2016 Suburban, 6L80E out at 81k.

[Black02Silverado]

Well, at 81k add me to the list of transmissions going bad.  AFM was still in play so I'm thinking that was the issue from what I have researched.  Fluid changes were done so that isn't the issue on this problem. Several transmission shops I contacted stated they have seem them come in like mine anywhere from 30k, 40k and up.  Seems to be another great GM engineering fail.

 

Yes there are those out that are at 200k plus, But for me the way I take care of things, I was hoping to be one of those.  Like on my 2002 Silverado that had over 200k on it with no issues other than a bad alternator at 135K.  It still had the original front brake pads when I sold it.

[CamGTP]

So torque converter failure?

 

If so, even fluid changes can't solve that problem. Not using AFM can help it but they are still prone to failure someday.

[Black02Silverado]

13 hours ago, CamGTP said:

So torque converter failure?

 

If so, even fluid changes can't solve that problem. Not using AFM can help it but they are still prone to failure someday.

Yes, that is what happened. Wild how it went out, at least to me all at one time.  Started with making a noise and 5 miles later no gears.  Trans shop said they fill the filter up and stop fluid flow and that is why no gears.  Shut off and sit a few minutes and drives again but noise still there. Got it up on the rollback at least.  Hopefully I shut it down and no other damage.  Local place is rebuilding it. They see these all the time from 30k on.  They rebuild with upgraded valve body and TC.  The fact that I'm using the same transmission.  I shouldn't have to put my tune back in I wouldn't think since they are just doing all mechanical stuff.  I will deactivate the AFM.  Contacted Black Bear Performance on it and waiting for my tune.  No hurry, since the shop is behind 3 weeks. 

 

I'm curious to see how the inside of the transmission looks since running AMSOIL from the beginning and changed it out at 45K when I dropped the pan and replace the filter.  All looked great then.

[Grumpy Bear]

Cameron nailed it. JMBX converter in factory form has major converter clutch issues. Do not let them put another flawed factory JMBX back in it. This is a teachable moment.   No ones fluid will fix an under designed apply piston and flexible front cover. Nor will any amount of extra cooling. Tuning to apply less will make it last longer yes, perhaps, but.....cycles is cycles.....

 

https://www.floridatorqueconverters.com/Cadillac-Chevrolet-Torque-Converters-77-JMBX.html

Edited April 19, 2022 by Grumpy Bear

[YYC-SIERRA]

11 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

https://www.floridatorqueconverters.com/Cadillac-Chevrolet-Torque-Converters-77-JMBX.html

I was reading their list of vehicles.....I have an '18 Sierra 1500 5.3 with the 6L80e. Is my truck magically exempt from the problem vehicles, or is their list a typo?

 

Make/Model:

2006 - 2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE 6.0L, 6.2L 2006 - 2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 6.0L 2009 - 2018 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500 4.8LL 2009 - 2018 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 4.8L, 6.0LL 2006 - 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 6.0L 2013 - 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 5.3L 2008 - 2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 5.3L 2007 - 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500-3500 HD 6.0L 2008 - 2011 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 / 2500 6.0L 2008 - 2015 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 HD 6.0L 2008 - 2013 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 5.3L 2008 - 2018 CHEVROLET TAHOE 5.3L, 6.2L 2007 - 2013 GMC 2500-3500 HD 6.0L 2008 - 2011 GMC DENALI 6.2L 2008 - 2011 GMC SAVANA 3500 6.0L 2006 - 2015 GMC SIERRA DENALI 6.2L 2007 - 2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 6.0L 2007 - 2013 GMC SIERRA 3500 6.0L 2008 - 2018 GMC YUKON 5.3L, 6.2L 2012 - 2015 ISUZU NPR BOX TRUCK 6.0L 2008 - 2010 PONTIAC G8 6.0L

[customboss]

23 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

Cameron nailed it. JMBX converter in factory form has major converter clutch issues. Do not let them put another flawed factory JMBX back in it. This is a teachable moment.   No ones fluid will fix an under designed apply piston and flexible front cover. Nor will any amount of extra cooling. Tuning to apply less will make it last longer yes, perhaps, but.....cycles is cycles.....

