2014 Silverado 40k transmission and TC loss.

[USMC devil dog]

So I bought my 15 Silverado 1500 ltz w/lt2 package last year, with 25,000 miles on it, now I just broke 40,000. I drove up to VIRGINIA from Kentucky roughly a 500 mile trip one way I believe. On my way back the truck starts to feel like it's missing but only at low RPM's no matter what speed. I chalked it up to bad gas, so the next day it's still doing it but then the truck starts to get this little shutter as well kinda like when you run over the safety lines on the side of the road it's not constant but happens periodically.. So when I got the truck I did buy the extended bumper to bumper warranty out to 110,000... Anyhow Thursday of this past week I took it to the dealership after 3 days of this and it getting worse, it's now Wednesday and I just got a call from the dealer, they are telling me the torque converter is toast and the transmission needs replaced because it would cost more to rebuild!!!!! I AM AT A LOSS.... I have driven Chevy trucks now since getting out of the marines in 05, I was hit by an IED and GMAC paid my new truck off due to me not getting a paycheck from the VA on my retirement for close to a year.. I did lose my house on that deal and GM stepped up so I will drive a Chevy until I die for that reason alone! However I think they dropped the ball on this truck I've not towed anything but a light duty trailer with this truck and pulled nothing on my trip to VA. I just do not get it,, so the dealer is trying to tell me because I have an aftermarket K&N air filter which is not reusable or oilable but replaceable is the cause of this.. However they say they are still going to cover it.. IVE HAD A K&N air filter on every vehicle I've owned and there is no way an air filter has cause my torque converter and transmission to go on the skitz.. SMH.. Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated or if anyone else has had this issue I would love to hear about it!! Thanks guys

[Rawyzf]

I'd let them replace the transmission, but when you pick it up let them know that there is no way the K&N Panel Air Filter would/could cause a torque converter failure. Let them know that you're not happy about them calling it some sort of favor and covering it and it should have been covered regardless.

 

Just a simple conversation to put them in their place.

[650h1]

Look up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act - advise them they need to find a link between your air intake, and the transmission failure in order to deny the warranty work. If they still give you a hard time, send them a certified letter from your attorney.

[newdude]

The K&N didn't fail the transmission. They would have to prove that and they most likely can't. Now, say you had a code for throttle body or MAF sensor, they could say the K&N did that.

 

If they found a P0741 code in your truck, GM is aware of an issue with 6L80 and 6L90 torque converters.

 

#PI1393B: Diagnostic Tips for DTC P0741: Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off

 

Some customers may comment on a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on. Technicians may find DTC P0741 set as an active or history code.

This condition may be caused by damaged torque converter clutch friction material.

 

Important: As part of diagnosis of this condition, be sure to check transmission line pressure following the directions found in Line Pressure Check in SI. If loose torque converter clutch friction material passes through the pump, it can cause damage to the pump resulting in low line pressure and damaged clutches. If line pressure is below specifications the pump and the clutches must be disassembled and inspected for damage.

If the condition is determined to be caused by the torque converter, be sure to replace the transmission fluid filter assembly and flush and flow check the transmission oil cooler following SI directions found in Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test.

The torque converter clutch friction material may also come loose or debond and not set a DTC P0741. Other symptoms of torque converter friction material debond in these vehicles include:

• Pump damage typically seen as scoring in the pump pocket of the torque converter housing or scoring of the pump cover. This damage can be the result of torque converter clutch friction material passing through the pump.
• Low line pressure as a result of a damaged pump.
• Distressed clutches due to low line pressure. The most likely clutch to experience distress is the 4-5-6 clutch. A DTC P0796 may be set as a result of a distressed and slipping 4-5-6 clutch.
• DTC U0101, DTC P0634, or DIC message “TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE” all possibly caused by a restricted or plugged transmission oil cooler.

 

 

I'm not sure what there is to be at a loss over though...they are replacing the transmission under warranty, and sometimes manufacturing defects do occur. S#!T happens.

[fondupot]

So what's the fuss here? They are replacing the transmission....what more do you want?

 

And that bit about the K&N...is just plain ridiculous. Clearly a K&N did not cause the transmission problem.

But if they are replacing the trans under warranty...Then I think that's about up to par.

[emeryz28]

it is either a fluke, or someone was very mean to that truck for the first 25k miles.

 

either way from what I understand you are getting a new tranny and TC for free, so that is great.

 

thank you for your service

[USMC devil dog]

No I'm not complaining about the new transmission I just can't believe my new truck with 40,000 miles needs a new tranny and torque converter, my main question is has anyone heard of this issue before, is this an on going problem with this year truck.. My dealership is great there's nothing more they can do than what they are doing but the fact that they said the air filter caused it I thought was a bit ridiculous lol

[jrob56]

The K&N didn't fail the transmission. They would have to prove that and they most likely can't. Now, say you had a code for throttle body or MAF sensor, they could say the K&N did that.

 

If they found a P0741 code in your truck, GM is aware of an issue with 6L80 and 6L90 torque converters.

 

 

I'm not sure what there is to be at a loss over though...they are replacing the transmission under warranty, and sometimes manufacturing defects do occur. S#!T happens.

