04' 5.3 WEAK & Clunk between 2nd & 3rd

[misconduck]

 

Not satisfied with my 04' GMC Sierra Z71. I've got the 5.3 with 3:73 gears. I've got "THE CLUNK" only when trans. shifts from 2nd to 3rd, or 3rd to 2nd. Took it back to dealer and they said it was normal.......... Now, I fully understand the "DRIVE-LINE CLUNK" theory (months of research). Before I file suit against GM, can someone please tell me if your truck is also CLUNKING between 2nd and 3rd. Sometimes it is really loud and will jerk me back in my seat. You can even hear it outside the truck (a bystander will turn there head to look.) Also, this 04' truck seems to have less torque than 99'-03' models or GM changed the 4th and 5th gear. I can't pull my boat or work trailer (boat-5000lbs--Work trailer-4000lbs) over 55mph because of the trans. down shifting back and fourth( 3rd----4th-OD---3rd-------4th-OD---). And Yes, I do tow with the "tow-hual" on.

[HarryK]

Misconduck, same here with my 2004 Chev Crew Cab 1500. Hate the noise and will make appt at the dealer...I also hate the brakes...I had a 2500HD which had brakes 10 times better than these..

[Cool Zr2]

u joints

[ness5575]

put it in "3" instead of "D" when you are pulling the trailers. I need to do that with my atv's and thats only about 2200lbs behind the truck.

[Cool Zr2]

Yeah, you should NEVER tow in overdrive!!!

[Cool Zr2]

You do know that your truck only has 4 gears right, 4th gear is overdrive.

 

Just asking becasue I read you other post in a different thread and you said something about 5th gear.

[asilverblazer]

Would that torque management thingy make it feel like it has less torgue, or did the 99's - 03's have it too?

[geobar]

My 03 makes a very loud click while shifting in the lower gears. Also if I take my foot off the gas then put it back on quickly. But it does not feel like it slams into gear and I feel nothing unusual. Just the noise. I am waiting for my tailgate cable recall to bring it in to the dealer. My truck also has an annoying rattle under the drivers floor at 1000 and 1750 rpm while driving in any gear. Any way this could be related?

[Rammer500]

My Truck has done the 2-3,3-2 clunk since new. Here's the TSB on it.

 

A/T - 4L60-E/4L65-E, 2-3/3-2 Shift Clunk Explanation

 

Bulletin No.: 01-07-30-042B

 

Date: January 16, 2004

 

INFORMATION

 

Subject:

Information on 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Noise

 

Models:

2004 and Prior Light Duty Trucks

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

with 4L60E or 4L65E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32)

 

Supercede:

 

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2004 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-30-042A (Section 07 Transmission/Transaxle).

 

Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise that can be heard on a 2-3 upshift or a 3-2 downshift.

 

During a 2-3 upshift, the 2-4 band is released and the 3-4 clutch is applied. The timing of this shift can cause a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft that results in a clunk noise. This same torque reversal can also occur on a 3-2 downshift when the 3-4 clutch is released and the 2-4 band applied. This condition may be worse on a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the additional tolerances in the transfer case.

 

This is a normal condition. No repairs should be attempted

[misconduck]

 

This clunk is not heard at all in previous year models. No other truck makes this noise except the 04' 1500. Ford nor Dodge makes the noise. I'm sick and tired of GM giving me all the explanations for the problems with this truck. I've had Ford, Dodge, and Toyota vehicles and they all had their problems also. But, they all seemed to fix the problems no matter how small or large without some sort of excuse that it supposed to make that noise, clunk, jerk, or even my transmission slipping. GM has also giving me excuses about a small irritating noise in my wifes 04' Envoy. I would trade this truck, but I would be losing alot of money because it is new. I left Gm years ago because of similar problems and switched to Ford, but I gave GM a second chance because I like the look of their trucks better and I thought GM had really improved their trucks. GM has really let me down. As soon as I can get away from this truck without losing alot of money, I'm gone!!

[mdub]

My Truck has done the 2-3,3-2 clunk since new. Here's the TSB on it.

 

A/T - 4L60-E/4L65-E, 2-3/3-2 Shift Clunk Explanation

 

Bulletin No.: 01-07-30-042B

 

Date: January 16, 2004

 

INFORMATION

 

Subject:

Information on 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Noise

 

Models:

2004 and Prior Light Duty Trucks

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

with 4L60E or 4L65E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32)

 

Supercede:

 

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2004 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-30-042A (Section 07 Transmission/Transaxle).

 

Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise that can be heard on a 2-3 upshift or a 3-2 downshift.

