2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Hi I'm new to this board. I have an '04 yukon xl 5.3 all time 4 wheel drive no 4 wheel steer. it has 149,000 miles on it and has run great since i bought it about 3 years ago with around 100,000 miles on the odometer. Changed the tranny fluid and filter about 4 months ago. Had no problems then just unsure when it was done last. Suddenly and I mean without any warning or prior slipping 3rd and 4th gear are slipping like crazy. 1,2 and reverse work great but as soon as tranny shifts to third tach races to 4,000 rpm and you can barely keep 55 mph. My question is does a clutch pack go out like that or is the suddenness more indicative of a solenoid or electric sensor issue. I do my own wrenching on my motorcycles and my alfa spider but they are manual trannys not automatics. Also I have had no dash board warning lights I have no obd tester to pull codes myself so was hoping for some info to arm myself with when checking with the dealer or local tranny shops. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Yes they will go out like that and they will go around that mileage. What fluid did you use when you changed your trans. fluid.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I cant remember I think it was mobil 1 I know I checked at the time to make sure it was compatable with my year. I use mobil one oils in my other trucks( ford explorer), but have to use high zddp oil and stp red in my alfa due to the flat tappet cams. I have no leaks and i checked several times after to ensure the level was ok. The fluid now seems darker but still red not black. If it were to be clutch packs is it more reasonable to put in a rebuilt tranny and torque converter or just replace the clutch pack. My instinct is all the other parts are old and if the tranny comes out I should replace all I can. In my research I saw where some companies add extra clutch plates to the 3-4 pack is this needed for a stock motor that does moderate towing occaisionaly? This is the first transmission issue I have had with my chevys my 98 5.7 pick up never gave me any tranny probs until it was sold with 135,000 miles on it so I am somewhat cluless in this particular area. Thank you for responding so quickly.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Two words, dextron 6. Dont run anything else. We do ALOT of transmissions and fluid changes. It used to be dex 3 would be ran in everything. Chevy changed over to the dextron 6 and we had issues running anything but Dex6 when it calls for it.. FLuids that are compatible wont act the same.

Example, i can run a compatible trans fluid in hondas but they shift like crap. You put the factory Honda fluid in and it shifts right.... just some thought.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Sounds good Now I just have to determine what it is going to cost to fix. My alfa is very tempermental on the type of gear oil and engine oil needed so I am familiar with the subtlety. I just was not aware for my yukon that I needed to use anythingelse other than making sure the brand I chose said it was for that year model gm. Live and learn. Do the clutch packs, solenoids, bands etc. come as part of a rebuilt tranny as a unit? It seems if there is no specific electronic component or solenoid that affects 3rd and 4th gear I'm looking at putting a rebuilt transmission in. Since it shifts into 3rd and then slips I am assuming it is likely clutch pack unless someone can advise me otherwise.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I would have it rebuilt completely since its out... Most shops i use, have found known deficiencies in the transmissions so they do things in those areas to make them better. So when you do have yours rebuilt, or get a rebuilt one they are better then the original. Im not sure if your tranny fits that scenario.

Also depends on your budget... If it slips in those gears, slap a clutch pack in it and drive it.. But that just seems shady ya know... Good luck.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Every 700R4/4L60/4L60E I build gets 9 3-4 clutches VS 6 the factory uses, I consider it mandatory, Even the V6 transmissions that have 5 from the factory.

If it happened all the sudden its probably a apply curcuit problem(cracked servo piston, busted separator plate, bad lip seals on the apply piston, ETC...)
So i whould get it rebuilt because just putting clutches in it will not solve the apply curcuit problems.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I knew they had some goodies when rebuilding. Absolutely you would want to have it gone over completely.

Hey cline, do you guys have a tranny dyno there??? Whats your average rebuild cost on his transmission??

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I have worked in some transmission shops that do have dynos, but a 4L60E is hard to dyno without a stand alone controller that shop owners dont want to buy.

$1200 to $1500 with R&R. $800 to $1000 bench job.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Thanks guys you have confirmed what I was thinking, there is just no sense in not putting a rebuilt in as long as the old one has to come out. I am going to make sure I have an up graded 3-4 pack do i need to ask for a 4l65e
to get the upgrade or are the rebuilt "4l60E's" already there. I know the 65's did not have 8 or 9 plates in 3-4 but had more than the 60's. I also thought the 65 had different planetery set. I am going to present these questions to my mechanic so I can ensure I get the best tranny to put in. I do appreciate the input and will post back when the repairs are done.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

4L65Es have 7 clutches, and have a 5 pinion planetary gear set VS 4 on 4L60Es. A quality rebuild on your 4L60E will be good.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Thank you I had takren it in yesterday at lunch and there were no dtc codes it showed it to be shifting into third and then it just slips bad he told me it would nee dto be pulled so I told him to get me prices on a gm rebuild that has 100,000 mile /3yr warranty v. his supplier of rebuilts with a 90 day warranty and based on cost we will proceed accordingly. Thanks to all who responded.
paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

just nmake sure they use dexron 6 in the new unit

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

You can run dexron III fluid in any and all 4L60E/65E transmissions with no problem.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I just got done putting a Jaspers in my 2000. I am running BG syn in my truck

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

yeah but it is getting harder to find and gm now recommends the dexron6

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I use alot of dexronIII I havnt had trouble buying it. DexronVI is for the new 6 speed autos & if i had one i whould use it. Im not going to let GM dictate that I need a more expensive ATF in a 4L60E when dexronIII worked good for so long.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Well I'm being told it will be $3500 parts and labor for a gm from the dealer rebuilt 4l60e installed labor included(about $700) this is with 3 yr 100,000 mile warranty or he can get me a localy rebuilt 90 day warranty tranny for 2400 plus labor or a junkyard pull " low milage non rebuilt" for 2200 both plus labor to install. I do not have that much at this moment so it will wait for a liitle but wanted to pass on the prices I was given. Unfortunately I live out in the country so my options are limited.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Do this.
Order a rebuild online and then install it yourself. Save you quite a bit of money...

