bravo]

‘13 Denali will have factory BT and the quick connection for adding BT music streaming.

It has the HDD Navi w/ internal music hard drive and back up cam w/ active grid lines.

‘13 has active braking downhill and brake hold at stop on hills to help if you’re towing or doing a boat launch.

If it’s clean, that’s a huge win. Interior parts are harder to come by and paint repair on these ship size panels are expensive to refinish.

The AFM likely would have reared its head from neglected maint by now. If / when trans goes you’re in Nick’s transmissions neighborhood as well of having options for the 2019+ 10sp trans. vs OEM 6SP. e85 is a $1 gal cheaper in Vegas and $2 less in SoCal. Hot temps and e85 means cooler engine temps w/ the 100+ octane.

2007-2014 GM SUV - Powertrain Swap Solutions

www.powertrainswapsolutions.com

Sorry you had to let go the Cayenne

thank for the info, Pete. Helps a lot.

 

[11bravo]

Does this ‘13 have any goodies like headrest DVD player, retractable running boards or ventilated seats!

Fortunately the Yukon headlamps are upgradable to aftermarket Bixenon LED assemblies.

It has the running boards and vent seats, plus both of the original second-row headsets...not that I will ever need them, but pretty cool to still have 'em.

 

[petethepug]

Escalade in Denali Carhartts. It’s one of the few vehicles that has the a/c to pull the interior temp down quickly and maintain it in traffic without the motor overheating.

In the last year or two the aftermarket really blessed this Gen. A pc based BCM sw update to allow video in motion, manual & automatic options for the back up cam and bolt on Vette 6&4 pot calipers.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

How would this list differ if it was a '07 Denali with 144K? That is another option.

The 07 and 08 Denalis did not have AFM, so if you find an acceptable truck in those years, you eliminate the concern for AFM. If you purchase a truck with AFM, I recommend that you budget an additional $2500 (parts kit and labor) to have the AFM removed. This work can be performed by a local repair shop familiar with GM LS motors.

 

[NELLY1947]

Folks, I just sold my Cayenne today, so I am now "really serious" about buying a used Denali. I have several in mind, and want to know your thoughts on a '13 that is spotless throughout, but has 153K on the clock. Was AFM still giving a lot of problems by the time time the 2013 models came out? I've owned somewhere more the 10 OBS and NBS Suv/trucks, and I know what to look for in the interior, tranny, t-case, etc. But, other than oil pressure, I don't know much about AFM signs of trouble.

Thanks for your help. I need to zero in on a likely purchase soon.

Jim, Las Vegas

Where is the unit from?
Flood unit??
Car fax report?
Insist on a warranty
12 months 20k mike
That is piece of mind

 

[11bravo]

Where is the unit from?
Flood unit??
Car fax report?
Insist on a warranty
12 months 20k mike
That is piece of mind

I never buy from a dealer, so no warranty. Car is sold, so did not ask those questions.

 

[Alicia]

Just for some added perspective, 160K is a rule of thumb that some of us use as the point that things start cropping up. Transmission failures on these often begin with the torque converter lockup clutch, so one way to prolong the life of it is to replace the torque converter with a remanufactured one that has a billet cover and stronger lockup clutch because when they fail, they spread shrapnel through the transmission and coolers, taking all of them out.

Other things not mentioned yet are the front wheel hubs - the bearings will start making noise or you’ll hear some knocking when you’re backing out of the driveway and turning the wheel.

Motor mounts are another item at this age and mileage, as well as the engine oil cooler lines which start seeping.

All of these are solvable and once you get through this point, they’ll run for another 160K with few, if any issues. They’re the best family/road trip vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m on my 4th.

Hey, thanks for sharing this! I have a new to me 2014 Yukon Denali, purchased in December with 158k miles. Now 161 ish. She drives flawlessly. I've made the trip from MI to FL and then FL back to MI with zero issues. Drives like it's brand new. I've had all the fluids changed, brakes done, oil pan gasket replaced. I added an AFM disabler right away. No noises, ticks, anything. Everything is still original. Motor, trans. What are the symptoms of the torque converter failing? Just to keep an eye out?

I had an 09 Denali for 12 years (I fell in love and never looked back) and went through 2 transmissions with that one, but no lifter issues. Sold that one at 230k. I had fully expected my 2014 to have transmission issues by now, so I feel like I'm just waiting for the problems to start. Would love any input.

Sorry for hijacking. Appreciate your time and input!

 

[Geotrash]

Hey, thanks for sharing this! I have a new to me 2014 Yukon Denali, purchased in December with 158k miles. Now 161 ish. She drives flawlessly. I've made the trip from MI to FL and then FL back to MI with zero issues. Drives like it's brand new. I've had all the fluids changed, brakes done, oil pan gasket replaced. I added an AFM disabler right away. No noises, ticks, anything. Everything is still original. Motor, trans. What are the symptoms of the torque converter failing? Just to keep an eye out?

I had an 09 Denali for 12 years (I fell in love and never looked back) and went through 2 transmissions with that one, but no lifter issues. Sold that one at 230k. I had fully expected my 2014 to have transmission issues by now, so I feel like I'm just waiting for the problems to start. Would love any input.

Sorry for hijacking. Appreciate your time and input!