 

During a 2-3 upshift, the 2-4 band is released and the 3-4 clutch is applied. The timing of this shift can cause a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft that results in a clunk noise. This same torque reversal can also occur on a 3-2 downshift when the 3-4 clutch is released and the 2-4 band applied. This condition may be worse on a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the additional tolerances in the transfer case.

 

This is a normal condition. No repairs should be attempted

... and rest assured that in a year the service bulletin will be revised to include the 2005 models, and in another year the 2006 model... because GM still doesn't get it when it comes to the importance of quality, and quality perception.

 

It's completely asinine how long GM will continue producing flawed designs ('99-'04 driveline clunk, '99-'04 steering column clunk, '99-'02 piston slap, '89-'97 4WD actuator, '89-'98 4x4 front axle seals, the list goes on...).

 

It's unbelievable that GM will publish a TSB like the one above, and actually state that this "NORMAL" mechanical flaw is a sound design and NOTHING should/would be done. The piston slap was handled in an identical manner. Really, how stupid are GM's consumers?

 

Give GM your feedback through your checkbook, and next time open it only at the competition. Trust me... having a dealer tell you that GM's flaws are "NORMAL" only adds to the aggravation. New owners of trucks with driveline clunk will soon learn this, and learn you're beating your head against a brick wall when dealing with GM dealers on these issues.

 

Oh yes, the competition has their share of problems, but GM continually breaks records for the number of years they knowingly produce products with significantly flawed designs. And still, their loyal followers keep coming back for more abuse... why change now?

 

Isn't it a shame to see GM's sales slipping, and foreign manufacturers slowly taking a larger piece of the pie. I honestly believe consumer's first choice is typically to keep their $ at home. Too bad GM doesn't take a few REALLY SIMPLE steps to make this a more reasonable and attractive option.

[misconduck]

Took my truck to GMC service today. They gave me the TSB on the "CLUNK". It is normal and they can't touch it. I do understand their point, but they also undrstand my view. I then called GM and discussed the problem. They then talked it over with the dealer and said GM still will not attempt to fix the problem. I completely explained that my truck was much louder than "normal?" and they said they could not fix it because "it is just a characteristic of the truck". At that point, MY TOP BLEW OFF!!! I told them if GM can't fix it, they can take the truck back. GM will call back Monday to let me know. If they don't, I will then contact the BBB AUTO PROGRAM. Also, the dealership had two other vehicles in with the same problem. Anybody that has this "CLUNK" should take your vehicle to service.

 

This is not the only thing thats happend to this truck.-----Shifting into 4wd HI and LOW makes the loud noise that GM is trying to fix.----Loud pinging noise fom engine. I have to run 93 octane gas for it to stop.-----Transmission tends to slip from take-off (only has happened 4 times).------A/C recycle motor went out.-------Seat coming apart at seat belt.-----And overall, the truck seems to drive like it has a V6 engine.

I take really good care of my vehicles and do all the sceduled maintence alot sooner than they advise. If anyone is having or has had problems with their trucks similar to mine, I would reaaly lilke to hear them.

[tryn2lrn]

Sorry to hear you are having issues, just keep at it if you are that dissatisfyed. I had more issues than you are currently having and finally asked about the buy back program. It is a short cut to prevent pursuing the lemon law. Ask your dealer and GM about it, basically they buy back your vehicle minus a fee for mileage used. If I recall I think it was about $0.22 a mile (this was 7 years ago). They only issue you may have is you have to get another GM vehicle. It stinks to to be paying for something that keeps constantly annoying you as you drive.

[Rammer500]

Believe me, This clunk is heard in trucks other than the '04 model year. My '02 has done this for over two years. Mine is loud enough to hear it with all windows up and radio on. The dealer cannot fix, because GM won't let them try. Even if they would work on it, who's to say that they could acually fix it. The problem sounds like an engineering snafu to me.

[Janitor125]

I have a brand new 04 Seirra Z/71 ext. cab with 1,400 miles on it and I have

the 2nd to 3rd gear clunk. I have noticed that under very light or very heavy

acceleration that it does'nt do it at all. But at normal throttle it does it every

time.

 

It is'nt too annoying if it does'nt get any worse. I was going to take it in for

servicing, but since I read the TSB I figure why bother. I read somewhere that

changing the transmission fluid to synthetic would help the problem. I would

like to here more on that from someone who has tried it.

 

Overall I really like my new truck, and have no other complaints with it. I was

also a little disapointed with the performance with the 5.3, but I think the

smoothness and quietness of the interior makes it seem like the acceleration

is slower than it is.

 

Jeff