C5 auto trans problem
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
C5 auto trans problem
I just bought a 1999 C5 with an 4L60 auto trans. The car has 42,000 miles on it. It shifts fine under all circumstances, however I noticed it does not want to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear under full throttle acceleration ( Not all the time, just when driven hard for awhile). The engine just hits the rev limmiter and wont shift till I let off the gas. I also noticed the High trans fluid message came on too . It was up to 245 degrees. Under normal driving it stays at 200 degrees. Is this too high? Is my transmission going to get worse or could it be an electronic issue. the car is bone stock with no mods as far as I can see. Any help would be appreciated. 1st to second shifts are perfect. I have not even experienced a 3rd to 4th shift under full throttle yet. Too much traffic.. I do have a warranty, Thank God. All input will be appreciated. Looking forward to being a member here. Thanks... David
Last edited by David426; Oct 31, 2004 at 10:22 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Your rev limiter might be set too low that might be why you are hitting the limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift. Unfortunately it also could mean your tranny is on the way out. My tranny would also hit the limiter on the 1-2 shift at WOT and I had to have that tranny replaced.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,294
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs Florida
FWIW...The trans it on the way out 
Been there and done that ...TWICE! You may also want to consider a LS1 Edit tune to adjust the shift points and rev limiter settings.
Oh yeah ..if you have installed the Transgo shift kit yet..DO IT!! The shifts will be lightning quick and save you 200-330 rpms between shifts.
More info here..www.transgoperformance.com
Been there and done that ...TWICE! You may also want to consider a LS1 Edit tune to adjust the shift points and rev limiter settings.Oh yeah ..if you have installed the Transgo shift kit yet..DO IT!! The shifts will be lightning quick and save you 200-330 rpms between shifts.
More info here..www.transgoperformance.com
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
Don't know about the 99's, but the owner's manual for the 2003 says the DIC high temp indicator for the transmission fluid comes on when (1) it hits 270F or (2) it rises too rapidly. The 245F is high but within limits, but rises to that level too quickly.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
So are these transmissions crappy? What is the life expectancy of these transmissions. Is there anything I can do to extend the life of a new one when installed? Now I wish I would have bought a 6 speed
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Originally Posted by David426
So are these transmissions crappy? What is the life expectancy of these transmissions. Is there anything I can do to extend the life of a new one when installed? Now I wish I would have bought a 6 speed
Install a tranny cooler, they are inexpensive and will lower your trannys temps which will extend the trannys life.
You don't get a free pass with a 6 speed. If you beat on them a lot you will be putting in clutches and rear ends.
Last edited by Mitch C; Oct 31, 2004 at 02:38 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Originally Posted by David426
I just bought a 1999 C5 with an 4L60 auto trans. The car has 42,000 miles on it. It shifts fine under all circumstances, however I noticed it does not want to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear under full throttle acceleration ( Not all the time, just when driven hard for awhile). The engine just hits the rev limmiter and wont shift till I let off the gas. I also noticed the High trans fluid message came on too . It was up to 245 degrees. Under normal driving it stays at 200 degrees. Is this too high? Is my transmission going to get worse or could it be an electronic issue. the car is bone stock with no mods as far as I can see. Any help would be appreciated. 1st to second shifts are perfect. I have not even experienced a 3rd to 4th shift under full throttle yet. Too much traffic.. I do have a warranty, Thank God. All input will be appreciated. Looking forward to being a member here. Thanks... David
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Originally Posted by REDGAR
Same symptons I saw before replacing my trans. I beat on it a lot. I had about 55k but well over 500 1/4 mile passes
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Sure sign of the 2-3 clutch pak going. The slippage is causeing the temp to soar (happens in a few seconds).
Tranny will act fine if not under WOT at first, but you need a re-build and Vince & Edgar are right, go with a race built.
A stock one will last a long time if under 400 RWHP if you have a transgo kit installed when very low miles on it....this ups the line pressure and reduces the shift time (GM builds in a small amount of slip for that SMOOTH shift feel).
I have been through a few
Tranny will act fine if not under WOT at first, but you need a re-build and Vince & Edgar are right, go with a race built.
A stock one will last a long time if under 400 RWHP if you have a transgo kit installed when very low miles on it....this ups the line pressure and reduces the shift time (GM builds in a small amount of slip for that SMOOTH shift feel).
I have been through a few
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 2
From: Misawa
St. Jude Donor '08
Same exact thing happened to my 98 with only 42k on the tranny, but I lost 3rd and 4th after a little while. Get ready for yours to do the same. I do have some mods on it, but they are still the ame systems. I agree though if you have the money upgrade, but if not since it is under warranty make them replace for free. Then you can just save for when happens again!!!!!!!
