The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best-selling trucks in the USA.
Although Silverado is known for its reliability, it has some drawbacks too.
Transmission problems are one of these drawbacks.
Several transmission problem complaints are reported against different Silverado models.
The Silverado 1500 comes with the following five transmission variants:
- 4L80E
- 4L65E
- 4L60E
- 6L80
- 8L90
These transmissions share almost the same problems.
Chevy Silverado Transmission Problems [7 Problems and Their Solutions]
Shift selector issues, burnt or low transmission fluid, leaks, unusual noises, delayed response, jerking, and manufacturing defects are the most common problems with Chevy Silverados.
1. Shift Selector Issue
The shift selector issue is the most common problem with Silverado automatic transmissions.
Unwanted gear changes occur due to a problem with the shift selector.
You may experience the following symptoms when the shift selector fails:
- Starting issues
- Turn off issues
- Failing to change gears
- Gears and indicators are not matching
- Transmission shifts fine until it warms up.
2. Burnt or Low Transmission Fluid
Burnt transmission fluid emits a burning smell.
Burnt or low transmission fluid causes overheating and slipping.
Transmission overheating is a critical problem that damages the transmission badly.
Old or burned transmission fluid fails to lubricate the transmission properly, which causes increased friction and extra wear.
The transmission problem can be resolved by repairing the leak or changing the transmission fluid.
3. Transmission Fluid Leaks
Silverado transmission fluid leaks are another common issue.
Transmission fluid leaks from overheating and road debris.
You can prevent leaks in your transmission by performing regular maintenance.
4. Unusual Noises
If the transmission fluid is low or burned, it increases friction.
As a result, you can hear a clunking noise while shifting gears.
The noise is very uncomfortable for both the driver and passengers.
5. Delayed Response
Delayed response is another common transmission problem with the Chevy Silverado.
Because the response is slow, the driver can’t move the car quickly, which may sometimes lead to a road accident.
Low transmission fluid or faulty torque converters are mainly responsible for the delayed response of the transmission.
Some Chevy Silverado truck owners also experience hard or rough shifting.
Some Silverado owners also experience hard or rough shifting.
Due to rough or rugged shifting issues, drivers cannot enjoy a smooth driving experience.
6. Jerking
Even a 20-millisecond delay in the throttle causes many Silverado trucks to jerk, which is very uncomfortable for the driver as well as for the passenger.
Drivers may find it hard to keep control of their vehicles.
7. Manufacturing Defects
Some Silverado trucks have transmission issues because of manufacturing defects.
Faulty torque converters, valve bodies, and other components cause Silverado transmission problems.
3 Most Common Causes of Silverado Transmission Problems
Three vehicle components are directly responsible for Silverado transmission failure:
- Faulty torque converter
- Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
- Faulty clutch
1. Faulty Torque Converter
The torque converter mostly moves power from the engine to the transmission.
The transmission usually slips or responds slowly when there’s a problem with the torque converter.
2. Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
The TCM controls the transmission and its related sensors.
Silverado transmission problems can be found in the sensor or faulty TCM.
3. Faulty Clutch
Automatic and manual transmissions have clutches that engage and disengage the transmission from the engine.
When a clutch is damaged, the transmission shifts hard, and the gears slip.
Aside from this, Silverado transmission problems can also be caused by broken valve bodies and solenoids.
First, check these components if you’re having transmission problems.
How to Fix Silverado Transmission Problems
To fix the transmission problems, first, identify the specific issue responsible for this problem.
To fix Silverado transmission problems, follow these 06 steps:
- Check the transmission fluid’s quality.
- Change the transmission fluid with the GM-recommended transmission fluid if it is burned or old enough.
- Check the transmission fluid level.
- If the level is lower than the requirements, add the suitable transmission fluid to fill up the requirement.
- Test the torque converter, valve bodies, TCM, sensors, clutch, and solenoids separately.
- If any of the components are faulty, replace them.
Remember, the Silverado transmission is costly to replace, and it costs around $4,000 to $6000.
To resolve the issue effectively, check all parts.
You can also use an OBD-II scanner to identify faulty parts easily.
Typically, OBD-II scanners generate these codes when there’s a problem with the transmission:
- P0706: Transmission range sensor circuit issue
- P0712: Transmission fluid is low
- P0715: Malfunction between engine and transmission communication
- P0718: Malfunction in Transmission Input Shaft Speed Determination
- P0722: Transmission output speed sensor no signal error
- P0724: A fault was detected in the switch B circuit
- P0730: Gear ratio is not correct
- P0731: Incorrect ratio gear-1
- P0734: Incorrect ratio gear-4
- P0732: Incorrect ratio gear-2
- P0735: Incorrect ratio gear-5
- P0741: Circuit malfunction in the torque converter clutches
- P0750: A malfunction in the Shift Solenoid
- P0897: Dirty or burned transmission fluid
FAQs
Do Chevy Silverados have transmission problems?
Yes, there are transmission problems with the Chevy Silverado.
Many users have reported complaints about the transmission of the Silverado.
Transmission issues such as delayed shifting or hard shifting, transmission fluid leaks, and clunking noises are the most common Silverado transmission problems.
What transmission does a 5.3 Silverado have?
The 5.3-liter Silverado is equipped with a 6-speed automatic 6L80 transmission.
The transmission with a 5.3L engine provides excellent performance and efficiency.
Can I drive truck with P0715 code?
Driving with the P0715 code is not recommended without diagnosing the actual issue.
The P0715 code mainly indicates issues with transmission shifting and overall performance.
Your transmission may be permanently damaged if you drive with the code constantly.
So, taking your vehicle to a reputable repair shop for proper treatment is advisable.
So, taking your car to a reputable auto repair shop for the proper treatment is best.
Is it easy to solve the 2019 Chevy Silverado transmission problems?
It depends on which problem you have.
If you find the problem early, it is easy to fix, saving you time and money.
However, if the problem is severe, it may be hard to fix and cost you a lot.
I recommend taking any transmission issues seriously and repairing them immediately.
Is P0741 serious?
Yes, P0741 is a serious problem.
If the torque converter doesn’t work, the valve body is worn out, or there are problems inside the transmission, the P0741 code will show up.
So, resolve the issue before it gets worse.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what causes Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems and how to fix these problems.
If you have any of these problems, your transmission is failing.
So, if you have problems with your transmission, don’t wait to fix them; do it right away so you can drive smoothly.
