The mystery about transmission hard shift is finally revealed (TSB for HARSH 2~3, 3~4 OR 4~5 UPSHIFT)

[billybombill]

As an update, in my previous dealership visits they either could not feel the harsh shifts, or there was some other issue (fuel pump/etc) to address first. This time the dealer was finally able to replicate my harsh shifts and got a new transmission approved under the CPO warranty. Took a few weeks for it to come in and the work to be done (dropping entire engine / etc), but it drives like butter again I remember when I got the car being enamored at how linear and smooth the acceleration was, the only sign the gears were changing was really the rpm changing. The clunky-er shifts for the last ~30k miles had me debating trading it in while the value was still decent.

But, fortunate to get a new (well, remanufactured) transmission at 92k miles. It's not entirely different, there's still the awkward indecision with the shifts if you hesitate (as @PW405 mentioned) but 95% better than it was. Gas pedal feels heavier (in a good way) since they re-learned the shift points too.

 

[PW405]

As an update, in my previous dealership visits they either could not feel the harsh shifts, or there was some other issue (fuel pump/etc) to address first. This time the dealer was finally able to replicate my harsh shifts and got a new transmission approved under the CPO warranty. Took a few weeks for it to come in and the work to be done (dropping entire engine / etc), but it drives like butter again I remember when I got the car being enamored at how linear and smooth the acceleration was, the only sign the gears were changing was really the rpm changing. The clunky-er shifts for the last ~30k miles had me debating trading it in while the value was still decent.

But, fortunate to get a new (well, remanufactured) transmission at 92k miles. It's not entirely different, there's still the awkward indecision with the shifts if you hesitate (as @PW405 mentioned) but 95% better than it was. Gas pedal feels heavier (in a good way) since they re-learned the shift points too.

It really is a pernicious issue!

When I first drove it, the shifts were a TINY bit rough, occasionally. Didn't think much of it. But after I drove a bit more, pulling into a parking lot, I slowed down, began to accelerate, then had to brake (somebody was backing out of a spot), then switch back to accelerating again, as the guy backing out saw me and stopped to let me pass. That type of Accel/brake/accel seemed to be what triggered it the most.

 

[PW405]

It really is a pernicious issue!

When I first drove it, the shifts were a TINY bit rough, occasionally. Didn't think much of it. But after I drove a bit more, pulling into a parking lot, I slowed down, began to accelerate, then had to brake (somebody was backing out of a spot), then switch back to accelerating again, as the guy backing out saw me and stopped to let me pass. That type of Accel/brake/accel seemed to be what triggered it the most.

Getting odd reports from dealer - they're now saying that the car won't shift out of 4th gear when accelerating under WOT. I didn't experience this particular issue when I drove it, and it seems a bit at odds with what others have reported. I took car on the highway many times, but maybe not at 100% throttle.

Despite writing a check for the car back on the 25th - I still haven't taken possession of the vehicle, so this might get ugly. We'll see what happens.

Anybody with clunky shift issue ever experience an outright failure to upshift beyond 4th gear?

 

[Husam]

Getting odd reports from dealer - they're now saying that the car won't shift out of 4th gear when accelerating under WOT. I didn't experience this particular issue when I drove it, and it seems a bit at odds with what others have reported. I took car on the highway many times, but maybe not at 100% throttle.

Despite writing a check for the car back on the 25th - I still haven't taken possession of the vehicle, so this might get ugly. We'll see what happens.

Anybody with clunky shift issue ever experience an outright failure to upshift beyond 4th gear?

In my assessment, it appears to be a problem related to the valve body and solenoids. When a solenoid, such as the 4&OD solenoid, becomes stuck, it can cause the symptoms you described. It is imperative that you perform a drain and fill procedure, along with replacing the filter.

 

[PW405]

In my assessment, it appears to be a problem related to the valve body and solenoids. When a solenoid, such as the 4&OD solenoid, becomes stuck, it can cause the symptoms you described. It is imperative that you perform a drain and fill procedure, along with replacing the filter.

Thanks Husam - I have instructed the dealer to do this about 5X, and aside from usual dealer BS, delays, inter-departmental communication failures, etc, they claim they will drain & fill it today. For some reason they thought the entire transmission needed to be replaced, tried to file a claim with a company that provides them a warranty for their inventory and waited around for ~11 days before they even attempted a drain and fill.

I see that you have a deep technical knowledge of these cars - are you a tech for Genesis? Or just a DIY'er?

 

[PW405]

Thanks Husam - I have instructed the dealer to do this about 5X, and aside from usual dealer BS, delays, inter-departmental communication failures, etc, they claim they will drain & fill it today. For some reason they thought the entire transmission needed to be replaced, tried to file a claim with a company that provides them a warranty for their inventory and waited around for ~11 days before they even attempted a drain and fill.

I see that you have a deep technical knowledge of these cars - are you a tech for Genesis? Or just a DIY'er?