Congrats on the ride! I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

On the transmission, it will start misbehaving, such as a shudder from time to time, significantly delayed shifts, or in the extreme it will stop shifting and go into limp mode. But by that point, it may be too late. The progression from shrapnel in the fluid to taking out the valve body and the rest of the transmission, is pretty quick. That’s why I recommend the preventative approach.

Incidentally, your 09 did not have AFM. That was a sweetheart of a motor, the L9H. Same as the earlier L92, but with flex fuel capability.

 

[Alicia]

Congrats on the ride! I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

On the transmission, it will start misbehaving, such as a shudder from time to time, significantly delayed shifts, or in the extreme it will stop shifting and go into limp mode. But by that point, it may be too late. The progression from shrapnel in the fluid to taking out the valve body and the rest of the transmission, is pretty quick. That’s why I recommend the preventative approach.

Incidentally, your 09 did not have AFM. That was a sweetheart of a motor, the L9H. Same as the earlier L92, but with flex fuel capability.

Thanks man! And yes, correct! The 09 didn't have the AFM, but the transmission had no problem crapping out multiple times. Side story, I also have an 07 Silverado Max (NBS) WITH AFM, and the lifters had issues back in 2019, about 50k miles ago (this is before I knew about AFM/DOD Delete, so we had it fixed but that V4 mode would make the engine shudder and rumble, it was never the same after that.) Of course, that shuddery, low speeds V4 mode nonsense went away when I got the AFM Disabler, and my truck stopped throwing codes intermittently, as well.

The transmission on my Silverado started hesitating when shifting, I think 2nd to 3rd, and it would shudder a bit when running at higher highway speeds about 2 years ago, at 170k, and I took him in right away to have it rebuilt. The transmission shop guy was amazing, and walked me through the whole process, and he was so happy that I had the AFM Disabler plugged in, saying it would help save my tranny down the road if I had that plugged in. That the transmissions aren't designed to handle the AFM engines or something along those lines. Excuse my lack of proper terminology.

When I got my 14 Denali, I immediately bought an AFM disabler for her, because I had remembered what he said. So I need to keep an eye out for what you said. I haven't had any issues yet, but once in a while something will happen, a slight shudder, or a harder than usual shift, maybe once a week or so. And I panic thinking, oh god here we go. So I'm just being extra careful and alert, knowing that it could come at any day.

I had the transmission serviced (not flushed) about 4k miles ago. Do you think it's worth finding a shop who can do what you said? Replacing the torque converter? Any ballpark of what I should expect to pay? Of course I'm not in the same area as the previously aforementioned tranny shop, so, I'd have to find someone else to do the work. In the Metro Detroit area.

Sorry for the long post. I tend to spill way too much info.

 

[Geotrash]

Thanks man! And yes, correct! The 09 didn't have the AFM, but the transmission had no problem crapping out multiple times. Side story, I also have an 07 Silverado Max (NBS) WITH AFM, and the lifters had issues back in 2019, about 50k miles ago (this is before I knew about AFM/DOD Delete, so we had it fixed but that V4 mode would make the engine shudder and rumble, it was never the same after that.) Of course, that shuddery, low speeds V4 mode nonsense went away when I got the AFM Disabler, and my truck stopped throwing codes intermittently, as well.

The transmission on my Silverado started hesitating when shifting, I think 2nd to 3rd, and it would shudder a bit when running at higher highway speeds about 2 years ago, at 170k, and I took him in right away to have it rebuilt. The transmission shop guy was amazing, and walked me through the whole process, and he was so happy that I had the AFM Disabler plugged in, saying it would help save my tranny down the road if I had that plugged in. That the transmissions aren't designed to handle the AFM engines or something along those lines. Excuse my lack of proper terminology.

When I got my 14 Denali, I immediately bought an AFM disabler for her, because I had remembered what he said. So I need to keep an eye out for what you said. I haven't had any issues yet, but once in a while something will happen, a slight shudder, or a harder than usual shift, maybe once a week or so. And I panic thinking, oh god here we go. So I'm just being extra careful and alert, knowing that it could come at any day.

I had the transmission serviced (not flushed) about 4k miles ago. Do you think it's worth finding a shop who can do what you said? Replacing the torque converter? Any ballpark of what I should expect to pay? Of course I'm not in the same area as the previously aforementioned tranny shop, so, I'd have to find someone else to do the work. In the Metro Detroit area.

Sorry for the long post. I tend to spill way too much info.

Hard to say whether it would be worth it or not on a 160K 6L80, but I did make the investment on my 2012 when it had about 120K on it, and I'm glad I did. Total price out the door in 2021 was $1400 for a new TC (factory reman with upgraded billet cover, stronger lockup clutch, and a flanged hub), transmission R&R labor, and replacing of the rear main seal while they were in there. It would probably be $250 more than that now, depending on which TC you buy. Mine was made by CVC, model BU60FHD.

 

[Alicia]

Hard to say whether it would be worth it or not on a 160K 6L80, but I did make the investment on my 2012 when it had about 120K on it, and I'm glad I did. Total price out the door in 2021 was $1400 for a new TC (factory reman with upgraded billet cover, stronger lockup clutch, and a flanged hub), transmission R&R labor, and replacing of the rear main seal while they were in there. It would probably be $250 more than that now, depending on which TC you buy. Mine was made by CVC, model BU60FHD.

Thank you!!! I appreciate it. Just nice to have a rough idea of what to expect.