GM 4L60E Transmission: Lucas Transmission Fix or LubeGard Red ?

[JohnnyNessman]

Hello,

My Trailblazer has the 4L60E transmission in it and I was wondering if the Lucas Transmission fix and/or LubeGard Red was compatible with it?

And, if so, which one you think might be best for slippage?

I haven't noticed any slipping, but got a code, so I'm thinking about trying a transmission additive.

Right around a year ago, maybe a bit less, I replaced the transmission fluid and filter and the transmission color still looks just fine.

Thanks,
Johnny

 

[Racer4]

I would vote for LubeGuardRed first.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Welcome to BITOG

Lubegard is much more liked on here than Lucas.

Also, if your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

 

[RF Overlord]

Also, if your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

^^^this^^^ I put one on every car. No more bathing in ATF.

 

[meep]

Lubeguard by my butt Dyno actually increases transmission slip a bit - it tends to make the fluid feel “softer.” In turn, the transmission then learns it over an hour or two of driving and raises the pressures or does whatever it needs to compensate. LG seems to increase the proclivity to slip.

Lucas is a fluid thickener which basically raises pressures. If your transmission is indeed slipping, I would go here first.

I had an ailing 41TE which got both. It needed LG to free something up - it would seem to grab 3rd without releasing 4th (or that was the pattern considered from the drivers seat) resulting in horrific binding at 45 mph - LG helped that - but then had slipping issues, which Lucas helped. The transmission also leaked out a quart every 6 months, so I got pretty good and maintaining the proper ratio of ATF, LG and Lucas. It ran a long time this way and was running decently when I traded it in - high miles Chrysler minivan…

 

[daniel327]

If it's slipping, you'd be better off installing a Sonnax Zip Kit and then replacing the fluid.

 

[MolaKule]

@JohnnyNessman Replace the fluid with three drain and fills, first.

Lubegaurd Red is mostly a cleaner but I would use that last after the above.

 

[clinebarger]

What DTC?

4L60E "Transmission Component Slipping" DTC is usually caused by the Converter Clutch failing to lock/apply.

TransGo SK-4L60E kit will repair the issue if the root cause is Converter Clutch Regulator Valve bore wear.

TCC Enable Solenoid, TCC PWM Solenoid, Turbine Shaft O-ring, And the Converter Clutch itself are also possibilities.

 

[JohnnyNessman]

Thanks for all the replies and it gives me more things to look into.

I've looked a couple of the Sonnax options:
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/1733-tcc-regulator-valve-spring
and
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/2458-tcc-regulator-isolator-valve-kit
But, was unaware of the Sonnax Zip Kit:
https://www.sonnax.com/zip_kits
or the TransGo kit:
https://transgo.com/product-details/4l60-shift-kit/

It was only about a year max ago that I change the fluid and filter and I did the suck out a quart and fresh quart thing 4 or 5 times before changing it, because I got the vehicle used and was unsure if or when ever the fluid had been replaced.

If I'm understanding it correctly Lucas relies on essentially being thicker (higher viscosity) to create a bit of extra pressure and LubGard relies on the computer/transmission system increasing pressure. Not sure if my understanding of the LubGard is correct or not though.

Going to look into all this a bit later and chew on it some. Thanks again.

 

[clinebarger]

Sonnax does not offer a drop-in solution for a heavily worn TCC Regulator Valve bore & no Zip Kit exists for 4L60E's.

The TG SK-4L60E regulator valve is proven in thousand upon thousand of units for over 20 years

 

[MolaKule]

If I'm understanding it correctly Lucas relies on essentially being thicker (higher viscosity) to create a bit of extra pressure and LubGard relies on the computer/transmission system increasing pressure. Not sure if my understanding of the LubGard is correct or not though.

No, Lubegard Red is same viscosity as atf viscosity so it does not change viscosity or pressure.

 

[JohnnyNessman]

Sonnax does not offer a drop-in solution for a heavily worn TCC Regulator Valve bore & no Zip Kit exists for 4L60E's.

The TG SK-4L60E regulator valve is proven in thousand upon thousand of units for over 20 years

Well, that narrow things down quick enough. Thanks for the info, it's appreciated.

 

[JohnnyNessman]

No, Lubegard Red is same viscosity as atf viscosity so it does not change viscosity or pressure.

Ah, well that's good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[daniel327]

Well, that narrow things down quick enough. Thanks for the info, it's appreciated.

I apologize about recommending a Zip Kit that's not available. I just had a quick look at Sonnax's website and assumed they did one for your application. It's a pity that they don't, because my Zip Kit was very easy to install and it gave new life to my 150 000 mile Toyota transmission.

 

[JohnnyNessman]

I apologize about recommending a Zip Kit that's not available. I just had a quick look at Sonnax's website and assumed they did one for your application. It's a pity that they don't, because my Zip Kit was very easy to install and it gave new life to my 150 000 mile Toyota transmission.

No biggy, man. We've all done been there done that type thing, know what I mean. I appreciate all the help I get on these forums.

 

[4WD]

Although it’s technically marketing - found this a decent read from LG …
I have certainly felt shift improvements in GM LT transmissions (red) …
Motor oil additives are more likely to do nothing IMO …

https://lubegard.com/science-friction/