Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

(SOLVED) XMSN pausing between 2nd and 3rd

Something not working right?

by DirtyBacon04 » Wed May 02, 2012 9:18 pm

Well I've been getting this for a while now. But I just got the XGuage code for my scanguage to actually monitor the temperature. I know at colder temperature the xmsn might pause between shifts. However mine seems to be doing it at all temperatures EXCEPT 220+ (i know, getting dangerous) between 3rd and 4th. It doesn't feel like a slipping of the clutches because there are very solid engages at 4th gear. 1 to 2 shifts firm w/o pause. 2 to 3; same. 3 to 4 there is a pause in acceleration and RPMs shoot up then 4th engages anywhere from 1-3 seconds after disengaging from 3rd gear. Is there any possiblity this could be a PCM issue? Or is it exclusivley a xmsn issue?
I read JD's post about his tq converter flutter and the shift kit (viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3022), but i dont think I'm sharing the same symtoms as him. Any ideas?
Last edited by DirtyBacon04 on Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:08 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by Trail X » Thu May 03, 2012 9:29 am

I'm no transmission expert, but it sounds like it could potentially be a fluid restriction in the valving that is causing the pressure to delay reaching a clutch. Could be a stuck check valve - as I know some of them have a small bleed hole built in.

I have trouble suspecting the PCM.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 10:45 am

Do you think this requires a job similar to yours? Or just a good flush?
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by Trail X » Thu May 03, 2012 11:30 am

A flush can't hurt it and could only potentially help (though it is not really a troubleshooting measure and I doubt it will change the shift operation much).

I looked through some of the diagnostics though, and I do not see a check ball being affected during the 3-4 shift, so it's probably not a stuck ball that is affecting operation.

Is it possible that you're feeling the bump of the TCC applying a couple seconds after the shift occurs? Do you get the shift delay when accelerating through the 3-4 shift? Accelerating through the shift should keep the TCC from applying. You might want to plug in the TCC demand codes into your scangauge so you can monitor the TCC operation. It really helps you understand what's going on at highway speeds.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 11:36 am

it happens everytime. Heavy accel, slow accel, maintaining speed. But only 3 to 4. Not 4 to 3. I'll try and take an audio recording of it.
It feels like it slips into neutral and the RPMs shoot up, then a solid catch in 4th.
But I'll look for the codes and try that with the TCC.
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by Trail X » Thu May 03, 2012 12:25 pm

Do you have issues with the 1-2 shift at all? I believe the same band is used for both gears. If you don't have the issue with 1-2, then the delay may be in the 3-4 clutch fluid circuit. Again, these are just educated guesses.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 12:28 pm

1-2 is normal. So is 2-3. But I'll belive your "educated guess" more than the local stealership (which I JUST returned from). I asked for some Auto Trac II fluid. She said for what vehicle. "trailblazer, 2004". Then she asked the question that I was really hoping she wouldn't... "2 or 4wd?" :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by navigator » Thu May 03, 2012 1:09 pm

I expect she was just filling out her screen like we do at any of the online stores.
"Please consider a search before posting. Folks on this site PIONEERED functional offroad use of these trucks."
The answer to many common lift questions can be found
here
My Build Thread
User avatar
navigator
Moderator
 
Posts: 4651
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:16 am
Location: NC, Winnabow
Name: Chris
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

by NC_IslandRunner » Thu May 03, 2012 1:26 pm

DirtyBacon04 wrote:1-2 is normal. So is 2-3. But I'll belive your "educated guess" more than the local stealership (which I JUST returned from). I asked for some Auto Trac II fluid. She said for what vehicle. "trailblazer, 2004". Then she asked the question that I was really hoping she wouldn't... "2 or 4wd?" :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:


Guy at AutoZone asked me if my truck was 4wd after I told him I was looking for CV axle!
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
User avatar
NC_IslandRunner
Moderator
 
Posts: 3021
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 4:49 pm
Location: NC, Sanford
Name: Rory
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 1:49 pm

navigator wrote:I expect she was just filling out her screen like we do at any of the online stores.

