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Shudder or Slip in Reverse Under Hard Acceleration- keywords chatter

Subject:Shudder or Slip in Reverse Under Hard Acceleration

Models:2005-2007 Buick Rainier
2005-2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2005 Chevrolet Corvette
2005-2007 Chevrolet Express, Trailblazer, Trailblazer EXT
2007 Chevrolet Silverado
2005-2006 Chevrolet SSR
2005-2007 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL, Envoy XUV, Savana
2007 GMC Sierra
2005-2007 Hummer H2, H2 SUT
2006-2007 Hummer H3
2005-2006 Pontiac GTO
2005-2007 Saab 9-7X
Equipped with 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E Automatic Transmission, (RPO M30, M32, M70)



This PI was superceded to remove affected models. Please discard PIP4022B.


The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

Shudder or slip in reverse on hard acceleration only. Typically it is easiest to duplicate by shifting to reverse and immediately accelerating very aggressively on level ground or by accelerating less aggressively up a hill or with a heavy load.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Note: Ensure the vehicle is equipped with the OEM tire size prior to attempting the below diagnosis. Also, make sure that the rear tires are matching side-to-side in make, size and depth of tread (wear). Mismatched tires can contribute to axle hop which can easily be confused with transmission shudder.

Before attempting to duplicate this concern make sure to ask the customer if the condition occurs when the vehicle is loaded or has a trailer attached or if the vehicle is unloaded. This condition can also be caused by rear axle hop, especially when backing a trailer up a hill. When attempting to duplicate the condition have another person watch the rear tires to verify this is not a hop condition. Also, when attempting to duplicate the condition allow one second after moving the shift lever to the Reverse position before depressing the accelerator pedal. Increasing throttle before one second may result in slip or shudder even though there is not a problem with the transmission as the clutches are not fully filled and applied.

If a slip or shudder issue occurs, verify that reverse boost can be obtained. Use a line pressure gauge to monitor line pressure and use a Tech 2 to monitor PSC amperage during the concern to document the R.O. and TAC case. Engage D4, raise engine RPM to 1,000, allow three seconds for line pressure to stabilize and record line pressure reading. Engage Reverse, raise engine RPM to 1,000, allow three seconds for line pressure to stabilize and record line pressure. Reverse pressure should be at least 20 psi higher than Drive pressure.

Find an identical vehicle and duplicate the same driving maneuver. If it does exhibit the same symptom, this may be an unreasonable driving maneuver and repairs may not be necessary. If another vehicle does not exhibit this concern, inspect the reverse input and low/reverse clutches for damage and root cause (i.e. circuit leak).

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.