torque converter shake

[bulldog77]

I have a 2016 Sierra 1500 with the 8 speed transmission and was told I have torque converter shake. The mechanic who drove it told me to take it to the dealer and let them know about it and they would probably flush it but it probably wouldn't last but a short time. I would like to know what have you folks experienced with this problem and what was done to fix it. Thanks for any input.

[rav3]

1 hour ago, bulldog77 said:

I have a 2016 Sierra 1500 with the 8 speed transmission and was told I have torque converter shake. The mechanic who drove it told me to take it to the dealer and let them know about it and they would probably flush it but it probably wouldn't last but a short time. I would like to know what have you folks experienced with this problem and what was done to fix it. Thanks for any input.

bulldog....I'm going to step out on a limb and make a couple suggestions for you.

1. A '16 is probably out of warranty. Right? So, any cost will be on you. I'll assume. How many miles on it?

2. There's a TSB that GM would di a transmission flush, replacing the fluid with a Mobil 1  Synthetic LV ATF HP, which I believe has improved friction modifiers. Mobil 1 LV ATF HP   Good luck with the dealer.

3. I would suggest a cheaper possible solution. Add a bottle of LUBEGARD Platinum LUBEGARD for $13. Go to the site & read about how it corrects your described situation. What have you got to loose?

 

Good luck & keep us posted

[2speedbump]

I have a 2015 Denali.  At about 30000 it started the shake.  Took it to the dealer, he replaced the torque converter.  Problem solved... until 55000 miles.  Neighbor had a 2016 and had just had the flush done.  Fixed his.  Then mine started all over again so I went in for the flush.  Problem solved (for now).  GM has a terrible warranty at 30000 miles but the drivetrain is 100000 miles which covered my flush and will for another 40000 for me.  Love the truck and everything about it (except ONstar) and would buy another one.  They could make me happier by increasing the warranty to 60000 or so.

[bulldog77]

Leatherneck I don't know how to add fluid to the transmission, my manual says that it is sealed and I know there is no dipstick...

[rav3]

30 minutes ago, bulldog77 said:

Leatherneck I don't know how to add fluid to the transmission, my manual says that it is sealed and I know there is no dipstick...

Oppsss, I think your right. I was thinking like the 6 speed that still has the dip stick. I forgot the 8 speed went to a sealed transmission box. There is a procedure to "top off" fluid but it's a little involved, just like my bimmers. They went to a sealed tranny years ago in '95 on our 740i. The fill plug is on the side of the transmission. Trans needs to be up to temp. & running in park. You loosen the fill plug & pump fluid in until it starts to drip out. That's the full mark. If your is a little low, you might be able to add the 10oz of LUBEGard. If not, you'd have to suck a little out to add the 10 oz. The other option is to see if the dealer will do the fluid change update under warranty.

 

Lubegard video

[bulldog77]

I am going to take it to the dealer tomorrow. I believe the warranty is 60000 miles or 60 months and I am within one month of the 60 month time period, I will see what they want to do... Thanks for your input.

[reardiff]

Shouldn't have any problems getting the dealer to cover it under power train warranty.  My 2017 started doing the same thing a month or so ago and took it in and did the flush no questions asked. TSB# 18-NA-355.  It even says 'Diagnosis beyond the customer compliant is not required...'  

 

[bulldog77]

Thanks reardiff, I took it to the dealer today and they flushed it. I could tell it drove better right away. He also told me that nationwide 98% of the transmission flushes GM has done has corrected this problem on a long term basis so we will see...

[reardiff]

Yes, mine was immediately fixed as well and has been a few thousand miles now and still seems good.  Hopefully it's a permanent fix and doesn't come back after the  warranty is up.  I also noticed that the hard 2 - 1 down shift when coming to a stop has gone away too, wasn't expecting any help there but it hasn't happened since.  Considering that as a bonus ; )    That and I got a free transmission flush/fluid exchange at 30,000 miles, that alone costs over $200 if you did it out of pocket. 

[It's Tim]

21 hours ago, bulldog77 said:

Thanks reardiff, I took it to the dealer today and they flushed it. I could tell it drove better right away. He also told me that nationwide 98% of the transmission flushes GM has done has corrected this problem on a long term basis so we will see...

Glad you were able to resolve this. Unlike what was mentioned above never trust any of that "mechanic in a can" snake oil jazz, it always causes more harm than good.