Chevy C3500 HD Transmission Problems & Cost

When it comes to capability, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is hard to beat. From stout gasoline engines, to the almighty Duramax diesel, this big bow tie offers more than enough power to get the job done. And while the drivetrains tend to be very reliable, Chevy 3500 HD transmission problems can still happen. 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 C3500 HD Transmission Models

Chevy C3500 HD: 4L80E Transmission
Chevy C3500 HD: Allison 1000 Transmission (6.6L and 8.1L Diesel Only)
Chevy C3500 HD: 6L90 Transmission

Chevy C3500 HD 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 C3500 Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy C3500 HD transmission problems?

Chevy C3500 HD Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy C3500 HD Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 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 08-07-30-001 – 2001-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 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 – 2002-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 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 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 Savanna – 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.

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 Chevy C3500 HD Transmission

Solenoid DTC’s – Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 6L90E
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
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?

Provided the truck is still able to move under its own power, then you can absolutely continue to drive with Chevy Silverado 3500 HD transmission problems. However, some common C3500 HD transmission problems, like the Allison 1000 TCC valve, and the 4L80E torque convertor clutch, can morph into much bigger problems if you continue to put strain on the transmission. So having the truck seen by a mechanic will be doing you and your wallet a favor.

How often does a Chevy C3500 HD transmission need to be replaced?

It should go without saying; maintenance and the way you use it, are the biggest contributing factors to the life-cycle and performance of your transmission. However, many Silverado 3500 HD transmission problems can still be caused by factory design flaws. Over the years, we’ve noticed that a properly remanufactured transmission can last considerably longer than it would have in OE spec. But in the original specification, we’ve noticed the following average life-cycle for a Chevy C3500 transmission:

4L60E/4L65 – 130,000-180,000 mile
4L80E – 120,000-180,000 miles
6L90 – 130,000-200,000 miles
Allison 1000 – 160,000-220,000 miles

How are Chevy C3500 HD transmission issues diagnosed?

Thanks to the advent of on-board diagnostic sensors, a technician can often times just plug into the OBDII port under the dash, and retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes. After determining where the problem may be, they can then perform a visual inspection and possibly a test drive, to verify where the problem lies.

How is a Chevy C3500 HD transmission replaced?

Installing a Silverado 3500 transmission requires that you first remove the old one. This is done by disconnecting the driveshaft(s), and unbolting the transmission from the engine and frame. Installation is a reverse of the removal process. However, the ECU / PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Chevy C3500 HD 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 C3500 HD transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy C3500 HD Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy C3500 HD Transmission

You should always be trying to save a little money where you can. However, buying a used 4L80E / used 6L90E / used Allison 1000 transmission may actually cost you more money in the long run. This is because a used Chevy transmission will likely develop the same problems that you’re having now. And since you don’t know how hard that transmission was driven or treated, those new problems could crop up at any time.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy C3500 HD Transmission

A rebuilt 4L80E / rebuilt 6L90E / rebuilt Allison 1000 transmission is definitely the more sensible option. But most mechanics will simply use an OE master rebuild kit, which means all of the factory design flaws will return at some point in the future. Plus, the warranty that you get will probably only be good at the shop or franchise and that built it. If you have transmission problems when you’re not near one of those shops, you will be paying for the repairs out of pocket.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy C3500 HD Transmission

To make sure that your truck stays on the road so you can get stuff done, you’re going to want to consider a good quality remanufactured 4L80E / remanufactured 6L90E / remanufactured Allison 1000 transmission. If they’re done right, the durability and service life will be improved, because all of the factory design flaws have been addressed. And if you can get a nationwide warranty, you won’t have to worry about transmission repair bills when you travel.

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 C3500 HD 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!