2001 Chevy 1500

[Sonataman]

Truck has 135,000 miles and is in very good shape. The trans is shifting quite soft and I think it's in need of service.
A friend told me to drain the pan, then to pull the pan to clear out any debris that might be causing any issue, then refill with fresh fluid and that should help.

Any advice from your experiences?

 

[jetman]

Truck has 135,000 miles and is in very good shape. The trans is shifting quite soft and I think it's in need of service.
A friend told me to drain the pan, then to pull the pan to clear out any debris that might be causing any issue, then refill with fresh fluid and that should help.

Any advice from your experiences?

And change the filter. Replenish with Dexron6 atf

 

[Furious]

A transmission that is already having issues likely will not get better after servicing especially if the fluid is black/burnt.

Understand there is a risk, stick with an officially licensed Dexron VI (Backwards compatible to Dexron III) O'reilly's is officially licensed and at a good price stay away from multi-vehicle ATF.

Purchase an OEM AC Delco filter, they come with the Farpak gasket which is much better than the rubber gaskets and the price difference is worth it, you may also consider using Lubegard if the issue continues after servicing.

What condition is the fluid in? can you put a sample from the dipstick on some paper towel?.

 

[burbguy82]

A transmission that is already having issues likely will not get better after servicing

I do not agree with this

if the fluid is black/burnt.

At this point, I might agree


Shifting "quite soft" not sure what that means......but I would change the filter and fire for effect. Those trucks are excellent.

 

[Nick1994]

You've probably got a 50/50 chance on whether it'll be better or worse.

If you're ok with some trans work, go for it. Maybe add some Lubegard Red in too.

 

[clinebarger]

Could have a stuck Accumulator Valve, It's a valve in the valve body that regulates Accumulator pressure & if stuck in a low pressure state....Will make 2nd soft & 4th not noticeable. On a stock unit with a small "553" code 2nd Servo....3rd will be soft no matter what.

I have a great recipe for restoring 4L60E's assuming the frictions....Namely the 2-4 Band & 3-4 Clutch are in good shape. It would take a first timer 4-6 hours to do it on the ground & it's going to be miserable with ATF dripping in your face.

Fluid & filter rarely solves issues with 4L60E's, Maintenance...While important is not a repair.

 

[clinebarger]

A transmission that is already having issues likely will not get better after servicing especially if the fluid is black/burnt.

Understand there is a risk, stick with an officially licensed Dexron VI (Backwards compatible to Dexron III) O'reilly's is officially licensed and at a good price stay away from multi-vehicle ATF.

Purchase an OEM AC Delco filter, they come with the Farpak gasket which is much better than the rubber gaskets and the price difference is worth it, you may also consider using Lubegard if the issue continues after servicing.

What condition is the fluid in? can you put a sample from the dipstick on some paper towel?.

4L60E's aren't that picky, They shift the same with Maxlife multi vehicle, Cheap Dex/Merc, Allison TES-295, Dexron VI, Amsoil, Royal Purple, Redline etcetera.

I agree with the filter kit, OE only!

 

[Furious]

4L60E's aren't that picky, They shift the same with Maxlife multi vehicle, Cheap Dex/Merc, Allison TES-295, Dexron VI, Amsoil, Royal Purple, Redline etcetera.

I agree with the filter kit, OE only!

While 4L60E's are not picky I never recommend using any multi-vehicle atf on any transmission when a licensed product is available, I don't play with success, 4L60E's have been going 300,000+ on Dexron VI and if I am servicing someone's transmission it is getting OEM or officially licensed or I will not touch it.

 

[cptbarkey]

I've used nothing but Vavoline Maxlife in my 4L80.

OP, what does shifting soft mean exactly? Does it shift to all gears? Is it slow to shift? Can you describe the symptoms?

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

My 2001 Silverado has felt what I would call "soft," with with terrible lag between P-R-N and D, since new. Then again, I put a shift kit into every automatic I had before that. I used a Hypertech programmer to firm up the shifts and correct tire size since almost new. (That's all the programmer is good for, because it rattles like a diesel with any level of engine tune.)

I also run a Magnefine filter and have changed the fluid several times with Mobil 1 ATF. You're in luck--2001 should have a drain plug. Be really careful removing it, though. The bolt head is shallow and easy to strip.

Could have a stuck Accumulator Valve, It's a valve in the valve body that regulates Accumulator pressure & if stuck in a low pressure state....Will make 2nd soft & 4th not noticeable. On a stock unit with a small "553" code 2nd Servo....3rd will be soft no matter what.

I have a great recipe for restoring 4L60E's assuming the frictions....Namely the 2-4 Band & 3-4 Clutch are in good shape. It would take a first timer 4-6 hours to do it on the ground & it's going to be miserable with ATF dripping in your face.

Fluid & filter rarely solves issues with 4L60E's, Maintenance...While important is not a repair.

I'd love to see that recipe, though I can't guarantee I would actually do it because of the reasons you noted.

Would it also cure a condition where it feels like I'm starting off in 2nd or something just isn't engaging from a stop? It has done that once or twice per year since new.

 

[THORROMIG]

As noted before, when servicing --- add a bottle of LubeGard Red to the mix.

 

[meep]

Yes!

Pan drop, filter change, new fluid. Drive a week, then drain and refill the fluid again. That should get 2/3 of it refreshed.

Up to you if you want to do the ATF face scrub a la @clinebarger. If he says its a shade tree capable activity I’d probably go for it.