GMC G3500 Transmission Problems & Cost | 4L80E | Allison 1000

The GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck was equipped with the 4L80E transmission and the 700R4 in 80’s models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission Models

GMC G3500 HD: 4L80E Transmission
GMC G3500 HD: 700R4 Transmission (Early Models)
GMC G2500 HD: Allison 1000 Transmission (HD Diesel)

GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission problems?

GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission Recalls

None Found

GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

**Note: Many of these TSBs don’t officially relate to the GMC G2500, but the transmission problems listed may still apply

TSB 08-07-30-001 – 4L80E Transmission 
Problem – Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, no forward/reverse gears. Possible DTCs: P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0894.
Solution – Rebuild or replace the valve body.

TSB 08-07-30-015 – 4L80E Transmission 
Problem – Harsh shifts, delayed 2-3 shifts, 2-3 shift flare, no 3rd gear, slips in 3rd gear or reverse. Possible DTC 0757.
Solution – If none of the issues described in Bulletin 08-07-30-001 are present (debris in #11 checkball, leak in oil circuit, damage to the direct clutch), then replace the 2-3 shift solenoid due to a possible sticking pintle.

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating – 4L80E Transmission 
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.

TSB 14043 – Thrust bearing failure – Allison 1000 Transmission
2012 Chevy Silverado HD – 2012 GMC Sierra HD
Problem:
Certain 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD / 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD trucks equipped with the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission (MW7), may have been built with an incorrect transmission thrust bearing. Over time, this bearing could fail, resulting in noise and poor transmission operation.
Solution:
The bearing should be replaced with GM part # 29531106

TSB PIP3598C – Intermittent ratio codes or range inhibit – Allison 1000 Transmission
2007 – 2012 Chevrolet Silverado – 2001 – 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2007 – 2012 GMC Sierra – 2001 – 2007 GMC Sierra Classic – 4WD Only
Problem – Drivers may experience intermittent no forward or reverse condition, the possibility of a flashing PRNDL display or a “range shift inhibited” message in the driver information center with no saved DTCs. Another possible symptom includes the following DTCs: P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735 & P0736
Solution – These Allison 1000 transmission problems may be caused by either an input speed sensor and or output speed sensor issue. The problem could also be caused by a mechanical issue inside of the four-wheel-drive transfer case like a worn bushing.

TSB 14308 – Leak at transmission cooler
2008 Chevy Silverado HD – 2008 GMC Sierra HD
Problem – Diesel powered 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD / 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD trucks equipped with the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission (RPO MW7), may have a condition in which increased transmission oil cooling circuit pressure may cause transmission fluid to weep or leak. This loss of fluid occurs near the transmission cooler at the crimp joints on the metal ends of the cooler line where it joins the rubber hose. The increased oil cooling circuit pressure typically occurs while driving in extremely low temperatures.
Solution – Inspect and replace cooler lines if necessary.

TSB 04-07-30-018A – Ice buildup on shift cable – Allison 1000 Transmission
2001-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 2001-2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Problem – In cold climates, it may not be possible to shift the transmission after operating it in snow, slush, or icy conditions. This is likely due to ice buildup around the shift cable-to-manual shaft connection.
Solution – Install an aftermarket transmission shield.

TSB 06-07-30-013 – Shudder in 6th gear – Allison 1000 Transmission
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Problem – Owners may experience a shudder occurs in 6th gear in 4Hi between 46 mph (74 km/h) and 49 mph (79 km/h).
Solution – Reprogram the TCM with TIS version 6.0 or higher.

TSB 08-07-30-049A – Transmission fluid leak from the ATF cooler – Allison 1000
2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic 2500 – 2007-2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 2007-2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Problem – ATF leak coming from one of the transmission cooler lines.
Solution – Replace lines with updated design: GM Part #’s 20759971 (upper), 20759972 (lower), 20759971 (hose).

TSB 10-07-30-008A – Transmission won’t shift into overdrive – Allison 1000
2006-2010 Chevy Silverado HD – 2006-2010 GMC Sierra HD
Problem – Owners may experience a failure to shift into overdrive, or a 4-5 shift flare. Possible DTC P0777 or P0735.
Solution – Inspect and possibly replace the 3rd, 5th, and reverse clutch piston.

PIP4290A – Engine Stalling – Allison 1000
2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD – 2007-2013 GMC Sierra HD
Problem – Owners may experience stalling or surging when stopped with the transmission in gear. Possible DTC P0742.
Solution – Inspect and replace the TCC solenoid and valve inside the valve body.

Common Problems with the GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission replaced?

In order to replace your GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your GMC G3500 Van / Box Truck Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!