2015 Tahoe transmission repair/rebuild in Nashua to Boston…

A930Rocket · 03:19 PM

2015 Chevy Tahoe LT
190,000 miles

Ms. Rocket is a traveling nurse working in Nashua, New Hampshire, for a couple more months. She’s had trouble starting her car and we determined it was the park/neutral switch in the transmission. She had a place replace the switch and do a transmission service with new filter, gaskets, etc. When they took the pan out, there was a boatload of metal particles. The guys said her transmission is living on borrowed time.

She bought it used with a one owner history, but we don’t know if the transmission has ever been serviced.

That said, we’re looking at potentially rebuilding or replacing the transmission. We may do it up there, because it’s a long haul home, and she doesn’t want to have transmission failure on her way back.

Shaun : everyone….. can you recommend a shop between Nashua and Boston?

Thanks

Steve Carlton · 03-28-2025, 06:18 PM

I'd pay a reasonable upgrade to go from a shop rebuild to a shop installation of a factory remanufactured transmission or even a new transmission. I had a 2007 S80 V8 with 76k miles that I put a warranty on for $3k. I got $12k out of it within a year or two for transmission and suspension, and paid $350 extra to go from reman to new.

A930Rocket · 04:28 PM

Transmissions in higher mileage Tahoe/suburban must be the week link. We had to replace the transmission in her 2010 while she was traveling. That was done at the dealer and was ridiculous money.

Now, we’re looking proactively to get it done at a reputable/lower cost transmission shop. I’ve read there are several things that need to be upgraded.

The truck would not start this morning, which is one reason we had the transmission serviced. No crank, no start. We thought maybe it was the park neutral switch, which was replaced. We thought it was about battery, which we replaced a couple weeks ago. So with a new battery and park neutral safety switch, we’ve gotta figure out why it won’t start. Maybe the ignition switch?

Edit: no crank, no start. Battery is brand new and load tested. Transmission Park neutral switch replaced.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Automagical transmissions are crazy expensive for rebuild. There is an entire element of mechanics that say to never service one, as they often fail soon after a service.

My El Camino came with the metric 200 transmission designed for some sub compact. It was a poor choice from Chevy to offer it in the vehicle. It failed at 50,000 miles. I replaced it with a Turbo 350, and it did not last long before it failed. I was lucky enough to find a transmission guru in Bethany, OK.

Anyway, I had him put in a 200R4 with a lockup controlled by the TBI fuel injection system. It has been great. It is like a 5 speed not a 3 speed like the Turbo 350.

Personally in your situation, I would find one of the factory new or built transmission companies, and have the old one sent back as a core. Finding the old grey haired transmission expert is a challenge. You don't want an expensive rebuild from a guy that watched some YouTube videos if you plan on keeping the vehicle.

A930Rocket · 03-29-2025, 02:07 PM

To replace the transmission at the dealer, in her 2010 Tahoe, was I think $6-7000. Cha Ching! Unfortunately, it happened somewhere in North Carolina or Virginia, while she was on the way to a job.

Yeah, finding the experienced guy that can rebuild a transmission properly and possibly with upgraded parts, is the hard part. Especially when you’re 1000 miles away.

I talked to Ms Rocket a little while ago, and I think she’s going to take it to the dealership to get the no start situation diagnosed. Then, depending what it is, we either have it fixed there or find somebody who can do it cheaper. She doesn’t want to be stranded somewhere with a no start problem.

In the meantime, we will keep looking for a transmission shop.

If it would make it home, I know a shop here in Charleston that did my 2001 F150 transmission and they are recommended by a Mercedes shop we used to use.

Steve Carlton · 03:02 PM

Maybe just trade it in somewhere if the no start problem gets fixed? It sounds like the transmission is working for now. See what CarMax offers.

Arizona_928 · 03-29-2025, 03:54 PM

Not uncommon for a good tranny shop to have cars shipped across the country for the rebuild…

Sounds like the clutches aren’t toasted yet and it’s a simple diagnostic and repair. Use oem and call it a day.