Quick point of clarification - I've requested they perform a drain and fill multiple times. Despite agreeing to do it, they have not yet. Didn't want my previous message to be interpreted as "drain and fill the transmission five times!"

 

[Husam]

Quick point of clarification - I've requested they perform a drain and fill multiple times. Despite agreeing to do it, they have not yet. Didn't want my previous message to be interpreted as "drain and fill the transmission five times!"

I'm more of a DIY'er, however the symptoms you described most likely are related to a faulty solenoid(s). Which car model do you have?

I've had similar hard shifts, no stuck gears, and replaced the entire valve body, much better. Its important to note that 2015 to 2017 models have defective solenoids and the valve body wears out pretty much quickly. The TCM software in some cases requires a software update. Do these before you attempt a full AT replacement unless you're under warranty. Good luck.

 

[PW405]

I'm more of a DIY'er, however the symptoms you described most likely are related to a faulty solenoid(s). Which car model do you have?

I've had similar hard shifts, no stuck gears, and replaced the entire valve body, much better. Its important to note that 2015 to 2017 models have defective solenoids and the valve body wears out pretty much quickly. The TCM software in some cases requires a software update. Do these before you attempt a full AT replacement unless you're under warranty. Good luck.

This is a 3.8 2017 G80 with 70,000 miles. I actually do not own it yet. It was a trade in at local Ford dealership I've been attempting to buy. The Ford dealer agreed to drain & fill transmission fluid, but I'm getting mixed messages as to WTF is actually happening in service.

Sounds like this car needs the TSB referenced earlier in the thread performed. A local Genesis dealer quoted ~$1,000 for parts & labor to perform the TSB. I don't have much experience working on cars personally, but I do have a friend or two that could probably do some of the work. I can get parts at cost + 10%.

The car is only $18,500. I was just considering paying cash for the TSB solenoid replacement after I own it.

The GM is supposed to call me in an hour two with an update. Appreciate all the info in this thread!

 

[srobak]

2-3 and 4-5 harsh upshifts are common issues for this trans between 60-80k. Many have been replaced under warranty, and it took a long time for it to get isolated down to solenoids - which apparently have a new part # from reading the threads here. A drain/fill or flush will not fix this. A transfer case or a diff replacement will not fix this. Solenoids should or trans replacement will. Solenoid failure outright would prevent the upshift to 5 - so I would not be surprised that this happened.

 

[JoeMcGruff]

2015 Genie 3.8 ultimate, second owner since 30k miles cpo unit back in 2018. Knock on wood nothing major electrical with vehicle besides starter motor needing to be replaced before this latest recall (early 2023), corrosion on battery connections not allowing the vehicle to start at times (fun times having the wife stuck at the malls or supermarket cause she couldn't start the car). The issue that took the cake and has my wife yelling at me to replace with a Lexus, 2nd transmission about to be put in and all within a 1 year timeframe. SMH!

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[JgenG]

So I'm experiencing a harsh shift from 1-2. Would this TSB fix this issue, anyone experience 1-2 harsh upshift? I have the 2015 3.8 AWD with 171000km. Also occasionally when coasting without brakes from highway speeds I would notice the car jerks forward. Not sure if the 2 issues are related.

 

[billybombill]

Solenoid failure outright would prevent the upshift to 5 - so I would not be surprised that this happened.

Well, 2 month update on the new transmission and I did have one instance of something like this. When accelerating it went to upshift (likely 4th to 5th when I think about it) and the rpm jumped up, hung there with no power before for a second or two, before slamming down into gear. Felt like hitting something. If the solenoid needed some breaking in, it definitely got it I've always noticed the upshift can be jumpy when you hesitate on the throttle, or the general hard shifts mentioned in this thread, but I've never experienced it temporarily disengaging like that.

I am curious if my remanufactured transmission does not have the newer solenoids and they just toss in a new-old-stock valve body during the refurbishment process. I will have to take it back in to see if the harsh shift was logged at all or damaged anything, and see if they'll update the solenoids under warranty. The new trans is much better but 2-3-4 shifts when cold are still not as buttery as 4+ have always been.

 

[Husam]

So I'm experiencing a harsh shift from 1-2. Would this TSB fix this issue, anyone experience 1-2 harsh upshift? I have the 2015 3.8 AWD with 171000km. Also occasionally when coasting without brakes from highway speeds I would notice the car jerks forward. Not sure if the 2 issues are related.

In my case, the TSB dealt with 2-3 and 4-5 shifts but did not fix 1-2 upshifts.

 

[JgenG]

Jjust

In my case, the TSB dealt with 2-3 and 4-5 shifts but did not fix 1-2 upshifts.

A quick follow up question, when you cleared your TCM, was there any special re-learn procedure or you just continue driving as usual?

