2014–2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Transmission Repair in Glendale, AZ (6L80 / 8L90)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates on 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 transmission problems, straight answers and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The 2014-2018 Silverado 1500, known as the K2XX generation, brought a new family of V6 and V8 engines and, starting in 2015, an eight-speed automatic on some trucks. Plenty of these pickups are now past their factory coverage and still earning their keep around the West Valley: commuting on Loop 101, hauling side-by-sides out to the desert and crawling through summer traffic on Bell Road. At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale, we diagnose and repair both the six-speed and eight-speed transmissions used in these trucks, and every job starts with confirming exactly which one is under yours.

Which Transmission Is in Your 2014-2018 Silverado 1500?

GM used two automatics in this generation. Which one you have depends on the engine, the model year and, on some trucks, the trim level:

Engine	Transmission	Speeds	Notes
4.3L V6	6L80E	6	The usual V6 pairing
5.3L V8	6L80E	6	Most 5.3L trucks in these years
5.3L V8 (some trims, 2016-2018)	8L90	8	Depends on trim and options
6.2L V8 (2015-2018)	8L90	8	Eight-speed from 2015 on

Not sure which one you have? Look for the Service Parts Identification label in the glovebox; its three-character RPO codes identify the transmission. Your VIN confirms the engine and build, and the transmission case carries its own ID tag. Call (623) 473-9800 with your VIN and we will confirm the exact unit before we quote.

Common 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 Transmission Problems

6L80E: torque converter shudder

The best-known six-speed complaint is a shudder under light throttle that feels like driving over a rough patch of pavement when the road is smooth. It usually comes from the torque converter clutch slipping and grabbing as it applies. Worn fluid can make it worse, but a damaged converter clutch will not fix itself. Read more about 6L80E torque converter shudder.

6L80E: harsh, late or erratic shifts

A bang on the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, a clunk into gear or a sudden drop into limp mode can trace back to valve body wear, internal clutch damage or the control module mounted inside the transmission. Some trucks improve with updated programming and a relearn; others need internal repair. See 6L80E shifting hard and our 6L80E rebuild page.

8L90: shudder and clunky low-speed shifts

Many eight-speed Silverados developed a shudder, especially as the converter clutch engages. GM changed the recommended fluid for these transmissions to address it, and a correct fluid exchange cures some trucks; others have converter damage that has to be repaired. The 8L90 is also known for firm or clunky shifts in stop-and-go driving. Learn more at 8L90 shudder and 8L90 transmission rebuild.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• A buzz or shudder when the converter locks up at steady speed
• Slow engagement when you shift into Drive or Reverse
• Harsh downshifts as you slow for a light
• RPM flare or slipping while merging onto the freeway
• A check engine light, transmission message or reduced-power mode
• Burnt-smelling fluid or red spots where you park

If you notice any of these, hold off on heavy hauling until the truck is checked. Our transmission diagnostic testing shows whether the fix is software, a single component or the transmission itself.

2014-2018 Silverado 1500 Transmission Prices

Current Sun West prices for these transmissions are on our price pages:

Or call (623) 473-9800 for a free quote.

Rebuild, Remanufactured or Used?

Once internal damage is confirmed, there are three ways to get your Silverado back on the road, and we will walk you through each one:

• Rebuild: we overhaul your original transmission in our Glendale shop and correct the known weak points of the 6L80E or 8L90.
• Remanufactured: a replacement unit that can cut down the time your truck is out of service.
• Good used: a lower-cost option when budget comes first. We will explain its terms before you decide.

Qualifying rebuilds and replacements carry our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs, honored here at our Glendale shop. If the timing is tight, ask about financing.

After Installation

A transmission job is not finished when the last bolt is tight. Before your truck leaves, we:

• Program or update the control module and run the adaptive relearn so shifts feel right from the first drive (TCM programming)
• Flush the cooler and lines, or replace the cooler, so debris from the old unit cannot reach the new one
• Fill with the correct fluid, DEXRON VI for the 6L80E or the fluid GM currently specifies for the 8L90, to the proper level
• Road test the truck and check for leaks, codes and shift quality

Arizona Heat and Trailer-Towing Tips

• Use Tow/Haul mode whenever a trailer is hooked up. It holds gears longer and cuts down on gear hunting.
• Stay within the tow rating for your exact engine and configuration; your owner’s manual lists it.
• On long climbs like I-17 toward Prescott, let the transmission hold a lower gear instead of lugging in a high one.
• Service the fluid more often if you tow or sit in summer traffic: transmission fluid change.
• If you tow regularly, ask about an auxiliary transmission cooler.

For more, read how Arizona heat affects your transmission and towing and your transmission.

2014-2018 Silverado 1500 Transmission FAQ

Does my truck have the six-speed or the eight-speed?

It depends on the engine and trim. The 4.3L V6 and most 5.3L trucks have the 6L80E. 6.2L trucks from 2015 and some 5.3L trims from 2016 have the 8L90. The RPO label in the glovebox or your VIN settles it.

Will a fluid exchange fix my shudder?

Sometimes. On eight-speed trucks, GM’s updated fluid has resolved some shudder complaints, and fresh fluid can help a six-speed too. If the converter clutch is already damaged, the converter has to be replaced.

Is an 8L90 worth rebuilding?

Often, yes, especially when the case and major hard parts are reusable. After inspection we will tell you whether a rebuild, a remanufactured unit or a used transmission makes the most sense for your truck.