Just two weeks ago I purchased a 2011 Sierra 4x4 5.3l extended cab. I only have 800 miles on it and have a clunk in the driveline that is very noticable. If I am driving and slow down without coming to a complete stop and then accelerate again the driveline clunks, happens going straight or taking a corner. I can feel it and hear it. Does not sound like a 39,500 MSRP truck with 800 miles should sound or feel. If I just barely ease into the accelerator it is fine but that is not always possible and I mean I really have to ease on the gas to avoid the driveline clunk just to clarify I am 53 years old and baby my vehicles. It is fine off a standing start and accelerating after a complete stop. Just trying to get some ideas before I attempt the dealer my schedule is crazy and getting the time for an appointment is tough so I thought I would check here for any ideas first. Also to note I owned two 2007 NBS Silverados 4x4 5.3L ext cabs and neither of those trucks had this issue. I was checking around on a few other forums and I see alot of similar posts about this issue and they talk about dealers saying it is normal driveline slack and some talk about a TSB that involves lubing the spline in the yolk(slip joint) 2007-2009 trucks but they all mention it happens when taking off and when coming to a complete stop so I dont think that would apply to my issue . Hope it's not just considered NORMAL becasue my last two identical GM trucks were not like this even with 45,000 miles. Sorry for the long post just a bit upset and hoping to find some helpful answers.
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2011 Sierra with 800 miles problem
- Thread starter zeke456
- Start date
What you describe is not normal but no two people drive the same. You have to keep in mind you are driving a new vehicle and it can sometimes take a while for things to break-in. It might just be possible that this will disappear once you accumulate more miles.
The new 6-sp trans have adaptive learning technology and they adjust to the driving conditions of the vehicle and it could take a while for the trans adapt to your style driving. I know that sounds like BS, but its apparently how the electronic trans is set up.
PS-Did you check the spare tire to see if it might be loose? I know someone who lost his spare tire on a new truck, fell off.
The new 6-sp trans have adaptive learning technology and they adjust to the driving conditions of the vehicle and it could take a while for the trans adapt to your style driving. I know that sounds like BS, but its apparently how the electronic trans is set up.
PS-Did you check the spare tire to see if it might be loose? I know someone who lost his spare tire on a new truck, fell off.
What you describe is not normal but no two people drive the same. You have to keep in mind you are driving a new vehicle and it can sometimes take a while for things to break-in. It might just be possible that this will disappear once you accumulate more miles.
The new 6-sp trans have adaptive learning technology and they adjust to the driving conditions of the vehicle and it could take a while for the trans adapt to your style driving. I know that sounds like BS, but its apparently how the electronic trans is set up.
PS-Did you check the spare tire to see if it might be loose? I know someone who lost his spare tire on a new truck, fell off.
I appreciate the response. I owned many new trucks for my business and for personal use and never had this happen when new, maybe with +130,000 miles but not new. I only hope it's just the spline needing lube. It almost sounds like the torque converter locking up. My best friend bought the first truck I test drove at the same dealer a week later from when I bought this one,his is identical (different color) 2011 1500 Sierra and his is fine. I know it's nothing to do with the tranny learning my driving habits because the tranny shifts perfectly fine from 1st all the way out. The truck is beautiful other than this issue. My last two 2007 new body style trucks were perfect they were great trucks. This is a thud you can feel and hear after slowing and then accelerating. Judging by what I am seeing posted elsewhere I'm not alone. hopefully there is a fix otherwise I would most likely sell it because this makes it feel like a vehicle with lots of miles on it. It's for my personal use only so I have to drive it everyday, but I first have to get my dealers response.
GMC Customer Service
New member
Just two weeks ago I purchased a 2011 Sierra 4x4 5.3l extended cab. I only have 800 miles on it and have a clunk in the driveline that is very noticable. If I am driving and slow down without coming to a complete stop and then accelerate again the driveline clunks, happens going straight or taking a corner. I can feel it and hear it. Does not sound like a 39,500 MSRP truck with 800 miles should sound or feel. If I just barely ease into the accelerator it is fine but that is not always possible and I mean I really have to ease on the gas to avoid the driveline clunk just to clarify I am 53 years old and baby my vehicles. It is fine off a standing start and accelerating after a complete stop. Just trying to get some ideas before I attempt the dealer my schedule is crazy and getting the time for an appointment is tough so I thought I would check here for any ideas first. Also to note I owned two 2007 NBS Silverados 4x4 5.3L ext cabs and neither of those trucks had this issue. I was checking around on a few other forums and I see alot of similar posts about this issue and they talk about dealers saying it is normal driveline slack and some talk about a TSB that involves lubing the spline in the yolk(slip joint) 2007-2009 trucks but they all mention it happens when taking off and when coming to a complete stop so I dont think that would apply to my issue . Hope it's not just considered NORMAL becasue my last two identical GM trucks were not like this even with 45,000 miles. Sorry for the long post just a bit upset and hoping to find some helpful answers.
