Initial symptoms on tranny failure?

I have a hate-hate relationship with this Chevy. Fuel pump #4 and counting.

 

Your story is the norm, too.

It's so sad to me. You'd think with how killer GM's engines are, they'd pair it up with something nearly as good on the transmission.

They need to resurrect a few old timers from Saginaw or Muncie and have them help build something more bulletproof

 

Idk about killer, the original reason I brought it in was actually a flashing CEL and the truck crapping out on me on the highway last week.
That said it is only the half ton, my bro in laws 2500 is damned near impossible to kill. My prior 2011 2500 died at 118k but I inherited it beat to hell from a disgruntled prior employee around 95k.

 

OK, let me rephrase that: I can't speak to latest gen engines, but GenIII and GenIV platforms were killer. I can't speak to Gen V because I don't know enough about them.

And what you mentioned about 1500 vs 2500 is an age-old issue. I alluded to it earlier by saying 4l60e was shit but 4l80e was stout, usually even with abuse, as long as it got fluid/filter change every 50k-60k or so. GM had a habit of putting the shit transmissions in the 1500s (i.e. 4l60e), you had to seek out specific options to get the 4l80e in a 1500 for a period in history. The 2500s always came with more stout tranny, 4l80e or better.

But that said, this is a Tundra forum so I'll shut up about GM. I've owned more than I can count but don't own one anymore, and don't plan on buying another in this lifetime, at least not one from 1973 or newer.

(i.e. all-steel, no electronic auto trans unless I'm swapping something specific into it)

 

Supposedly the earlier 2000s era Chevy HD trucks with the 454 and manual tranny were pretty reliable from what I read. I knew a couple tow truck drivers that had them and stated they were great. They do suck gas though.

 

My dads 93 Silverado manual as almost as many miles on it its original engine and tranny as my Tundra.

 

What engine? 350 or the 454? The 90s trucks were simpler and more reliable. I almost bought one back when I first started working professionally.

 

Yeah, the manual units Tremec makes (the ones originally designed by Borg-Warner) like the T5 (S10) and T56 (Camaro/etc), were bulletproof. I hear the T45 (in Mustangs) was also killer. But I'm guessing Aerindel's dad probably had an HM-290 in his if it lasted that long. The "M" is for Muncie. Muncie is legend.

 

I would drain trans fluid and pull off pan and check for metal shavings in oil or any obvious signs of wear. Add new Toyota fluid and see if problem is still there. I am a Toyota mechanic

 

Also dont forget to remove metal mesh screen filter in trans and clean good and reinstall, look for debris in screen or any other issues

 

Having this same issue on my 04. Did you figure out the problem?

 

1. Did you check your transmission fluid levels, the proper way?
2. Are you showing any codes for solenoid problems?

 

1. Yes, I verified fluid levels were good. Drove truck 10+ miles, parked on level ground, shifted through each gear, etc. Fluid color was good, did not smell burnt.
2. No codes are shown for solenoid problems.

 

Have you ever drain/filled before? If yes, what exact fluid did you use?

 

Bought the truck with 207,xxx. Now has 223,xxx. I have not changed fluid since owning. Last known/documented fluid change was at 100k by Toyota.

I know its past time for fluid change. Plan to drain, pull pan/clean screen, and inspect. If all looks good, new fluid and cross my fingers.

 

Right on. Like, I could see it being a stuck solenoid or TC failure. Transmissions aren't my bag. I'm just happy even Toyota's worst transmission is better than GM's 4l60e. May be worth an hour of diagnostics time with a legit non-chain transmission specialist or stealership.