2 Issues on 2010 C6
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
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From: Lake Worth Florida
2 Issues on 2010 C6
Hello,
I have a 2010 C6, A6 with about 11K miles. I have 2 issues that have been there since new, and I am looking for some feedback from the experts here as to whether they are characteristics or problems:
1) At about 3500 RPM in any gear, I get a pretty good vibration from the drivetrain. It goes away above 4000RPM. Drive shaft, maybe?
2) The other is when the transmission downshifts into first gear when the car is still very cold (only does it for the first 10th of a mile or so)... it feels like the tranny wants to stay in 2nd and then in reluctantly and somewhat roughly downshifts into first. It does this at the first couple stop signs I encounter in my neighborhood, but then once I get up to speed for a little while (10th of a mile or so) it goes away. I tried a transmission oil change and filter to no avail.
Thanks,
Paul
I have a 2010 C6, A6 with about 11K miles. I have 2 issues that have been there since new, and I am looking for some feedback from the experts here as to whether they are characteristics or problems:
1) At about 3500 RPM in any gear, I get a pretty good vibration from the drivetrain. It goes away above 4000RPM. Drive shaft, maybe?
2) The other is when the transmission downshifts into first gear when the car is still very cold (only does it for the first 10th of a mile or so)... it feels like the tranny wants to stay in 2nd and then in reluctantly and somewhat roughly downshifts into first. It does this at the first couple stop signs I encounter in my neighborhood, but then once I get up to speed for a little while (10th of a mile or so) it goes away. I tried a transmission oil change and filter to no avail.
Thanks,
Paul
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax VA
I have 2010 GS and having the same issues with the transmission - only it's happening more often. I've taken it in 3 times and they can't find anything wrong - no codes... Just dosen't seem normal.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I ordered a manual in mine so I don't have this issue. I'm wondering if the transmission shift points are altered by temperature within the PCM? A PM to ChuckCow might be a good idea as he's the expert with programming.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
I would have the tires balanced and the transmission fluid changed. The dealer should fix the trans under warranty. They might do the balance also. If the vibration is not the tires it is a warranty item also. 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 531
Likes: 10
From: Northford CT
I have a 2010 A6 and find the same issue as you. It is a little rough all around and I am ok with it, just pretty much ignore it, the A6 gets mixed reviews and is not known as being particulary smooth. Regarding the vibration I do not have that issue although I do not spend a lot of time at 4K.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 6
From: Redmond WA
2011 A6 and I have smooth shifts into first down to temps in the upper 30's (the coldest I've experienced so far). Maybe a programming change in the transmission?
I have NPP, so if there's any vibration at 3500 RPMs, it might be drowned out by the changeover in exhaust mode. Seems really smooth all the way to redline.
The one thing that has been present from day 1 that seems to be getting a bit worse are the engine shakes that happen when decelerating fully off the throttle at freeway speeds with the torque converter locked up. What was a mild couple of shakes can now easily be felt by the passenger and has drawn several "What's that?" responses.
I have NPP, so if there's any vibration at 3500 RPMs, it might be drowned out by the changeover in exhaust mode. Seems really smooth all the way to redline.
The one thing that has been present from day 1 that seems to be getting a bit worse are the engine shakes that happen when decelerating fully off the throttle at freeway speeds with the torque converter locked up. What was a mild couple of shakes can now easily be felt by the passenger and has drawn several "What's that?" responses.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
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From: Lake Worth Florida
Thank you for all responses. The transmission fluid and filter have been changed. The vibration is at 3500RPM, not at a specific speed, so it's not the tires. Again, 3500 RPM in any gear at any speed.
The first gear downshift isn't a big deal as it only happens for the first few 100 yards.
There's no doubt that the dealer "should" fix it, but that doesn't mean they can or will. They are usually good at fixing things that are broken, not so good at subtle issues like these. That's why I wanted to hear your experiences.
I'm going to ask the dealer if there are any software updates. If so, I'll give them a shot at it. I'm a little more worried about the vibration as vibration is not a good thing and can be an indication of something serious.
Thanks again,
Paul
The first gear downshift isn't a big deal as it only happens for the first few 100 yards.
There's no doubt that the dealer "should" fix it, but that doesn't mean they can or will. They are usually good at fixing things that are broken, not so good at subtle issues like these. That's why I wanted to hear your experiences.
I'm going to ask the dealer if there are any software updates. If so, I'll give them a shot at it. I'm a little more worried about the vibration as vibration is not a good thing and can be an indication of something serious.
