Trans Fluid

[psyco66]

Originally Posted by Harvick

When I went to Kragen, they stated I should use the Valvoline Dex/Merc, so I did.

What the hell are you doing listening to someone at Kragens. Everyone that works at Kragens is an IDIOT.

[plato442]

The Allison tech said that a fluid change should not cause it to delaminate the clutch packs causing it to not hold as much power, but instead adding a 'fushing agent or additive' may deteriorate the adhesives holding it and the seals together. Allison has an ALLISON specific flushing machine they use. Also by adding any power increase from a tuner/chip can cause the TCM to be fooled and not hold or withstand the load there for causing strain on the torque converter under higher trottle. This came straight from Allison Transmission Distributor.

[plato442]

According to Allison, TRANSYND or a TES-389 fluid is recomended for pre-2007 built trannys.

[Tow Master]

Originally Posted by Harvick

Its an 03 max with the Allison. Changed the filters and fluids in October and the only thing I could think of is the type of fluid that may have caused the problem. I rarely tow with it.
When I went to Kragen, they stated I should use the Valvoline Dex/Merc, so I did.

What are the symtoms of yours going bad? Whats it doing? Also, Do you have a programmer or anything?

[Harvick]

It started about 2 months after the fluid change while towing an empty trailer it slipped while making a pass, SES light came on, I pulled over and it had hardly any power. Turned it off and set, then back on and I drove for another month beforfe the same thing happened while not towing. Kept driving, it corrected itself and drove another 300 miles from AZ to LA with no issues.
Next week, same issue with slippage and limited power, but I lost reverse for a few minutes, then limped it into Chevy where they said the fluid was burnt and the pressure in the tranny forced the filter out from its setting.
Chevy stated the fluid used could definitely have been the root of the problem.

[Harvick]

No chips either

[Tow Master]

Hmm thats weird. Did you buy the truck new or used?

The allison has a problem that the trans will slip and go into limp mode if you add a programmer. However, the transmissions are so sensitive thst improper maintenence could cause damage.

I know that the older 5 speeds in GM diesels called for synthetic. If you changed to a different fluid in them you could get problems as well.

[Harvick]

I called the dealer and they'll put on the repair ticket that the fluids were most likely the cause.
From there, I'll go to Kragen and try to get some sort of reimbursement.
It's worth a shot since this is really what happened. I wouldnt attempt it if I was towing alot or abusing the tranny, but considering I tried to maintain it, its a different story.

[Tow Master]

Wow thats a bummer. So you'll have to pay for another tranny? I didnt see you went to Kragens. Id probably go after them to. Its hard to give advice on transmissions now a days.

Im not sure what you want to do with the truck but you might want to talk to tone of the site vendors about getting a complete rebuild kit. With the kit the trans will handle more power like if you want to add a programmer in the future. Since its out you might as well upgrade!

[Harvick]

When looking at the Dex/Merc labels, it states that it is compatible with the Allison C4, so why does Chevy state otherwise?