Do me a favor, get me the year, make, model and vin if you feel safe. I can tell you exactly what fluid you want.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

2004 yukon xl 1/2 ton L59 flex fuel 5.3l with stabilitrac all wheel drive top of the line traction control engine mngmt system 3.73 rear gear "heavy duty trailering equiptment pkg"?transfer case #az91d dont have the vin written in this book i have with me if needed i can post later. Who do you reccomend that wont cost arm and a leg to ship to dallas area. I have no lift at home just ramps and air compressor with a few tools normal assortment of hand tools any special tools needed and can a tranny lift be rented? Thanks
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

GM recommends Dexron III to 06. PM me if you want to and ill recommend some shops, 90 day warrenty is a joke.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I dont care what anyone says here. Use Dextron 6.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

:agree: btw dextron 6 does not cost much more then the 3 does

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

unless you can find someone who has the special tools to loan you that you need to rebuild it, let someone else rebuild it for you. If you have to buy the special tools to do it yourself it would probably end up costing you more in the long run. trany special tools arent cheap. And as far as tranny fluid you can use dex 6 on nething that used to call for dex 3 EXCEPT transfer cases. (one of the additives in the dex6 will deteriate the nylon parts inside.) However you CANNOT use dex3 in nething that calls for dex6. Besides dex6 is a better trans fluid than the 3 neway. Has better friction modifiers and resists breakdown to higher temperatures. And really whats say $20 more spent on fluid compared to the $3000 spent on replacing a burnt up tranny?

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Wow, now this super fluid keeps transmissions from burning up?:lol:

His 3-4 clutch failure is not fluid related. Low fluid level maybe but not the type

If the transmission gets hot enough to break down dexron III its toast anyway I dont care what fluids in it.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

my fluids are checked regularly and levels were good there was no warning of impending failure in regards to any slippage or shifting issues. I have had a slight noise that no one was able to isolate( wheel bearings, tire ballance/wear patterns were checked and tranny fluid replaced with a new tranny filter just in case and the fluid was red and not burnt then, that was 3- months ago there was no metal found in pan but no change in noise after) that noise was intermitent almost a harmonic that would increase in volume with acceleration and decrease with deceleration but was not there with coasting. Then one day it drove to work fine and upon start up and heading home 3-4 started slipping like hell. 1-2 and reverse work fine.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I called the shop you reccomended Gregg quoted me 2100 for rebuilt with upgraded 3-4 clutches etc and rebuilt tc, turn key installed with 3 yr 75,000 mile warranty. I just have to limp it to him from here but the cost of rebuilt upgraded trannys with slightly less warranty#s online seem to be running in the 14- 1800$ range with me having to do the labor I think taking it there is the best option for me.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I think we are just saying RUN the dex 6. Not saying thats what caused it.. Thats my opinion. But, wouldnt running an inferior fluid speed up the process of the clutches failing>?

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I was just stating low fliud level can cause this

Sounds good


If he desides to run Dexron VI thats great, but a transmission shop is going to use DexIII because when you buy it in 55 gallon drums the price difference is alot more than 20 bucks. In my opinion DexVI will not make the transmission last longer.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Dex 6 is more money.. I just went through this. I found WOLFS HEAD ATF fluid is a match with Dex 6. If your at a shop, have them send you a barrel of that. It works great in TONNSSS of applications. Its only 1.5 more a quart. Something small like that.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I appreciate both of your input. I understand that the fluid was unlikely to be the culprit but just as I want to replace the trans with upgraded parts to reduce the likely hood of early failure it is a small price to pay to upgrade the fluid.

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

alright guys we gone on enough about what fluid it run. so let not argue about it anymore and give the op poster the info he needs. :)

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I enjoy the back and forth just shows folks are passionate about their trucks and what they think is the best for them. I listen (read) and research but truly do thank those who take the time to try and help.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

okay i just wanted to make sure it didn't get out of hand. and that you got the info u needed

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

I just wanted to update I got my truck back from phoenix transmission in weatherford texas today and it runs great. They pulled my tranny put in their mater rebuild kit = clutches, extra clutch pack, steel rings, seals, gasket heavy duty torque converter,filter kit, bushing kit foreward sprag, epc solenoid 3-2 shift solenoid,tcc valve and sleeve, piston, 12qts atf (dexron 3)with 3yr 75,000 mile warranty they had the truck monday and finished it yesterday. I am very pleased with their service and turn around time. I saved $1200-1400 and have a much better warranty than any local shops here would give me. I do appreciate the responses to my initial request for help from all who replied.
Paul

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

gald you got it fixed

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

Dex 3?:rolleyes:

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

yes they say dex3 "multipurpose" not dex6

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

OK...

If it was my rig, which i have an 05 Yukon XL, i would call the dealer and just give them your vin# and ask what fluid your trans takes.. Im like 97.9% positive its dex6.

It might not even really do anything by running dex3, but what if>????

Re: 2004 yukon xl tranny slipping
 

So far it shifts smooth seems to accelerate stronger but twice it started chugging then died no check engine light almost like fuel starved. First time it restarted right away second it had to sit for about ten min then started right up both times it had been running on the highway 60-70 mph for at least 30 min I changed fuel filter about 5 months ago unsure what it is never had done this before. Shop said it had not done it to them and did not think it tranny related. alternator putting out 14 volts at idle battery about 12.5- 13 motor off .?