Transmission problem and rear window leak

80vette383 · June 15, 2015

So, I'm not a very happy customer right now. The other day while washing my truck I noticed water on the inside of the rear glass (I have a fixed rear window, not sliding). I opened the back door and found a large wet spot on the headliner, water on the rear seats, and old water stains on the headliner. I removed the third brake light to see if it was getting in there, but around the gasket was dry. I looked down between the glass and body and you could see a large gap with no gasket or sealant. I got some rtv down in there but could only get directly under the third brake light, the gap extended further out of reach. This morning while leaving work during a heavy rain I got in the truck and found the headliner sopping wet in the same area, dripping onto the seats. At this point who knows how long the water has been getting in... I wouldn't be surprised if there will be a mold issue...

Now things get even better. I try calling my dealership but get no answer, so I decide to just bring it in. I put the truck in drive, and clunk, a loud bang. Check engine light comes on. Now the truck won't accelerate from a stop without heavy throttle (around 2k-2500rpm) This continues all the way to the dealership, feels like 1st gear is gone and the truck is in 2nd or 3rd from a dead stop. I worked as a mechanic for 7yrs before getting on the fire dept, and still do it part time, so I have a nice diagnostics computer. Unfortunately it's at home, so I hit Onstar on my way in just for the hell of it, they confirm my suspicions that there is a transmission code.

So, I'm at the dealership now, with my $49k truck that has 4k miles on it. For reference it is a 2014 1500 LTZ Z71. I had noticed pretty hard shifting, and have been following the thread regarding a possible TSB coming out related to it. Well, guess I don't have to wait now...

I'll update with what happens. Needless to say, with what I spent on this truck, in addition to other issues I've already had with it, I'm not very happy. I'm a die hard Chevy guy too.

80vette383 · June 15, 2015

Update. The transmission problem was related to the transmission control module. I can confirm that the TSB that had been rumored for the hard shifting does exist, and this was related to that. My transmission was blocking out 1st gear as I expected, causing the acceleration issue. They performed the re flash per the TSB, so far so good. Shifting seems to be smoother now too.

I have to go back for the leak as their "glass" guy isn't in until tomorrow. I would assume the glass will be coming out and getting resealed. I also made sure they're going to clean the headliner.

I'm glad the transmission wasn't a bigger issue, but I feel like that should have been more than a TSB seeing it is a wide spread issue. Why wait and risk damage to the transmission with how rough it was shifting before?

nadrojcote · June 15, 2015

Do you have the TSB number on the invoice that you could share?

80vette383 · June 15, 2015

I don't, but I'll try to get it when I go back in a few days for the window.

Jordan18 · June 15, 2015

Do you have the TSB number on the invoice that you could share?

Think it is this one, they do a re calibration on the TCM

RECALL #2015389 TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) SHUDDER (NO PARTS)

80vette383 · June 15, 2015

So its a recall now? I didn't get any notice... It would have been nice.

nadrojcote · June 15, 2015

Apparently it is a recall, but the Gm site that lets you put your VIN in doesn't show it. I google search the recall and users on other sites have confirmed you need to go to your dealer to check if your vehicle applies.

WendysOrBust · June 15, 2015

Apparently it is a recall, but the Gm site that lets you put your VIN in doesn't show it. I google search the recall and users on other sites have confirmed you need to go to your dealer to check if your vehicle applies.

link to said website?

nadrojcote · June 15, 2015

link to said website?

https://recalls.gm.com/#/

CounterMeasure · June 15, 2015

I'm glad the transmission wasn't a bigger issue, but I feel like that should have been more than a TSB seeing it is a wide spread issue. Why wait and risk damage to the transmission with how rough it was shifting before?

Because its all a game of numbers. If you announce it very publically, you get bad press, and you get to pay for everyone that might be actually having the issue. If you try to run under the radar, yes, you might end up replacing a tranny under warranty here and there. Or you might make it past the warranty period and let the customer deal with the bill.

TJay74 · June 15, 2015

I don't think it is a recall as they are typically for safety issues. This is more than likely a TSB where the customer has to bring the vehicle in and if the problems match the TSB then that repair method is used.

80vette383 · June 19, 2015

I just got a text from my service writer. My appointment to have the glass leak fixed got canceled. Apparently now there's a recall requiring the glass to be completely replaced. So the glass has been ordered and they're going to call me when it's in.

tnchevy · June 19, 2015

I doubt there is a recall o the rear glass or we all would have to get our glass replaced. Probably a TSB that says to just replace the glass instead of trying to take it out and re-seal it.

80vette383 · June 19, 2015

That was my thought, but he insists it's a new recall. When I finally go in I'll ask for the specific info. At this point my headliner is getting pretty nasty, so that will be a while other issue.

nadrojcote · June 19, 2015

I doubt there is a recall o the rear glass or we all would have to get our glass replaced. Probably a TSB that says to just replace the glass instead of trying to take it out and re-seal it.

I had a recall on my rear sliding glass.