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Thread: 4L80E: Doesn't shift into overdrive...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Brooker, FL
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    Default 4L80E: Doesn't shift into overdrive...

    I'm on the road on a short trip (120 miles) in the motorhome; due to traffic, I didn't put the selector into OD until about 1/3 of the way here. It usually shifts into OD at around 50-55 mph. Never did shift, stayed in 3rd.

    I had the coach serviced a week ago, and it worked normally. The only messing around I did was to spray lube on the IP shaft, as it wasn't returning to idle like it should. That's normal now.

    I checked the TPS, and it's secure.

    Temps and performance are otherwise normal.

    Any ideas?
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
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    CA
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    Arrow

    Contaminated TPS with spray lube?
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    359

    Default

    Any trouble codes?
    1998 k2500

  4. #4
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    Brooker, FL
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    Default

    I don't have access to a scanner at the moment.

    It's possible I contaminated the TPS, but I don't think so as it's an enclosed unit.
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

  5. #5
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    "Enclosed" is far from "sealed". Most spray lubricants penetrate very easily, which is as most are designed to do. Some of them aren't "plastic friendly", as well.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  6. #6
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    Trouble codes aren't really relevant on a mechanical system.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  7. #7
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    Sep 2006
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    The tranny was about a qt. low on ATF; that might be it. I have the Mag-Hytec pan, BTW.

    Mine does throw basic codes.

    I'll wait until I get home to mess with it.

    May be time to put the voltmeter on the TSP...

    Thanks for the tips, guys.
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    359

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    Quote Originally Posted by DmaxMaverick View Post
    Trouble codes aren't really relevant on a mechanical system.
    4l80e will have codes in the TCM if applicable.

    1998 k2500

  9. #9
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    Sep 2006
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    I guess I did the right exorcism chant; the tranny operated normally on the 125 mile trip home...
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    N.Delta, BC, Canada
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    Hi Rusty,
    I am curious if your overdrive issue remains fixed.

    I was returning from a long trip from Port Hardy at the top of Vancouver Island and lost my overdrive last week, just south of Campbell River. I was towing my boat without camper, and the tranny temp reached 220° so it was cooking. Lots of ups/downs and twisting pavement on that highway.

    The overdrive returned once the vehicle cooled down and worked fine after I pulled off the Ferry.

    I had the transmission flushed and currently have no issue... but wonder if I need to be concerned the next time I go on a long haul.

  11. #11
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    Sep 2006
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    Brooker, FL
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    I did my monthly 20 mile "exercise drive" a few days ago, and all was well.

    A tranny temp of 220° is not excessive.

    The stock torque converter is known to be weak, which is why I had a Suncoast Converters unit installed - the stock one failed, and although it would shift into OD, the temp ran around 180° up from the usual 145-150°, and also raised the engine coolant several degrees.

    So to answer your question, it depends. I'd monitor the temps and see if there's a trend. I have the same basic drivetrain you have (no chips) - the stock 4L80E is good for 450 lb.-ft. of torque, so if your engine is uprated from the stock 190 HP, there's a very good possibility the TC is failing.
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    N.Delta, BC, Canada
    Posts
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    Noted with thanks.. will monitor for sure.
    Cheers! Mike

  13. #13
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    Looking for something else last night, I found the Suncoast invoice - the HD torque converter was ~$1,300 and the machined spline was ~$600. They also rebuilt and upgraded the tranny itself, now rated at 850 lb.-ft.
    '94 Barth 28' Breakaway M/H ("StaRV II") diesel pusher: Spartan chassis, aluminum birdcage construction. Peninsular/AMG 6.5L TD (230HP), 18:1, Phazer, non-wastgated turbo, hi-pop injectors, 4L80E (Sun Coast TC & rebuild, M-H Pan), Dana 80 (M-H Cover), Fluidampr, EGT, trans temp, boost gage. Honda EV-4010 gaso genset, furnace, roof air, stove, microwave/convection, 2-dr. 3-way reefer. KVH R5SL Satellite. Cruises 2, sleeps 4, carries 6, and parties 8 (parties 12 - tested).

    Stand-ins are an '02 Cadillac Escalade AWD 6.0L and an '06 Toyota Sienna Limited.

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