2000 4l80e really sloppy shift from 1st to second

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muddy94chevy

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Hello all, I'm having issues with my 2000 k2500 4l80e. It goes through all the gears it just has a really sloppy, slippy not sure what is trying to do shift from 1st to second. All other shifts are good and feel solid. No engine light. Anyone have any idea where to start? Check pressure? I believe the port is behind the neutral safety switch. How would I drive it to check pressure if I need to move that switch? Or do you think my pump is OK if it does all other gears ok?
A little back story on truck before I got it it was involved in a small wreck and the PO wiped out the grill and trans cooler. I'm not sure if they let the truck run for awhile with it spewing trans fluid or not but it was super low when I got it.
I topped it off and drove it around and it kinda felt spongy but did shift through all the gears. Then the 1,2 shift gradually was getting worse so I parked it. Sorry for posting a novel I'm just trying to get all the info out. Thanks for any advice.
 

NickTransmissions

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Hello all, I'm having issues with my 2000 k2500 4l80e. It goes through all the gears it just has a really sloppy, slippy not sure what is trying to do shift from 1st to second. All other shifts are good and feel solid. No engine light. Anyone have any idea where to start? Check pressure? I believe the port is behind the neutral safety switch. How would I drive it to check pressure if I need to move that switch? Or do you think my pump is OK if it does all other gears ok?
A little back story on truck before I got it it was involved in a small wreck and the PO wiped out the grill and trans cooler. I'm not sure if they let the truck run for awhile with it spewing trans fluid or not but it was super low when I got it.
I topped it off and drove it around and it kinda felt spongy but did shift through all the gears. Then the 1,2 shift gradually was getting worse so I parked it. Sorry for posting a novel I'm just trying to get all the info out. Thanks for any advice.
Drop the pan, look for burnt clutch material. Sounds like your intermediate clutch is beginning to fail, if in fact you're slipping from first into second gear. If burnt clutch material is found, put the pan back on with a few bolts and yank it out for overhaul.

No need to check line pressure...
 

muddy94chevy

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Drop the pan, look for burnt clutch material. Sounds like your intermediate clutch is beginning to fail, if in fact you're slipping from first into second gear. If burnt clutch material is found, put the pan back on with a few bolts and yank it out for overhaul.

No need to check line pressure...
Ok thanks for the response. So I'm correct in assuming the pump is OK? I'm thinking just pulling it and getting it rebuilt. Is the intermediate clutch pretty much the only possibility? Also do you need any special tools for this trans? I replaced the drum in my wife's 4l60e and didn't know if this would be a similar not too deep repair
 

NickTransmissions

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If you're slipping only from 1st to 2nd gear and all other gear changes (including reverse) are normal then yes, it's either the intermediate clutch or possibly the intermediate sprag (doesn't really matter which one given they both get replaced on overhaul).

There are some special tools you need to complete an overhaul of the unit....I have some of them and use them each time I do an overhaul...

I'd check out my 4L80E Tear Down and Inspection and Basic Rebuild videos to learn what goes into rebuilding one of these transmissions...This way, you can see the process for yourself, all the special tooling needed, considerations for rebuild and what has to be checked for upon disassembly...They should give you the info you need to make a 'go/no-go' decision on building it yourself vs outsourcing to a shop.
 
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