I’m sorry to hear about the concerns you’re experiencing with your Sierra. I’m glad to hear you’re planning on getting it to the dealer, though. I’ll be curious to hear what they have to say about the situation. If you wouldn’t mind keeping us updated, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service
I’m sorry to hear about the concerns you’re experiencing with your Sierra. I’m glad to hear you’re planning on getting it to the dealer, though. I’ll be curious to hear what they have to say about the situation. If you wouldn’t mind keeping us updated, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service
Thank you for the reply to my post. I appreciate the response and concern very much. I absolutely will reply back when I get an answer from my dealer. Hoping it's a relatively quick and easy fix.
GMC Customer Service
New member
Thank you for the reply to my post. I appreciate the response and concern very much. I absolutely will reply back when I get an answer from my dealer. Hoping it's a relatively quick and easy fix.
No problem! I’m hoping it’s a quick fix too. I look forward to your response.
Laura
GMC Customer Service
happy 2011
New member
ya i also have a 2011 1500 4x4 5.3 six speed and NO cluncking at all go get it checked after all it will cost you nothing. Also take the shop foreman for a road test to show him how to make the clunk.
I replaced my 2007 Sierra 4 speed auto trans,4.8 L that I liked with a 2011 with the same engine and trans. The transmission has major upshifting problems after slowing to low speeds(city cornering,school zones,etc.). More specifically, at 22MPH the trans decouples from the engine until the speed drops 10 MPH when it re-engages and down shifts. If I attempt to accelerate within these speeds, the engine (wich was at idle RPM) speeds up to 1200 to 1500 RPM before engaging. This produces an irritating surge or at higher RPMs, a thud. Any acceleration, even straight line, requires abnormally high RPMs to move the truck. The transmission works so hard that it's almost as if the truck has a tranny from an Aveo instead of what it should have. I took it back to the dealer at 200 miles and then at 500 miles and was informed that there was nothing wrong with it and that was the way it was designed and he couldn't/wouldn't do anything for me unless GMC told him what to do. At 4000 miles it still acts the same. Given that the truck has the same engine and tranny that my 2007 had, which worked fine, and assuming that there's nothing mechanically wrong, I blame it on the computer programming since they went to drive-by-wire in the meantime. What's my next step?I
GMC Customer Service
New member
I replaced my 2007 Sierra 4 speed auto trans,4.8 L that I liked with a 2011 with the same engine and trans. The transmission has major upshifting problems after slowing to low speeds(city cornering,school zones,etc.). More specifically, at 22MPH the trans decouples from the engine until the speed drops 10 MPH when it re-engages and down shifts. If I attempt to accelerate within these speeds, the engine (wich was at idle RPM) speeds up to 1200 to 1500 RPM before engaging. This produces an irritating surge or at higher RPMs, a thud. Any acceleration, even straight line, requires abnormally high RPMs to move the truck. The transmission works so hard that it's almost as if the truck has a tranny from an Aveo instead of what it should have. I took it back to the dealer at 200 miles and then at 500 miles and was informed that there was nothing wrong with it and that was the way it was designed and he couldn't/wouldn't do anything for me unless GMC told him what to do. At 4000 miles it still acts the same. Given that the truck has the same engine and tranny that my 2007 had, which worked fine, and assuming that there's nothing mechanically wrong, I blame it on the computer programming since they went to drive-by-wire in the meantime. What's my next step?I
Kargo,
I’ll be sending you a PM for more details.
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service
Zeke456,
I waited to reply to your post. My 2011 Sierra 1500/6 speed with 800 miles on it has been at the Dealer for a week with the identical problem. I also had slipping, clicking and a "pull" that they can't seem to correct. They replaced the torque converter. Didn't do much to help. I know GMC watches this site so I'll be polite, however, you and I aren't the only ones with this issue. The engineers that designed the 6 speed should be reassigned to the "Frigidare" unit (if GM still owns them).
Like you, I don't have much "free" time so this purchase is turning out to be a mistake.
Please let us know how your situation turns out. Good luck.
I waited to reply to your post. My 2011 Sierra 1500/6 speed with 800 miles on it has been at the Dealer for a week with the identical problem. I also had slipping, clicking and a "pull" that they can't seem to correct. They replaced the torque converter. Didn't do much to help. I know GMC watches this site so I'll be polite, however, you and I aren't the only ones with this issue. The engineers that designed the 6 speed should be reassigned to the "Frigidare" unit (if GM still owns them).
Like you, I don't have much "free" time so this purchase is turning out to be a mistake.