 

https://www.floridatorqueconverters.com/Cadillac-Chevrolet-Torque-Converters-77-JMBX.html

I am anxious to see the oil analysis and tear down pics. From what I have recently delved into on Nicks trans is that the rotary fluid wear and pump sealing and shaft bushing is primary to failure of the TQ converter. Am I off? 

[Grumpy Bear]

12 hours ago, YYC-SIERRA said:

I was reading their list of vehicles.....I have an '18 Sierra 1500 5.3 with the 6L80e. Is my truck magically exempt from the problem vehicles, or is their list a typo?

 

I'd call an ask. Could be a misprint could be the list is not all inclusive. Could be one of the other 3 or 4 converters for the 6L80E has something about it that prevents it making the list. 

 

45 minutes ago, customboss said:

I am anxious to see the oil analysis and tear down pics. From what I have recently delved into on Nicks trans is that the rotary fluid wear and pump sealing and shaft bushing is primary to failure of the TQ converter. Am I off? 

 

Note first sentence in this missive. Then continue. I think you will find it informative enough. 

 

https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resources/845-6l80-6l90-transmission-tech-advisory-consider-an-updated-converter-in-your-next-rebuild

[customboss]

16 minutes ago, Grumpy Bear said:

 

I'd call an ask. Could be a misprint could be the list is not all inclusive. Could be one of the other 3 or 4 converters for the 6L80E has something about it that prevents it making the list. 

 

 

Note first sentence in this missive. Then continue. I think you will find it informative enough. 

 

https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resources/845-6l80-6l90-transmission-tech-advisory-consider-an-updated-converter-in-your-next-rebuild

EXTREMELY helpful thanks Grumpy!   Now I want to see the fluid so I can relate data to THE SAD reality Nick is dealing with!  

[Grumpy Bear]

28 minutes ago, customboss said:

EXTREMELY helpful thanks Grumpy!   Now I want to see the fluid so I can relate data to THE SAD reality Nick is dealing with!  

 

 You are most welcome little brother.

[rlcole321]

I hear a 6L90 converter will work in a 6L80 Trans, it's much stronger.

 

[Black02Silverado]

3 hours ago, rlcole321 said:

I hear a 6L90 converter will work in a 6L80 Trans, it's much stronger.

 

I'm doing serious research on TC's.  Going to get a good idea on what is a quality one and what isn't and then go from there.  Since the shop is back logged, it isn't going to be worked on any time soon so this gives me a good chance to find a quality TC with hard data.  Looking at CTS-V or Zl1 converters, they are suppose to be good but I want to make sure.

[Black02Silverado]

Just got back from the transmission shop.  The individual that is rebuilding our transmission was really nice.  Took the time to answer my questions.  A billet TC is going in, as well as an upgraded valve body and a few other small improvements that he has learned over the past 20yrs.  They use upgraded Sonnax parts which my understanding is good.   So far they are still working on two ahead of me but said that they should have me out by the end of next week.

[pokismoki]

The PR valve in the pump has been spotted to be a cause of failure in many teardowns, GM or Sonax has an updated PR valve design out to correct the issue

 

i would try the 6l90 converter instead of the zl1 

Edited April 30, 2022 by pokismoki

[Black02Silverado]

Got the burb back.  Runs and shifts great.  They recommend to put 50 miles on it before taking on any major trips.  So I'm in the process of doing that.  I already installed the new tune on the ECU from Black Bear Performance to turn off the AFM and re-flashed the transmission just in case.  I asked BBP what all they did but have not heard back.

 

It has upgraded billet TC and VB and all parts from Sonnax.  Fresh AMSOIL ATL.  Took them 20qts and got 6qts back.  I sent a sample of the old fluid in.  Should be processed by the end of the week.  Depends on when it will make it to the lab.  Post office was closed so I went to UPS since I wanted to get it there quick.  UPS is showing tomorrow the "May the 4th be with you".  LOL

 

I didn't get any pictures of the transmission torn down.  One they got to it faster than I had anticipated and I also didn't want to be "that customer". 

[steelerdude15]

On 4/30/2022 at 1:31 AM, pokismoki said:

The PR valve in the pump has been spotted to be a cause of failure in many teardowns, GM or Sonax has an updated PR valve design out to correct the issue

 

i would try the 6l90 converter instead of the zl1 

Do you know when GM released the updated PR?