2013 GMC 2500HD 6.0L driveability and transmission shifts

2013GMCSierra2500HD · May 26, 2019

I just bought a used 2013 GMC 2500HD 6.0L 2WD 82K miles. I had never driven a 2500HD 6.0L / 4.10 only a 5.3L / 3.73 and noticed two drivability issues that seem strange to me. Starting from a stop the truck seems very sluggishwhen acceleratin unless you put your whole foot into it and the shifts seem very soft and short almost not noticeable especially the 1-2 shift. I compare this to my 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L / 3.73 which I totaled in March. I would have expected the larger 6.0L with 4.10 to have more power and torque vs my 5.3L / 3.73 but it doesn't feel that way. My 2008 1500 was weighed down by almost 2000 pounds of bed cap, sliding bed and tools but seemed to have better acceleration and firm shifts than an empty 2500HD 6.0L. Any thoughts on expected drivability behavior would be appreciated. Is it normal operating behavior? If not, what could be the issue? Would a programmer like a DIablo i3 fix improve the drivability behavior I'm noticing ? I know that the Diablo die make a difference on my 2008 especially firming up the shifts.

Colossus · May 26, 2019

Torque management was put in place on these trucks to make things smooth and to extend the life of the drivetrain. Thing is- people remove the torque management and then complain a little while later when things start to break and claim the manufacturers can't build a solid reliable vehicle.

Trucks are built to work and tow and haul, not to snap your neck back or give you a kick in the seat feel when you accelerate like sports cars are.

Alright venting done-

That all being said- I do believe GM does over manage the torque management a little bit, and I do believe a tune from Black Bear would be right up your ally. Justin knows these trucks well and if you explain to him what you are wanting to do and hash it out with him, I bet you'll be yet another satisfied customer of his like so many on here are.

Edited May 26, 2019 by Colossus

2013GMCSierra2500HD · May 26, 2019

Thx for the reply and explanation. So who is Justin and how do contact him?

MORSNO · May 26, 2019

Something else you can do is hit the traction control button to turn it off and you'll notice a increase in torque. The traction control limits it so much that you can't even do a burnout (even a brake stand burnout), but turn it off and instant power to the wheels.

2013GMCSierra2500HD · May 26, 2019

Thx for the suggestion. I did play with this option and you confirmed this as a potential solution. I also tried to turn-off the Stabilitrak but, it appears that it's cannot be turned off as the tractions control. I assume I would need a programmer to turn if off completely.

MORSNO · May 27, 2019

22 hours ago, 2013GMCSierra2500HD said:

Thx for the suggestion. I did play with this option and you confirmed this as a potential solution. I also tried to turn-off the Stabilitrak but, it appears that it's cannot be turned off as the tractions control. I assume I would need a programmer to turn if off completely.

Just hold the button in longer if you want both turned off.

SierraHD17 · May 31, 2019

It still doesn't actually turn off with the press and hold. It will illuminate the light and stay that way but even at slow speeds sliding the truck stabilitrack still intervenes. Only way to kill it is pull the abs fuse.

C/K Man · June 2, 2019

Stock size wheels/tires? Speedometer reading correctly? Could be a problem with accelerator position sensor or throttle body out of range but not failed completely. Had a good GM guy scan it, not just check for codes.

BlackBearPerf · June 4, 2019

On 5/26/2019 at 7:21 AM, 2013GMCSierra2500HD said:

Thx for the reply and explanation. So who is Justin and how do contact him?

Hello, Justin is the tuner here at Black Bear Performance. We would be happy to help with a tune. For your year, model, and engine size we would tune your vehicle via our AutoCal. It is a handheld device that is yours to keep. It will allow to see your vehicle data and provide your custom tune files via email. Give us a call 877-809-4070 or email [email protected]. Thanks