6 Speed Automatic Transmission (6L80E) Minor 2-3 Upshift Flare When Cold (Export Only)

Some customers may comment about a minor 2-3 upshift flare which occurs during:

There are two conditions recognized and two different driving conditions.

Air trapped in 3-5-R clutch assembly

The first 2-3 upshift cold or after the vehicle has been sitting with engine switched off for several minutes can be caused by air trapped in the 3-5-R clutch assembly. When the transmission is commanded to complete the first 2-3 upshift, the air trapped is then purged, and all subsequent shifts will be normal (no flare) for the current ignition cycle.

When diagnosing this condition, a garage shift into reverse before drive will purge the air out of the 3-5-R clutch assembly and prevent a 2-3 flare from occurring.

This condition is a NORMAL characteristic of the transmission and will not cause any durability concerns. NO repair attempts should be made.

ATF temperature sensitivity

When the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) temperature is at or below 30°C, a 2-3 upshift flare may occur until the ATF temperature warms up. If the 2-3 upshift flare is determined to be ATF temperature sensitive, use a Tech 2® to note the throttle position when the flare occurs. Drive the vehicle until the ATF temperature is at least 40°C then make several 2-3 upshifts at the throttle position previously noted. This will allow the transmission adapts to tailor the shifts and may help to eliminate the cold 2-3 flare.

This condition is a NORMAL characteristic of the transmission and will not cause any durability concerns. NO repair attempts should be made.

SERVICE RECOMMENDATION

Important: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECALIBRATE ANY 2007 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE FOR THIS CONDITION.

MY2008 has a calibration modification that slightly improves the condition but will not completely eliminate it.

The 2008 model year calibration is not usable in a 2007 model year vehicle due to transmission hardware differences.