Thanks again,
Paul
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Since its RPM specific, it can be anything in the engine to the input shaft of the Transmission. Since you are under warranty, its best to use it, since you paid for it. It could be just a spark plug/wire having issues or any number of other things.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,507
Likes: 723
From: Sausalito CA
Well the trans.....make sure oil level and type are is correct, yet you had this issue since new.
So, yes, check for software updates.
Could be the oil in the trans just needs to warm up some....hence you comment "first few 100 yards". Testarossas are notorious for difficult shifting into first when cold, not sure about Vettes as I rarely hear about this downshift issue. Is the weather cold in your area?
Let us know the conclusion.
3500 vibration since new...could be many things. So what items are balanced in the drive train...harmonic balancer, flywheel, drive shaft? Other items, motor & trans mounts, rims & tires & rotors, axles, loose or bent suspension, exhaust mounts...too many items.
Maybe difficult to find without driving around with a vibration tool installed.
Good hunting.
So, yes, check for software updates.
Could be the oil in the trans just needs to warm up some....hence you comment "first few 100 yards". Testarossas are notorious for difficult shifting into first when cold, not sure about Vettes as I rarely hear about this downshift issue. Is the weather cold in your area?
Let us know the conclusion.
3500 vibration since new...could be many things. So what items are balanced in the drive train...harmonic balancer, flywheel, drive shaft? Other items, motor & trans mounts, rims & tires & rotors, axles, loose or bent suspension, exhaust mounts...too many items.
Maybe difficult to find without driving around with a vibration tool installed.
Good hunting.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,022
Likes: 2,715
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
2011 A6 and I have smooth shifts into first down to temps in the upper 30's (the coldest I've experienced so far). Maybe a programming change in the transmission?
I have NPP, so if there's any vibration at 3500 RPMs, it might be drowned out by the changeover in exhaust mode. Seems really smooth all the way to redline.
The one thing that has been present from day 1 that seems to be getting a bit worse are the engine shakes that happen when decelerating fully off the throttle at freeway speeds with the torque converter locked up. What was a mild couple of shakes can now easily be felt by the passenger and has drawn several "What's that?" responses.
I have NPP, so if there's any vibration at 3500 RPMs, it might be drowned out by the changeover in exhaust mode. Seems really smooth all the way to redline.
The one thing that has been present from day 1 that seems to be getting a bit worse are the engine shakes that happen when decelerating fully off the throttle at freeway speeds with the torque converter locked up. What was a mild couple of shakes can now easily be felt by the passenger and has drawn several "What's that?" responses.
About 1-2 years ago i posted about this, many people have the same issue but it doesn't seem to be harming anything.
The dealer checked recently, my car does have the latest engine and transmission programs.
Let us know if you find a fix!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
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Thanks,
Laura
GM Customer Service
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
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From: Lake Worth Florida
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
since you haven't identified where you live (anonymity is a great thing), it's hard to say try so and so other dealer. but, since your dealer can't seem to isolate the problem, try so and so other dealer in your area. find out first before you go there, of course, if they have a good Corv. tech.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
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From: Tucson AZ
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
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From: Lake Worth Florida
Quick Update:
On the driveline vibration I did a little more testing to isolate it. It occurs only under acceleration, starts about 3700 and goes away around 4000. If I hold RPM's steady it doesn't vibrate, but any acceleration brings on the vibration.
I think that means it probably not a primary imbalance in the engine, which is good news, but may point to the drive shaft since it spins at the same speed as the engine.
On the driveline vibration I did a little more testing to isolate it. It occurs only under acceleration, starts about 3700 and goes away around 4000. If I hold RPM's steady it doesn't vibrate, but any acceleration brings on the vibration.
I think that means it probably not a primary imbalance in the engine, which is good news, but may point to the drive shaft since it spins at the same speed as the engine.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth Florida
since you haven't identified where you live (anonymity is a great thing), it's hard to say try so and so other dealer. but, since your dealer can't seem to isolate the problem, try so and so other dealer in your area. find out first before you go there, of course, if they have a good Corv. tech.
I updated my profile with where I live. I'm in South Florida, Palm Beach County.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
what does anyone think of the service tech competency of Maroone Chev, and Roger Dean Chev.? We've already heard about Schumacker in North Palm*.
there's also Lou Bachrodt, Phil Smith, Belle Glade (all farther away from Lake Worth than the two above).
Any thoughts on dealer service techs at these dealers, let's give them to OP
* http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...of-my-car.html