4l60 Transmission

[remington351]

So I'm at a reputable transmission shop for the dreaded 1811 code on my Impala (don't ask) and after the tech is done with my car we start talking and I ask his opinion of the 4l60e in my 2005 silverado. The tech was the shop foreman with 20 or so years rebuilding transmissions. Anyway I expect to hear about the sun shell or solenoid problems but he hits me with the following "make sure you keep your Mass Airflow Sensor clean. Spray it off every 10k miles or so." I ask what the MAF has to do with the transmission and he says "The MAF provides input to control the line pressure to your third gear sprag (?). If the MAF is dirty the pressure will be low and you'll end up burning out your third gear. Other then that it's a pretty solid transmission." Whoa! Never heard that one.

 

So the next day I drop $9 on a can of MAF cleaner at Autozone, pull the MAF and spray the hell out it. Let it dry and pop it back in and you know what...damn if it doesn't feel like it shifts smoother.

 

Now I'm not saying this is fact, but I wanted to post it for two reasons 1. if the MAF does influence line pressure, and keeping the MAF clean will help everyone get more life out of the 4l60e it's worth getting the word out and 2. I would love to hear from someone in the know if what my transmission guy told me was accurate.

[P71_CrownVic]

I offer zero help...but will be interested in the responses.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

This is interesting. I have not heard it before so hopefully someone with transmission experience can give their .02 about this.

[Z45]

True, contaminated MAF sensors can screw up eveything.

 

fyi....

 

SERVICE - ALL BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, GMC TRUCK, ISUZU, OLDSMOBILE, PONTIAC AND HUMMER DEALERS

 

 

Subject: A/T Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or SES Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter -- 2004 and Prior Cars and Lt Duty Trucks and 2003-2004 HUMMER H2

Message #: VSS20040056

 

Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-013 will be available in SI on March 18, 2004.

 

Automatic Transmission Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or Service Engine Soon (SES)

Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter

 

Models: 2004 and All Prior Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

 

DO THIS

First, Inspect the vehicle for a reusable aftermarket excessively oiled air filter

 

DON'T DO THIS

DO NOT repair under warranty if concerns result from the use of a reusable aftermarket oiled air filter.

 

The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:

 

1. Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On

 

2. Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)

 

3. Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range

 

The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.

 

When servicing a vehicle with any of these concerns, be sure to check for the presence of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter. The MAF, GPS reading should be compared to a like vehicle with a OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions to verify the concern.

 

Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.

[Stevens03]

And another reason why you don't want to run aftermarket MAF sensors

[Silverado4x4]

And another reason why you don't want to run aftermarket MAF sensors

 

Or K&N air filters.

[Norseman]

And another reason why you don't want to run aftermarket MAF sensors

 

Or K&N air filters.

 

 

Or any other oiled air filters.

[Sinkhole]

Wow thats an eye opener. Never expected that one coming. Great info. Should probably be stickied.

[mipsco1]

oiled air filters should not be a problem. Just dont drench the thing in oil before you put it back in after cleaning.

[bigdogxx]

Were is the maf located, is it in the rubber section running from the air box to the throtle body?

[fbachman]

Were is the maf located, is it in the rubber section running from the air box to the throtle body?

 

Not a mechanic or expert here, but, start at your airbox, follow the air duct back to the engine. SOMEHWERE along there you'll see what looks like a flange, and it should have a wire harness and connector leading in there. THAT's probably it.

 

It's a little wire-anemometer that resides in the inlet air stream.

[Norseman]

Looks like this:

[chuck16]

Do you have to use a specific MAF Cleaning fluid or can you just use compressed air or one of those air in a can things????

 

Just curious.

Cheers

Evan

[jf781]

Do you have to use a specific MAF Cleaning fluid or can you just use compressed air or one of those air in a can things????

 

Just curious.

Cheers

Evan

 

 

They make specific MAF cleaning spray. In light of this thread I'd say I would use that instead of having a MAF give bad readings and screw up whatever else is down the line.

[WilliamBos]

Interesting. Thanks for the info. How often should it be sprayed out? I do not want to over due it. So there is a specific MAF sensor spray?