 

Loss for words is what I think he is getting at. If someone told me with a straight face an air filter caused a torque converter failure I would be too.

[USMC devil dog]

Loss for words is what I think he is getting at. If someone told me with a straight face an air filter caused a torque converter failure I would be too.

 

You hit the nail on the head, after 6 days of having my truck they call and tell me my K&N air filter caused a torque converter failure along with the transmission failure, I'm almost fell over especially when he acted like they were doing me a favor by not voiding my warranty, I reminded him they told me any after market stuff done wouldn't void anything as long as they did the work, and they've done everything from my lift to my air filter to my recall... I have that conversation in writing. But a favor this is not, I just can't beleive at 40k I'm replacing a tranny and a torque converter I baby this truck fellas, I may get on it a bit to merge onto the interstate but that's about it.. My main concern was is this happening to others because if it's a bad model that has bugs I'm trading the ol girl in ASAP! Thanks again fellas

[USMC devil dog]

I'd let them replace the transmission, but when you pick it up let them know that there is no way the K&N Panel Air Filter would/could cause a torque converter failure. Let them know that you're not happy about them calling it some sort of favor and covering it and it should have been covered regardless.

 

Just a simple conversation to put them in their place.

Like I said the dealership is great this winter we got a bit of freezing rain and apparently my window was stuck I literally touched the down button and I heard this pop and the passenger window fell into the door, I took it to the dealership and they ordered a new window unit they said the cable mechanism snapped, the next day they disassembled my door and he walks out and tells me they went to install the new one and the part they ordered was one number off from what they needed and were sent a radiator instead lol,, so instead of making me wait they pulled a brand new truck from the lot around took the whole window assembly from it out it in mine and replaced the lot truck with the new part the next day I assume.. I felt they went above and beyond.. I simply don't want to deal with this at 40,000 miles.. Even being covered it's a hassle and they have me in an impala lol I want my truck back I feel naked lol

[gabekalp]

No I'm not complaining about the new transmission I just can't believe my new truck with 40,000 miles needs a new tranny and torque converter, my main question is has anyone heard of this issue before, is this an on going problem with this year truck.. My dealership is great there's nothing more they can do than what they are doing but the fact that they said the air filter caused it I thought was a bit ridiculous lol

what is ridiculous? you bought a USED truck. not a new truck.. you have no idea what the previous owner did..

 

am I missing something?

[tnchevy]

Crap happens and it happened to your truck. There are over 500k 2014 models running around and the majority do not have any problems, just like any other make/model of trucks on the road. If you are that worried then get if fixed like the dealership wants to do and then dump it and move to a newer model chevy or another brand.

[Rawyzf]

Like I said the dealership is great this winter we got a bit of freezing rain and apparently my window was stuck I literally touched the down button and I heard this pop and the passenger window fell into the door, I took it to the dealership and they ordered a new window unit they said the cable mechanism snapped, the next day they disassembled my door and he walks out and tells me they went to install the new one and the part they ordered was one number off from what they needed and were sent a radiator instead lol,, so instead of making me wait they pulled a brand new truck from the lot around took the whole window assembly from it out it in mine and replaced the lot truck with the new part the next day I assume.. I felt they went above and beyond.. I simply don't want to deal with this at 40,000 miles.. Even being covered it's a hassle and they have me in an impala lol I want my truck back I feel naked lol

 

I've had my truck in a few times (recall, hvac, seat rails). The first time I had it in, they gave me an impala or Malibu, not sure which one it was. When I took those keys, I asked/told them, I would like a CC truck going forward as a loaner, as that is what I purchased. Every time since then, they have given me a CC truck.

 

I am a firm believer in respect. If you show them respect, they in return will do the same and help you out where/when they can.

 

If they don't, then it's onto the next dealership to let them gain my business.

[USMC devil dog]

I've had my truck in a few times (recall, hvac, seat rails). The first time I had it in, they gave me an impala or Malibu, not sure which one it was. When I took those keys, I asked/told them, I would like a CC truck going forward as a loaner, as that is what I purchased. Every time since then, they have given me a CC truck.

 

I am a firm believer in respect. If you show them respect, they in return will do the same and help you out where/when they can.

 

If they don't, then it's onto the next dealership to let them gain my business.

I completely agree which is why I didn't blow my top when he said the air filter caused this, I just smiled and the service manager leaned in and said we both know that isn't the cause but that is what the GM bulletin says.. Again my dealership is awesome and that is why I haven't used their name, because everyone there has always treated me with the utmost respect. I know they build millions of vehicles and quality control can only do so much but it still sucks when it happens to you.. You know, plus I have these weird deny that ive been dealing with on the rear quarters of my truck they come and go, but when they come they are UGLY.. They've performed PDR once on it but they come back.. The dealership doesn't know what's causing it either??

[USMC devil dog]

I think that's what I'm going to do, like you said who knows what the previous owner did, I hate buying brand new because you always lose your ass when you drive off the lot, but they are already fixing it, my dealership is great it's just hard to wrap my head around the transmission and torque converter failure at 40k. And then for GM to blame it on an air filter is what truly blew me away.. But they said they will still cover it so as I stated before my main question was is this an ongoing issue, if not then maybe I'll keep the truck once fixed if so I will trade her in