Please let us know how your situation turns out. Good luck.
zeke456,
I have the identical problem. 2011 6 speed w/ 800 miles on it (2WD). It clunks and sometimes bangs when it's really acting up. It's no fun to drive when it's having a bad day. It has other transmission issues, slipping, ride gets choppy from trans. switching between 5th and 6th constantly, lag at moderate speed etc. Had it for four days. Like you, I have very little spare time but cut out of work and took it back to the dealer. They had it for a week and replaced the torque converter. Didn't help. If you'd like, send me a personal message so we can keep each other updated.
I have the identical problem. 2011 6 speed w/ 800 miles on it (2WD). It clunks and sometimes bangs when it's really acting up. It's no fun to drive when it's having a bad day. It has other transmission issues, slipping, ride gets choppy from trans. switching between 5th and 6th constantly, lag at moderate speed etc. Had it for four days. Like you, I have very little spare time but cut out of work and took it back to the dealer. They had it for a week and replaced the torque converter. Didn't help. If you'd like, send me a personal message so we can keep each other updated.
PGDriver
New member
My new 2011 Sierra does the same thing, slow down to under 20 and then give it some gas and thud (which I'm sure it shouldn't do). I thought it was just something that needed to wear in and would go away with time but after reading this I have my doubts. Has GM fixed this problem on anyones truck?
Please keep us posted.
Please keep us posted.
happy 2011
New member
As mentioned in one of the responses to zeke456, the dealer told me to "let the transmission adjust to my driving habits." The manual states "this" somewhere. zeke456' concerns and other complaints I've seen regarding the electroni 6 speed reference clunking and banging. I can't see that as a problem caused by "driving habit." Also, if the dealer went to the trouble of replacing a torque converter (on my truck) at 800 miles, they know it's not driver habit.
I've been on edmunds.com, http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2011/gmc/sierra_1500/power_train/problem.aspx and some other lesser known sites and seen identical trucks with the identical issues. zeke456 started this thread so hopefully he'll keep us posted along with any other 2011 6 speed owners. If this is widespread, there's strength in numbers!
I've been on edmunds.com, http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2011/gmc/sierra_1500/power_train/problem.aspx and some other lesser known sites and seen identical trucks with the identical issues. zeke456 started this thread so hopefully he'll keep us posted along with any other 2011 6 speed owners. If this is widespread, there's strength in numbers!
Dealer told me the same thing as one of the earlier responses to zke456's post; "the transmission has to adjust to driving habits, if you read the operators manual, you'd see that."
Clunking, banging, slipping and lagging are not symptomatic of unusual driving habits.
I've seen descriptions of these identical problems w/ identical trucks on this and other sites; edmunds.com, http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2011/gmc/sierra_1500/power_train/problem.aspx etc. With so many people reporting the same problem with the same 6 speed transmission, GM must be aware. Hopefully we'll all stay on top of it and stay in touch. zeke456, let us know what happens. There's stength in numbers!
Clunking, banging, slipping and lagging are not symptomatic of unusual driving habits.
I've seen descriptions of these identical problems w/ identical trucks on this and other sites; edmunds.com, http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2011/gmc/sierra_1500/power_train/problem.aspx etc. With so many people reporting the same problem with the same 6 speed transmission, GM must be aware. Hopefully we'll all stay on top of it and stay in touch. zeke456, let us know what happens. There's stength in numbers!
GMC Customer Service
New member
zeke456,
I have the identical problem. 2011 6 speed w/ 800 miles on it (2WD). It clunks and sometimes bangs when it's really acting up. It's no fun to drive when it's having a bad day. It has other transmission issues, slipping, ride gets choppy from trans. switching between 5th and 6th constantly, lag at moderate speed etc. Had it for four days. Like you, I have very little spare time but cut out of work and took it back to the dealer. They had it for a week and replaced the torque converter. Didn't help. If you'd like, send me a personal message so we can keep each other updated.
I'm sorry to hear you're also having concerns with your Sierra. I'll be sending you a PM for more details.
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service
GMC Customer Service
New member
Laura,
Thanks for the interest. You should have a PM from me.
Hi Kargo,
I have not received a PM back from you yet. Could you please try re-sending it?
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service
GMC Customer Service
New member
My new 2011 Sierra does the same thing, slow down to under 20 and then give it some gas and thud (which I'm sure it shouldn't do). I thought it was just something that needed to wear in and would go away with time but after reading this I have my doubts. Has GM fixed this problem on anyones truck?
Please keep us posted.
I apologize for the concerns you’re experiencing with your new Sierra – definitely not what we’re hoping for. If you haven’t been to the dealer yet, that would be my first suggestion. If you have and are still experiencing the concern, I would suggest you call GM Canada Customer Assistance. They’ll be able to investigate this further. Their number is 800-263-3777 and their hours are M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST.
Thanks,
Laura
GMC Customer Service