 

[Husam]

Jjust

A quick follow up question, when you cleared your TCM, was there any special re-learn procedure or you just continue driving as usual?

You have two options, either perform a relearn procedure fully or just resst the TCM and drive it as usual.
The relearn procedure is simple, drive and accelerate steadily and slowly from the 1st gear to the 8th and decelerate to a stop. Repeat 5 times. Then switch off the car. Then back on, and repeat the cycle once more.

 

[Aamir]

Bought the 2 replacement solenoids as per TSB. Also bought aftermarket replacement transmission oil pain from Amazon. Took to local dealer in Barrie, ONTARIO. Took apart the valve body...said they were not sure about the new solenoids I bought. They said the valve body looked different so they did nor feel comfortable replacing the solenoids. Replaced fluid and transmission pan with built in filter. Drove the car for about 300km...no issues with transmission. Seems to be fixed! My car was made in May 2014 and the TSB applied to cars made after June 2014 if that makes any difference.

 

[srobak]

They said the valve body looked different

I believe that is actually the entire point of the updated solenoids. That being said - congrats on the fluid change working out for now. For many it has been temporary. Hang on to those solenoids just in case down the road.

 

[G-469390]

Very helpful!!

 

[EvoPol@1428]

You have two options, either perform a relearn procedure fully or just resst the TCM and drive it as usual.
The relearn procedure is simple, drive and accelerate steadily and slowly from the 1st gear to the 8th and decelerate to a stop. Repeat 5 times. Then switch off the car. Then back on, and repeat the cycle once more.

Well, I'm getting ready to replace Valve Body Assembly and E-Module + Trans fluid + Pan... on my 2020 G80 - 65K miles - 2nd owner, no warranty, no codes, no warning lights . All of the above done in the same time.
I know it's probably overkill in order to resolve Trans Shifting issues. For a simple reason: I don't want to go back to re-address potential issues with Valve Body contamination or possibility of input-output Trans Speed Sensors failures. Both located on E-Module. This effort is DIY and yes the cost of NEW parts from S. Korea are hovering around $ 1.5K + 10 Quarts Trans Fluid at $200 all shipping and tax included. Is $1.7K too much? Absolutely...!! But, would I be able to accomplish the above service + parts at the local Genesis Dealer without Dealer procrastination and neglect, I'm sure All of You have an answer: NO...
So here I am, rolling up my sleeves to tackle this job with enthusiasm, knowing it's going to be done "my way" - annnnd my name is not Frank Sinatra. No BS from service people, no keeping my vehicle for weeks, no looking at me, like I'm an idiot ?
Keep in mind the Dealership markup Pricing for Service, all parts and lets not forget....? Are you getting all you PD for ? Maybe or maybe NOT ???
This DIY job would never be possible, with you sharing all your personal hardships and success. Its wonderful to have community of honest individuals helping each other to solve problems that shouldn't be there in first place.
Special thanks to Husam who actually inspired me to go for it, at the young age of 75...... No, I'm not car mechanic, yes I do have background in automotive engineering and design and cars been my passion all my life. Most importantly I don't mind to get my hand dirty. Like any project Im sure there will be unexpected concern's to be addressed. Wish me luck

 

[Husam]

Well, I'm getting ready to replace Valve Body Assembly and E-Module + Trans fluid + Pan... on my 2020 G80 - 65K miles - 2nd owner, no warranty, no codes, no warning lights . All of the above done in the same time.
I know it's probably overkill in order to resolve Trans Shifting issues. For a simple reason: I don't want to go back to re-address potential issues with Valve Body contamination or possibility of input-output Trans Speed Sensors failures. Both located on E-Module. This effort is DIY and yes the cost of NEW parts from S. Korea are hovering around $ 1.5K + 10 Quarts Trans Fluid at $200 all shipping and tax included. Is $1.7K too much? Absolutely...!! But, would I be able to accomplish the above service + parts at the local Genesis Dealer without Dealer procrastination and neglect, I'm sure All of You have an answer: NO...
So here I am, rolling up my sleeves to tackle this job with enthusiasm, knowing it's going to be done "my way" - annnnd my name is not Frank Sinatra. No BS from service people, no keeping my vehicle for weeks, no looking at me, like I'm an idiot ?
Keep in mind the Dealership markup Pricing for Service, all parts and lets not forget....? Are you getting all you PD for ? Maybe or maybe NOT ???
This DIY job would never be possible, with you sharing all your personal hardships and success. Its wonderful to have community of honest individuals helping each other to solve problems that shouldn't be there in first place.
Special thanks to Husam who actually inspired me to go for it, at the young age of 75...... No, I'm not car mechanic, yes I do have background in automotive engineering and design and cars been my passion all my life. Most importantly I don't mind to get my hand dirty. Like any project Im sure there will be unexpected concern's to be addressed. Wish me luck

Wishing you the best of luck. Keep us posted on the progress and the outcome.