Brian 162 · 03-29-2025, 04:35 PM

With my 17 Tahoe I’ve replaced the transmission fluid/filter twice. I bought it used in 21 with 60,000 miles, it now has 120,000 miles. On the Tahoe forum there’s talk of an updated transmission fluid type that the transmission seems to operate better.
There’s also chat about torque converter failures.
Good luck I hope you can solve it.

A930Rocket · 03-29-2025, 04:39 PM

^^^ I read something about a billet torque converter and to replace it when doing the transmission work.

Right now, she says the truck is running well. We just don’t know how long.

The big problem right now is the intermittent starting. Sometimes it starts in park, sometimes it will start in neutral. Other times it won’t start at all.

Brian 162 · 03-29-2025, 04:47 PM

^^^^
I almost suggested to check the starter, but it doesn’t sound like that is the problem.
My starter developed a flat spot. it would start 20 out of 21 times, then nothing just a click.
I just replaced it last Saturday.

A930Rocket · 03-29-2025, 05:14 PM

I could rule out several things if I was working on it.

It would be easy to turn the key to run and jump the starter relay to rule out a few things. I told her to go by the FLAPS to pick up a starter relay and maybe they would change it for her. Just one more thing to rule out

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-29-2025, 05:20 PM

I wish I could help with a recommendation but I never take my cats to shops and don’t know of any offhand. I have a friend in the Nashua area though, I’ll send him a note and see if he can recommend a shop.

Why not put in a low mileage trans from a yard?

A930Rocket · 03-29-2025, 05:40 PM

I haven’t a priced a used transmission, but I guess it’s an option. It would have to be priced cheap, I would think, to make it worthwhile since the removing and replaced cost would be the same.

A930Rocket · 03-29-2025, 05:57 PM

Jegs and Summit Racing have the transmission for about $2800.

Steve Carlton · 03-29-2025, 06:26 PM

What’s the best going rate from a Chevy dealer online? You could have it shipped, but better if the price is close to have it installed locally. This would give you an idea if it’s worth it to do this or consider trading it in (or selling it to CarMax) and just the starting problem fixed. Offset the hit of effectively wholesaling it by skipping a transmission replacement. Might be better to cut bait.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-30-2025, 03:21 AM

did you know there is a recall?

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission recall information. Input your VIN to see if you're impacted or get a list of open recalls by model.

A930Rocket · 03:57 AM

^^^^ I did, but it’s for a different transmission. Hers has the 6L80 transmission

A remanufactured GM transmission is $3800. No idea what labor is to remove and replace.

I found used transmissions for $2000. Knowing these 6L80 transmissions are not the most reliable, I would not go that route.

She likes her truck, it’s an excellent condition, and has no intentions of selling or trading it in.

rfuerst911sc · 03-30-2025, 04:21 AM

What about a national chain like Aamco ? They have been around for a very long time . They have service centers in a LOT of places . With your wife traveling a lot maybe that's an option . Also maybe consider Jasper , they rebuild engines and transmissions .

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-30-2025, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

^^^^ I did, but it’s for a different transmission. Hers has the 6L80 transmission

A remanufactured GM transmission is $3800. No idea what labor is to remove and replace.

I found used transmissions for $2000. Knowing these 6L80 transmissions are not the most reliable, I would not go that route.

She likes her truck, it’s an excellent condition, and has no intentions of selling or trading it in.

as long as the remanufactured has upgrades to address the original design flaws, that's a no brainer for you. Waiting to hear back on a shop but $5K all in (guessing) is probably the best course of action

pavulon · 03-30-2025, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

as long as the remanufactured has upgrades to address the original design flaws, that's a no brainer for you. Waiting to hear back on a shop but $5K all in (guessing) is probably the best course of action

This guy seems to understand the issue. Not sure about his solutions but maybe he has it figured out.