NO EXCUSES!!! :finger:
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 2:23 pm

Ok, so I might've gotten the gears wrong. I just drove it, paying closer attention to the shifts, now it seems to be 2nd-3rd rather than 3-4. Taking it up to a reputable xmsn shop that we've used in the past to get an estimate.
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by DirtyBacon04 » Thu May 03, 2012 4:25 pm

Well the shop said my 3rd gear clutch pack is slippin. Plus the xmsn fluid (only has ~4k on it) smells really burnt. He said they get plenty of offroad vehicles and he knows not only how to rebuild, but upgrade with a "reverse shell" to prevent "shell outs" plus other upgrades that I cant remember. Anyone know what a "shell out" is?
Anyways, the price quoted is ~$2200 before a 10% discount for prior military.

Getting a little warm, huh?
Image
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by Trail X » Fri May 04, 2012 9:12 am

Holy crap, 250?! I've gotten nervous before when I've reached 225, but never higher than about 228.

I'm guessing they could be right, because slip means energy loss, and that energy turns into heat.

Not familiar with reverse shell or shell out - maybe they are referring to what you're going to be doing when you pay for the service.

Seriously though, might want to look for a reman/junkyard trans, it may be cheaper. I think you can get one for about 800-1000.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by chevycrew » Fri May 04, 2012 6:15 pm

Mine hits 220 to 250 pretty easy with low speed steep climbs even with a aftermarket cooler. I will be adding a fan to that cooler before UA.

I'm not a trans guy by any means, but I know there are tons of upgrades for the 4l60e. Make sure to have a transgo shift kit installed as well with your choice of firmness.

NOTE: a tune that has adjusted the trans shift points and pressures may not play well with a shift kit.
User avatar
chevycrew
Veteran
 
Posts: 1088
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 2:42 pm
Location: UT, Salt Lake City
Name: Steve
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

by DirtyBacon04 » Fri May 04, 2012 9:35 pm

So are you saying get a PCM or a shift kit, just not both?
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by DirtyBacon04 » Fri May 04, 2012 10:13 pm

Well since the USMC stopped paying me last month, and my next paycheck isnt until August, my TB has taken up the "Vehicle That Rarely Moves" parking spot at my house. Gotta work on my dirt bike to keep me sane. Sad day when I realize I cant fix my truck when it breaks...
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by DirtyBacon04 » Sat Aug 25, 2012 8:11 pm

Well, I can't afford to wait to save up enough to repair the tranny. (Ironic statement, I know) So I've gotta take out a personal loan for the repair. Just got unplesant news that I won't be getting as much from the GI Bill as orginally anticipated. About a quarter of what I was expecting.
Now my question is, based off my limited research, the average cost to rebuild a 4L60E is ranging from $1200-$1850. Anyone care to share what they paid for a xmsn rebuild? My local shop quoted me at $2300, and I just want to make sure I'm not getting screwed.
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build
User avatar
DirtyBacon04
Moderator
 
Posts: 3048
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:59 am
Location: AK, Fairbanks
Name: Michael
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Rated

by NC_IslandRunner » Sat Aug 25, 2012 8:37 pm

DirtyBacon04 wrote:Well, I can't afford to wait to save up enough to repair the tranny. (Ironic statement, I know) So I've gotta take out a personal loan for the repair. Just got unplesant news that I won't be getting as much from the GI Bill as orginally anticipated. About a quarter of what I was expecting.
Now my question is, based off my limited research, the average cost to rebuild a 4L60E is ranging from $1200-$1850. Anyone care to share what they paid for a xmsn rebuild? My local shop quoted me at $2300, and I just want to make sure I'm not getting screwed.


Complete rebuild of mine last year was a little over $2200, Felt like I got ripped a new one!
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
User avatar
NC_IslandRunner
Moderator
 
Posts: 3021
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 4:49 pm
Location: NC, Sanford
Name: Rory
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Trail X » Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:51 am

I paid 2300 for a rebuild on my old car.

I think your best bet is getting a remanufactured trans... don't let the local shop rebuild it because they will "find" more parts that have to be updated while they rebuild it, and the total cost will be more than their estimate - guaranteed.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by navigator » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:51 am

dang they are high.
It looks like on car-part they are running >$1k for a used one and close to $1500 for a rebuilt one not counting labor.
"Please consider a search before posting. Folks on this site PIONEERED functional offroad use of these trucks."
The answer to many common lift questions can be found
here
My Build Thread
User avatar
navigator
Moderator
 
Posts: 4651
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:16 am
Location: NC, Winnabow
Name: Chris
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

Next

Return to Troubleshooting