Chevy Avalanche Transmission Problems & Cost | 4L60E | 4L80E |6L80

In its day, the Chevrolet Avalanche was about as American a vehicle as you could get. It was half full-size truck, half SUV, and totally awesome. Granted, most owners probably never lowered the mid-gate and used the truck bed the way it was intended. But hey, at least they still looked cool. And they could backup the looks with one of several powerful V8 engines. In all, the powertrain was pretty much bulletproof, but Chevy Avalanche transmission problems do still occur. So let’s find 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?

Chevy Avalanche Transmission Models

Chevy Avalanche 1500: 4L60E Transmission (Early Models)
Chevy Avalanche 2500: 4L80E Transmission (2500 only)
Chevy Avalanche: 6L80 Transmission (Late Models)

Chevy Avalanche 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 Chevy Avalanche Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Avalanche transmission problems?

Chevy Avalanche Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Avalanche Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 05-07-30-017B – Water contamination – Chevy Avalanche 4L60E
Problem – A common transmission problem occurs when the transmission shudders/shakes between 40 and 50 mph, as the torque convertor clutch engages. This is caused by rain water getting into the transmission through the dipstick.
Solution – The air inlet grille panel will have to be modified according to the procedure outlined in the TSB.

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – Chevy Avalanche 4L60E
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

TSB 01-07-30-002C – Transmission stuck in third gear with inoperable instrument cluster and multiple DTC’s – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65 Transmission
1999 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade – 2002 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT – 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Silverado – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Suburban – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Blazer – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Express – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet S10 – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sierra – 1997 – 1999 GMC Suburban – 1999 – 2003 GMC Yukon XL – 1997 – 2003 GMC Yukon – 1997 – 2001 GMC Jimmy – 1997 – 2003 GMC Savanna – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sonoma – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy XL – 1997 – 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E and 4L65E transmission may become stuck in third gear, the instrument cluster may not function, and the following DTC’s may be set: P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P1860.
Solution – The most likely cause of this transmission problem is a blown fuse or an open on circuit 1020 between the fuse panel and the transmission. If no battery voltage is found at the fuse, the ignition switch will need to be replaced

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
1982-2005 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks: 2006-2007 Buick Rainier – 2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV & Escalade EXT – 2006 Chevrolet SSR – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Colorado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Express – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2006-2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL – 2006-2008 GMC Canyon – 2006-2008 GMC Envoy – 2006-2008 GMC Savana – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra Classic – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 – 2006-2008 Saab 9-7X – with the 4L60, 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L70E Automatic Transmission (RPOs MD8, M30, M32, M33 or M70)
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

TSB 01-04-17-004B – Clunk, bump or squawk when vehicle comes to a stop, or when it is accelerating from a complete stop – 4WD/AWD vehicles with a one-piece propeller/drive shaft only
1999-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV – 1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickup (Old Style) – 1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Regular Cab Pickup and Utility Models (Old Style) – 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Box (New Style) – 1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series Regular Cab (New Style) – 2000-2004 Chevrolet 1500 Series Avalanche, Suburban and Tahoe – 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Series Regular Cab with Long Bed or Extended Cab (New Style) – 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 series crew cab, short box (New style) – 1996-1999 GMC 1500 series extended cab short box (Old style) – 1996-1999 GMC 1500 series regular cab pickup and utility models (Old Style) – 1999-2002 GMC Sierra extended cab short box (New style) – 1999-2004 GMC 1500 series Yukon, Yukon XL – 2000-2004 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 series regular cab with long bed or extended cab (New style) – 2001-2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Series Crew Cab, Short Box (New Style) – 2003-2005 HUMMER H2
Problem – In vehicles equipped with 4WD or AWD, drivers may experience a clunk, bump or squawk noise when they come to a stop, or when accelerating from a complete stop. This may occur during the 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift.
Solution – Replace the rear driveshaft slip yoke with a more robust nickel plated slip yoke.

TSB 06-07-30-007A – Harsh 1-2 shift with P0894 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2006 Cadillac Escalade Models – 2006 Chevrolet Light Duty Trucks – 2006 Chevrolet Express Vans – 2006 GMC Light Duty Trucks – 2006 GMC Savana Vans – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006 HUMMER H2, H3 – 2006 Saab 9-7X – with 4L60-E / 4L65-E / 4L70-E (RPOs M30, M32, M70) Automatic Transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift with a P0894 DTC
Solution – Replace the TCC enable solenoid and/or wiring harness

TSB 08-07-30-008B – Diagnostic information for P0894 and P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2003-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks – 2003-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2007 HUMMER H3 – 2005-2007 Saab 9-7X – with 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70-E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32 or M70)
Problem – This relates to drivers who experience unusually harsh 1-2 shifts, along with a P0804 and/or a P1870 DTC.
Solution – It is possible that a leaking TCC solenoid, a torque converter clutch valve or damaged turbine shaft O-ring seal could cause these two diagnostic trouble codes. However, it could also be caused by a failed torque converter.

