GMC K2500 Transmission Problems & Cost | 4L80E

The GMC K2500 was equipped with the 4L80E transmission and the 700R4 in 80’s models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common GMC K2500 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

GMC K2500 Transmission Models

GMC K2500: 4L80E Transmission
GMC K2500: 700R4 Transmission (Early Models)

GMC K2500 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement GMC K2500 Transmission Prices:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
4L80E2256

What are the DTC codes related to GMC K2500 transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0706Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0719Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit Low
P0724 Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit High
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0753Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0756Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off
P0757Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On
P0758Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical
P0785Shift/Timing Solenoid
P0894Transmission Component Slipping
P1860TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical
P1870Transmission Component Slipping: GM Transmission

GMC K2500 Transmission Recalls

None Found

GMC K2500 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 08-07-30-001 – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, no forward/reverse gears. Possible DTCs: P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0894.
Solution – Rebuild or replace the valve body.

TSB 08-07-30-015 – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Harsh shifts, delayed 2-3 shifts, 2-3 shift flare, no 3rd gear, slips in 3rd gear or reverse. Possible DTC 0757.
Solution – If none of the issues described in Bulletin 08-07-30-001 are present (debris in #11 checkball, leak in oil circuit, damage to the direct clutch), then replace the 2-3 shift solenoid due to a possible sticking pintle.

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.

Common Problems with the GMC K2500 Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your GMC K2500 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a GMC K2500 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a GMC K2500 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the GMC K2500 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are GMC K2500 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your GMC K2500 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a GMC K2500 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your GMC K2500 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for GMC K2500 transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman GMC K2500 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve GMC K2500 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used GMC K2500 Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt GMC K2500 Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured GMC K2500 Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your GMC K2500 Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

Your Name
Email Not Required
12 Tell us about your transmission problems
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anonymous
8 months ago

Leakes fluid when you reverse is engaged

Atilio Aimone
2 years ago

97 k2500 4l89e dtc 1886 1864, has 3rd. Gear and reverse sluggish. Stalls engine intermittently, no downshift. Serviced, replaced solenoids, tested wires and still haven’t fixed

Atilio Aimone
2 years ago

Code 1864 and code 1886. Does not shift, stalls engine intermittently. Has reverse and 3rd. Gear, weak acceleration. No downshift. Serviced, change solenoids, tested wiring. Still have not fixed problem

James
2 years ago

No reverse drops out of overdrive notice tcc valve was lose in valve body

Ron
2 years ago

4L80E tranmission on a 1991 GMC P/U Had it rebuilt not too long ago. My problem with it it has to warm up for 30 to 40 mins before it can go into gear .After warming it up for 35 mins it goes into gear and runs really good.

Tony flowers Texas
3 years ago

1996 3500 6.5ltd 160,xxx miles trans rebuilt around 100k. Trans shifts 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 3rd lockup. Sometimes driving in town it wont go into 4th. Sometimes it will. Sometimes lockup works fine sometimes u have to continuously apply more throttle and cruise 75mph to stay in lockup. Taking off easy from stop in town causes 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 3rd no lockup shifts. Heavy throttle or wot and trans shifts perfectly. Fluid level, color, and smell are good. Hit and miss with trans shifts mostly miss and trying to drive truck is getting annoying. I’d rather go easy on it and do the speed limit

Ronnie
4 years ago

155,000 miles

Ronnie
4 years ago

Forgot this info. 2006 GMC K2500 Duramax/Allison 4 WD. No mods.

Ronnie
4 years ago

I had a cooling line leak. Myself and a buddy replaced all 3 lines. No leaks now but truck is in limp mode and I’ve been unable to get it out of limp. I have diagnostic scanner but not a top of the line one. It gives me the following faults.
P0751, P0756, P0757, P0762, P0732, P0700, P0848, P0843, P0877, P0143, C0035, P0128
It did run low on fluid a couple of times before I was able to replace lines. I’m wondering if we could’ve damaged or broken something electrical while getting the lines in place. I‘d appreciate any input on this before I take it to a shop

John Simpson
4 years ago

Acts like brake on when in reverse when it warms up no problem

Kenny
4 years ago

Changed distributor now wont shift without taking foot off gas 95k2500

ray
5 years ago

Drops out of OD when given throttle.
All else works good. Can drive it in 3rd

12
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x