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PAThwacker's avatar
PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 22, 2015

4l80e. Transmission failure 1st trip for 2015

My suburban has 123k and just blew the transmission on the first trip of the year. Fresh fluid and cool trans temps. Went to backup trailor on level ground. All gas/no go. Got it to driveway and used 4low to park trailer. Pulled forward fine and tried to backup unloaded. No go just like burbman last season.

What is the best route? Rebuild or Jasper.

25 Replies

  • Agree with turtle...find out is
    wrong first...tough though...as
    they might have to tear it
    down...so make sure it us the shop
    you want to repair it

    Mine is at +164K miles and drive
    HARD...VERY HARD

    Always warn folks towing heavy with
    automatics to he careful backing
    up. More so on non-pavement...worse
    if an incline...worst would be
    uneven gravel/etc that has to
    "lift"...even a tiny bit...ALL MADE
    MUCH WORSE WITH HIGH THROTTLE

    I ALWAYS let my 4L80E cool before
    backing up and only in compound low

    Those who have to make a few runs
    at risk exactly what happened

    A lot depends on the condition of
    your auto and it's reverse gear

    In any automatic...it doesn't take
    much to burn up a clutch when it is
    up there in temp
  • Either way its a rebuilt. I would go with the longest warr. and best price.Most ATRA shops will treat you fairly and have it done in a reasonable amount of time. Im sure it will be spendy, they wanted $2600.00 for the one in our Tacoma ( low fluid level from the factory ) found a used one for $950.00 and 48000 mi on it. Crossed my fingers and no problems so far, just made it had enough fluid in it this time.
  • I've heard of a bad torque converter causing vehicles to loose reverse. You might also check the transfer case for any leaking...Google GM transfer case pump rub and look at the photos where the case hole appears in the common GM issue.
  • Depends on what is wrong with it.

    There are several things that can cause what you are experiencing.

    First thing I would do is pull the dip stick and smell the fluid. Does is smell burnt? If not, more than likely it not a clutch problem.

    Next thing is pull the pan and look for metal. If it's all metaled up a hard part failed.

    If the governor bore is all garffed up you will need a new case or put a bore saver in the case. At that point I would get a new tranny.

    First things first. Find out what is wrong. :)
  • Are you saying that with the transfer case in 4 low it moved OK? That would indicate that it could be a transfer case issue.