TSB 08-07-30-001 – Chevrolet Avalanche 4L80E
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 – Chevrolet Avalanche 4L80E
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 – Chevrolet Avalanche 4L80E
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 PI488C – No forward or reverse and/or slipping – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2010 – 2014 Cadillac CTS-V – 2010 – 2014 Cadillac Escalade (all models) – 2010 – 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Camaro – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Corvette – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Express – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Silverado – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Suburban – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2011 – 2014 Chevrolet Caprice PPV – 2014 Chevrolet SS – 2010 – 2014 GMC Savana – 2010 – 2014 GMC Sierra – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon XL – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – Trucks equipped with the 6-speed 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may experience no forward or reverse engagement, or slipping between the gears.
Solution – This problem could be caused by a cracked or split transmission filter. If this is the case, the transmission pump should be disassembled and inspected for possible damage. Inspect for any of the following conditions: – scored pump rotor or pump vanes – scored pump cover or pump rotor pocket – cracked pump slide.

The transmission should also be evaluated for any possible distress to the clutches. GM’s testing and analysis found that split or damaged filters may be caused by a damaged transmission pump. This can send a high pressure fluid spike down the filter neck on a cold start, resulting in the filter body cracking or the filter seam splitting. The filter is not defective and this is not a filter quality issue. Important: Do not replace the filter without inspecting the pump. Failure to inspect the pump and clutches could lead to a repeat of this condition.

TSB 09-07-30-004J – Slips in Reverse or Third, Delayed Reverse or Drive Engagement, DTC P0776, P2715, P2723, Harsh 2-3 Shifts – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2006-2009 Cadillac STS-V – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR-V – 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT – 2006-2009 Chevrolet Corvette – 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali – 2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2008-2009 HUMMER H2 – 2008-2009 Pontiac G8
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may slip when Reverse is selected or have no/delayed reverse engagement, harsh shifts from 2-3 / 4-5 or slips while in fifth, and slipping acceleration when passing. Possible DTCs include P0776, P2715 or P2723.
Solution – This transmission problem may be caused by a cracked 1-2-3-4 / 3-5-R clutch housing.

Common Chevy Avalanche Transmission Problems

Intermittent harsh shifting – Chevy Avalanche 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevy Avalanche transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Solenoid DTC’s – Chevrolet Avalanche 6L80E
Problem – A number of diagnostic trouble codes, including P0776, P0796, P2714 and P2723, can be caused by a pressure leak at the end of the clutch regulating valve.
Solution – The bore plug will have to be replaced with updated versions, or modified to accept an O-ring kit.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Harsh shifting
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?

Even though your Chevy Avalanche transmission problems may not seem severe, continuing to use the truck can make a fairly simple problem, a lot more expensive to fix. In a nutshell, these may be tough trucks, but don’t push it.

How often does a Chevy Avalanche transmission need to be replaced?

As with all things mechanical, maintenance is the key to a long service life. However, factory design flaws can lead to common failure points, which can obviously impact performance and longevity. On average, we’ve noticed the Chevrolet Avalanche transmission tends to last between 130,000-180,000 miles in stock form. A properly updated remanufactured Chevy transmission on the other hand, can go considerably longer if all of the design flaws have been addressed.

How are Chevy Avalanche transmission issues diagnosed?

To figure out what is causing those Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems, a mechanic will need to connect a code reader to the OBDII port under the dash. After reading through all of the diagnostic trouble codes that have been saved in the ECU, a visual inspection can be performed to verify the source of the problem.

How is a Chevy Avalanche transmission replaced?

Since the Chevrolet Avalanche is a rear or four-wheel-drive truck, replacing the transmission simply a matter of unbolting it from the driveshaft(s), engine and frame, then lowering it out of the way. Installation is a reverse of the removal process. However, once it is in place (for the 6L80), the ECU/PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Chevy Avalanche 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 Chevy Avalanche transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Avalanche Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Avalanche Transmission

The easiest way to solve all of your Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems, is to get a used 4L60E / used 4L80E / used 6L80E transmission from the local junkyard. They’re relatively cheap, and most come with a 30-90 day warranty. But with no way to verify the condition of the internal components, you could be literally be buying someone else’s problems. And that warranty probably doesn’t cover labor charges either.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Avalanche Transmission

The next best way to fix your Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems would be to get a rebuilt 4L60E / rebuilt 4L80E / rebuilt 6L80E transmission from your mechanic or a transmission repair shop. However, if the mechanic uses an OE master rebuild kit, the transmission will be returned to stock. Which means all of the original problems will eventually return. And the warranty might only be good at the shop that built it.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Avalanche Transmission

To resolve your Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems the right way, you should consider a remanufactured 4L60E / remanufactured 4L80E / remanufactured 6L80E transmission from a reputable company. If it’s done right, all of the factory design issues will be dealt with. And if you can find one with a nationwide warranty, you can be protected from transmission repair bills no matter where you go.

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 Chevy Avalanche 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!