How Do I Know If My GM 4L80E Transmission Needs To Be Replaced?

The GM 4L80E Transmission is a four-speed automatic produced by General Motors between 1991 and 2009. These transmissions were popular in several GMC and Chevrolet pickups, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

It was also modified for use in Bentley and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as the Hummer H1. The E in the name stands for electronic control, and the 4L80E also came fitted with an overdrive gear and lockup torque converter.

Common Failure Symptoms Of The GM 4L80E Transmission

The 4L80E has a reputation for being robust and reliable, but even the toughest transmissions will eventually wear out from age and regular use.

These are the most common issues you may experience with your 4L80E:

Erratic Or No Upshifts

If your transmission is upshifting at random engine speeds or refuses to upshift from 1^st gear, this could indicate TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) or Speed Sensor malfunctions. A replacement sensor may fix the issue, but the increased line pressure may also have damaged the valve body in the process.

Refusal To Downshift

When your transmission struggles to shift down from a higher gear, it can be due to failed solenoids. Upgraded replacement solenoids can resolve this issue.

Over Drive Not Engaging Correctly

A damaged or failed clutch can stop the overdrive gear from engaging properly. If your transmission constantly slips out of OD into 3^rd gear it is time to get a remanufactured unit.

Known 4L80E Transmission Faults

Even the best transmissions will have a few issues that only become known after many years of service in the field. Here are the most common ones on the 4L80E:

Overheating and Oil Starvation

An issue on earlier 4L80E units (mostly pre-1998) was overheating or oil starvation due to poorly located coolant lines. Overheating damaged the planetary gears.

Drum Issues

Over time, the overdrive planetary gears could also become damaged from overheating. This would occur because the shaft in the center of the drum assembly cuts grooves inside the drum, causing it to lose lubrication.

Low Oil

Low oil levels in the transmission, even for a short while, can overheat the drums, which can break the gears and cause the clutches to wear out prematurely.

All of these issues can cause the transmission failure symptoms mentioned above.

How Much Does A 4L80E Transmission Cost?

A fully remanufactured PPI GM 4L80E transmission costs between $2,699 and $3,099. These prices include the standard 3-year warranty and the return of your old transmission core. A core charge of approximately $800 will be levied if the old transmission is not returned to PPI. Additional 5 and 7-year warranty options can also be purchased, as well as Powertrain Pure Care coverage.

Can I Replace The 4L80E Transmission Myself?

It is technically possible to replace your own transmission, but it does require mechanical expertise and some specialized tools and equipment. If you have not done this type of job before or don’t have the needed tools, then it is best to have a professional mechanic tackle the job. Tools and equipment you may need include:

• Car lift or heavy-duty jack stands and transmission stands
• Torque wrench set
• Breaker bar, pry bar, tube wrench
• Specialized transmission removal tools

Where Should I Buy A Replacement 4L80E Transmission?

At PPI we don’t just repair your transmission, we upgrade and remanufacture it using upgraded or completely new parts.

The Remanufacturing Process For Every PPI Transmission:

• Each transmission is disassembled, inspected, and cleaned three times. We chase all threads and install all new bushings during this process.
• Our most experienced team members rebuild and inspect each valve body before testing it using our C.A.R.S. testing system. (The valve bodies and pumps are completely new on all 4L80E transmissions. See below for more information specific to the 4L80E.)
• Once the valve body is tested, the transmission is reassembled with all new O-rings, gaskets, and seals.
• Our custom dyno testing machines spin and load test every transmission to verify it’s ready for the road.

To address known issues and common faults, the 4L80E has the following additional components and upgrades:

• Fully Remanufactured Torque Converter
• A New Sonnax Valve Body And Pump
• New Bushings And Sprags
• New Molded Rubber Pistons
• Upgraded Actuator Feed Limit Valve

Useful Transmission Resources From PPI

Remanufactured GM 4L80E Transmissions From PPI

Powertrain Products Inc stocks a complete range of GM 4L80E transmissions as well as many other transmission types for several makes and models. To ensure you get the right replacement part, use your vehicle’s VIN number or Transmission Tag Number. Our transmissions come with:

• Warranty Protection Up To Seven Years, One Million Miles
• High-Quality Parts – We Machine and Use New Parts for Optimum Performance that Meets or Exceed OE Specifications
• Upgrades and Recalibrations for Superior Performance and Longevity

We’re also the nation’s leading supplier of engines, differentials, and transfer cases. Call us at 888-842-0023 or contact us online.