Chevy Truck Transmission Sacramento

What's wrong with my Silverado Transmission?

There is a known problem with certain Chevy truck transmissions. Does your Silverado shudder, shake or suffer from delays shifting from first gear to second gear, or from second to third?

Many models of the Chevrolet Silverado built after 2007 are known to provide drivers with very hard and difficult shifting, slipping gears, and overheating. Many of these trucks have the 6L80, CL80, 6L90 or CL90 transmissions, but it also effects a number of other GM-built transmissions. There are a variety of symptoms, including very hard and difficult shifting, slipping gears, and overheating. This is caused by a problem with the Pressure Regulator System (PRS), which uses valves, springs, and ball bearings, and is responsible for maintaining the hydraulic pressure required for the smooth operation of the automatic transmission.

Frequently, truck owners complain of:

Hard shifting – owners claim that the vehicle shifts so rough that it almost feels like they have purchased a used vehicle rather than new.

Trouble downshifting – many buyers purchased the Chevy Silverado to use for towing or hauling, which implies a large load.

Sudden jerking – new vehicle owners have complained about this issue, especially when the vehicle is cold first thing in the morning. The jerking has even effected some Silverados with low mileage.

This is caused due to a problem with the Pressure Regulator System (PRS), which uses valves, springs, and ball bearings, and maintains the hydraulic pressure required for the smooth operation of the automatic transmission. The PRS contains some plastic parts and low-quality metal components that can wear out or break pretty easily, creating excessive wear and tear on the valve body.

Chevrolet is aware of some problems with the Silverado transmission malfunction and has notified dealers of a upshift problem. In October of 2022 GM sent out Service Bulletin 22-NA-185, addressing the faulty transmissions including Silverado 1500, and the 2500HD and 3500HD. It also specifically saying "The Silverado transmission upshift malfunction can occur in the following conditions":

"During the first 2-3 upshift after the vehicle has been sitting, engine off for several hours. This condition may be caused by air that is trapped in the 3-5-R clutch assembly. When the first 2-3 upshift is made this trapped air is purged and the following 2-3 shifts will be normal with no flare.

When transmission ATF temperature is at or below 85 degrees F (30 degrees C). This 2-3 upshift flare can occur until the ATF temperature warms."

If you live in Sacramento and are having these problems with your Silverado truck, bring it into our shop and let us determine exactly what's going on. We can get your transmission fixed and put you back on the road!

This issue could affect any Silverado truck transmission, particularly 1500s, 2500HDs and 3500HDs.