Chevy Camaro Transmission Problems & Cost | 4L60E | 6L80 | 6L90 | 8L90

Although it is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever made, the Chevy Camaro has always offered something for everyone. From an affordable base model, to supercharged track cars, the Camaro makes ‘coolness’ attainable for anyone. And they’re pretty reliable too. However, Chevy Camaro transmission problems. do still occur. So let’s figure out what you can 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 Camaro Transmission Models

Chevy Camaro: 4L60E Transmission (Early Models)
Chevy Camaro: 6L80 or 6L90 Transmission (Late Models)
Chevy Camaro: 8L90 Transmission (2015+)

Chevy Camaro 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 Camaro Transmission:

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

Chevy Camaro Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Camaro Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – Chevrolet Camaro 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 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
1996 Buick Roadmaster – 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood – 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade – 1996-2000 Chevrolet Camaro – 1996-2000 Corvette – 1996-2000 Pontiac Firebird – 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC Light Duty Truck Models – 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

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 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 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.

PIP5437B – Harsh shifts – 8L45 Transmission | 8L90 Transmission
2016 – 2017 Cadillac ATS – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT5 – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT6 – 2015 – 2017 Cadillac Escalade – 2016 – 2017 Chevrolet Camaro – 2017 Chevrolet Colorado – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette – 2017 Chevrolet Express – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado – 2017 GMC Canyon – 2017 GMC Savana – 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra – 2015 – 2017 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – One of the more common 8L90 transmission problems is excessively hard or abrupt gear changes.
Solution – The TCM may need to be recalibrated with the latest control software. It could also be caused by one or more of the clutch fill times not being learned by the TCM. In which case, the Service Fast Learn (SFL) procedure will have to be performed. Should the problems persist, the valve body will need to be replaced.

Common Problems with the Chevy Camaro Transmission

Intermittent harsh shifting – Chevrolet Camaro 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevy Camaro 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 Camaro 6L80E / 6L90
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?

Although most Camaro transmission problems won’t completely sideline the car, continuing to drive it can cause a simple problem to multiply into a much more expensive catastrophe.

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

If you want your Chevrolet Camaro transmission to last, it has to be maintained. Otherwise, the internal components will wear out prematurely, and you’ll be left stranded. When properly maintained, we’ve noticed the following average lifespan;
4L60E – 130,000-180,000 miles
6L80 / 6L90 – 130,000-200,000 miles

How are Chevy Camaro transmission issues diagnosed?

Years ago, Chevrolet Camaro transmission problems had to be figured out using tools and old-fashioned skill. But thanks to the OBDII system, a scan tool can be plugged into the diagnostic port under the dash, and error codes related to the problem can be read. After determining the source of the issue, a visual inspection can be performed to verify the cause of the problem.

How is a Chevy Camaro transmission replaced?

In order to install a replacement Chevy Camaro transmission, the old one has to be removed. And since this is a rear wheel drive sports car, all you really have to do is disconnect the transmission from the driveshaft, engine, and sub-frame mounts. Installation happens in the reverse order, however the ECU / PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission

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

How to Solve Chevy Camaro Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Camaro Transmission

The fastest and cheapest way to solve all your Chevy Camaro transmission problems is to go to the local junkyard and buy a used 4L60E / used 6L80 / used 6L90 transmission. They are easy to find, and most come with a replacement warranty. However, you never really know what the condition of the internal transmission parts are, so you could have more problems waiting to happen. And that warranty probably does not cover labor charges if something breaks.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Camaro Transmission

A more reasonable solution would be a rebuilt 4L60E / rebuilt 6L80 / rebuilt 6L90 transmission. Your mechanic will generally take the existing gearbox and install a bunch of new Camaro transmission parts. Compared to a used transmission, this option may seem like the smarter alternative. However if the transmission is taken back to its stock form, all of the original problem areas will return. And the warranty may only be honored by the shop that built it.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Camaro Transmission

If you want the most durable solution to all of your Chevrolet Camaro transmission problems, then you may want to consider a good quality remanufactured 4L60E / remanufactured 6L80 / remanufactured 6L90 transmission. These are typically upgraded to compensate for factory design flaws, which will give you much more dependable performance. And if you can find one with a nationwide warranty, you won’t have to worry about transmission repair bills if 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 Camaro 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!