I am in Las Vegas and my Allison is slipping. This is probably what ran my trans temp up to 260 deg, coming up the Baker Grade.


When I accelerate up a freeway ramp to merge with traffic each shift is low thump-thump-thump. I am guessing those are the clutches going in and out for the shift.


Once it does it the trans is locked in and there is no "flaring" (I think that is the term).


My question is, is it going to make it back to SF Bay Area ok. I went to a local stealer and his trans mechanic went for a ride along and said it should be no problem. Sorry, I am a doubting thomas.


I am towing a 12.5k 5th wheel and tho the grades going home are not nearly as bad as coming to LV.

I am in Las Vegas and my Allison is slipping. This is probably what ran my trans temp up to 260 deg, coming up the Baker Grade.


When I accelerate up a freeway ramp to merge with traffic each shift is low thump-thump-thump. I am guessing those are the clutches going in and out for the shift.


Once it does it the trans is locked in and there is no "flaring" (I think that is the term).


My question is, is it going to make it back to SF Bay Area ok. I went to a local stealer and his trans mechanic went for a ride along and said it should be no problem. Sorry, I am a doubting thomas.


I am towing a 12.5k 5th wheel and tho the grades going home are not nearly as bad as coming to LV.





kbstinky


Your Ally went into "Hot Mode". If the TCM (trans computer) senses 259 deg or hotter it applys the converter clutch in every gear including first. I have never heard of this happening, but it must cause there is a program in the TCM for it. Did the dealer scan it? Something caused the trans temp to sky rocket. I would bet its the torque converter. It should have thrown a code for that and stored it. Check the fluid for level and color and smell it. What does it smell like? sweet or burnt? Without being there myself to drive it and test it, I hesitate to tell you to drive it home with the load you are carrying and the mountains ahead of you. I would also bet it's time for a transmission repair. If you have it done under warranty it will still be questionable towing heavy load up a mountain in hot weather. I recomend upgrading to a Suncoast level 3 for future towing. I will be happy to answer questions concerning your dilema and help you through this if I can. Cell 310 918 9678.


mike

Cell 310 918 9678





Thats the same number I seen in the bathroom wall today at IHOP!


Says for a good time, call everyone but http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Anywho, I am with Mike on this, thats big gamble to take with that kind of load....

Thanks guys,


I will answer here so all can learn.


The tech smelled the oil and said it was ok, and the color was ok.


The trans shifts just fine unless it is warmed up and I accelerate "fairly hard" not on it big time.


The tech said that it is the clutch pack going in and out to make the shift that I am feeling. (at least that is my interpretation.)


He did say that I should be ok for going back to N Cal as the hills going back are not as nasty as they are coming to LV.


It was climbing the Baker Grade that caused the eng temp to go up, and the trans soon followed. The tech guessed that it was the clutches slipping between shifts that raised the temp. He did not put a scan tool on as the ride along was a freebee.


Mike, I will call you tonight. At least thats what the message said on the bathroom wall.


Thanks again


ps: I am at 36850 miles so my extended warranty will hopefully cover it. Figures just after 36k, my luck.Edited by: kbstinky

Are you in or out of Tow Haul mode and does it make a difference?


Incomplete TC lock up will spike the temps and create heat real quick.I would lean more to wards something besides the clutches that caused the initial problem.


No codes ? GM should and probably will warranty that close to 36K.





Mac Edited by: Mackin

Mac


You are right on except for warranty. He has an exhaust brake and dealers hate that stuff. It is a way out for them. Codes would help me a lot to diagnose this problem.


mike

Mac/Mike


I will check the t/h vs normal this evening on the way back to the coach.


As far as GM covering the cost..... I would rather bet on the money I have coming from the African lottery I won.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif At least that's what my email says.


My service writer at home said they would have to make that decision when they had it out and on the bench, TORN DOWN. At that point I think I am committed to have the dealer fix it no matter what, even if GM said they would cover all or part of the repairs. If I wanted to go to Mike do they pour it in the bed of the truck, and I tow it to LA.


And what would I have at that point, another stock Allly.


I am very seriously considering going through LA and having Mike put some goodies in it.


Either way I am going to be out money, and I would rather Mike get it than the General.


Will let you know about t/h tommorrow.


Thanks

Although a complete tear down should be done for exploratory damage at this time ,I would recommend if your going to keep the truck then spend the money for a beefier converter and Transgo kit at the minimum.


If you go the warranty way and if the dealer balks at your exhaust brake have them bring the regional in and have them explain in great detail ,why in GM Medium Duty (http://www.chevrolet.com/medium_duty/kodiak/c4500/engine.htm) with the exact same engine transmission package but higher GVW rating it is A'OK.This is also saying your Exhaust Brake was installed correctly hopefully professionally by your self or other party.


I think you'll find once again this is a "dealer" specific problem,not knowing the product(s) they sell to the general public.


If you were to go to a commercial seller,not the ones that just sell a few LD trucks ,Cavaliers and Monte Carlos and Vettes but Dumps and Rack Bodies, it would be a NON issue as they would be familiar with the 4500 series.


This is something I could never understand why it should even be an issue given the potential max GVW the LD this trucks are capable of having.


Mac Edited by: Mackin

If your dealer cant make the call with out getting the trans out and apart, then I would tread carefully. Believe me, they know once they have it, your gonna need it fixed. If its broke, they can make the call and get it fixed or whatever. To be honest, I would make the trip past Mike L and get it fixed once and for all. That way your not getting POS stock converter again and quality internals and somebody that has a clue putting it togather for you

I tried the t/h and normal and it made no perceivable difference.


I have already decided to go to Mike. It will be quite a bit out of my way, but if I plan on towing my 5th, then I need to beef up the tranny.


The Banks brake was put in at the Banks factory. A long drive. but cheap insurance on my part.


I will keep you posted when Mike tears it down.


Thanks again

It is in, the Suncoast Level 3.


Mike L. is great.


Mike was willing to go into his shop on Sat to get my truck out.


Thank you.

It is in, the Suncoast Level 3.


Mike L. is great.


Mike was willing to go into his shop on Sat to get my truck out.


Thank you.





I couldn't agree more.... Lovin' my level 3...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

It is in, the Suncoast Level 3.


Mike L. is great.


Mike was willing to go into his shop on Sat to get my truck out.


Thank you. We've been saying that for some time now, Glad he got ya fixed up kb, since your closer to him then me anywayshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif