The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop HELP! Problems with LA 80E tranny!

Ok, I know that my tranny isn't an oldie and if my husband finds out I am posting this I might hurt his male pride but we have a 1997 1 ton pickup with tranny problems. My husband is WONDERFUL with the older stuff but we are lost on the new stuff.

Sometimes, it seems when it is cold, it won't shift into overdrive. Then when it is warm or when it feels like it, it shifts just fine. It also will slip sometimes too. We both figure it is due to get rebuilt but am hoping there is a little trick we can try to keep it alive for little a while longer. Any suggestions or help would be apprecitated. Thanks! :confused:

Hy Debbie Jo, your problem could be as simple as a fluid and filter change, or as bad as a transmission rebuild. The 4L80E is a heavy duty electronically controlled transmission, the E.C.U. [computer] has to be able to communicate with the engine E.C.M. [computer] and all of its sensors, or problems like this may occur. I would take the vehicle to a shop that can download any codes from either computer, if there are no codes then I would take the vehicle to a transmission shop you trust and have them diagnose it, hope that helps.

I sure appreciate the feedback. We have changed fluid. We figure that is the next step to have the computer checked out but I just would love to get rid of it. I hate computers, sensors and all that junk. I wonder how difficult they are to rebuild. I have done a turbo 350 with help. I figure you would need a medical liscense to tear into this one.

Anyway, thanks so much. I guess I will just have to break down and get someone else to do it instead of us.

HY Debbie Jo, if it turns out to need a rebuild, they are not all that different to work on than the non computer transmission, just a lot of solenoids to control the functions. Cleanliness is the most important thing when rebuilding any tranny, good luck.

Transx