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Old 09-12-2017, 04:43 PM   #1
Timcharlie
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Cool 2015 Chevy 2500HD (Gas)

Hey guys,
As the title states I own a 2015 Chevy 2500HD Silverado (gas) and tow a 2016 Cougar 32FBS 7700 LBS dry weight. This past weekend we were returning from a camping trip and encountered a couple of hills and the truck seemed to struggle a little going up the hills. I had the truck in Tow/Haul mode and we did notice a slight burning odor.

My question is instead of putting the transmission in D should I put it in M4 or M5 or??????? Would doing so help? Any suggestions/recommendations/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tim
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Old 09-12-2017, 05:25 PM   #2
mtofell
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Generally, just put it in tow/haul mode and the truck do it's thing if you're not familiar with shifting manually. Learning to shift manually if very beneficial and will help you get the most out of any truck you own.
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Old 09-12-2017, 05:46 PM   #3
Johnny's Journey
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Originally Posted by Timcharlie View Post
.....instead of putting the transmission in D should I put it in M4 or M5 or??????? Would doing so help?
Yes. The 6L90 6 speed last 2 speeds, 5th and 6th are OD gears. M4 or 4th is the last gear closest to 1 to 1 ratio of olden days. Here's a break down.

Gear Ratios
First: 4.030
Second: 2.360
Third: 1.530
Fourth: 1.150
Fifth: 0.850
Sixth: 0.670
Reverse: 3.060
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Old 09-12-2017, 06:01 PM   #4
the sodfather
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I have a 2016. I turn on the t/h and let the computer decide how it wants to handle the situation. I've played with the manual settings but feel the computer is more efficient.
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Old 09-13-2017, 03:02 AM   #5
Timcharlie
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Re: Chevy 2500

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the responses. I usually do just keep the truck in Tow/Haul mode but noticing the response on the couple of hills had me questioning which would be better. I may have been trying to push the truck a little harder than it wanted me to going up the last hill so I will try shifting to M4 next time I encounter that situation again and see how she handles.

Tim
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Old 09-13-2017, 08:55 PM   #6
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I may have been trying to push the truck a little harder than it wanted me to going up the last hill
Use your information buttons and bring up trans temp next time. You'll be amazed at what you'll see and smell simultaneously. This will answer any further questions about racing up hill.
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:42 AM   #7
Timcharlie
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Re: 2015 Chevy

Johnny,
Thanks for the input. I was looking at the analog gauge on the dashboard and saw no movement so i was not thinking about the trans. Next time I will switch to the digital trans button and drop the tranny into M4 and try to take it a little slower.

Tim
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Old 09-22-2017, 03:54 AM   #8
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I have the same truck and same trailer. The tranny temp never gets above 170ish even on hot days and on big hills. I've never smelled any kind of burning either so maybe you have another issue? The truck has no issue with hills, just wear your hearing protection, it likes to be loud!
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Old 09-22-2017, 04:57 AM   #9
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Don't be afraid to let that engine rev. I am in the Smoky Mountain/Blue Ridge Mountain area and I use the T/H and also manual when needed and going up some long hills around here I let the engine rev to 5k when needed and never have funny smells or over heating on the trans. Trailer is 10k GVWR that I am pulling with my '16 2500 GMC. Don't take the hills slower.....do all the speed the engine will give you, momentum is a good thing.
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Old 09-22-2017, 06:06 AM   #10
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Being a gas model,could it be the catilytic converters heating up? Maybe a bad O2 sensor? at least these are questions I would look into I know you can got to most auto parts stores (O'Rilley, Auto Zone etc) and borrow a computer to plug into the OBD2 port to get any codes that might show I know from personal exp that this can happen without the check engine light flashing. That would save a trip to the dealer at least if it persists.
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Old 09-22-2017, 07:33 AM   #11
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I have worked on autos for a bit over 45 yrs. the AP store code readers won't show a "pending" code as far as I know. You need a higher end scan tool to see that information.

As far as transmission temps and "smelling" something burning, transmission fluid has a distinct odor, are you sure that's what it was? Different transmission can handle different amounts of heat, and fluid plays a big part. CLEAN is best and synthetics do much better.
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Old 09-22-2017, 07:44 AM   #12
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Yep. Changing the fluid and filter on a shorter interval is one of the best things you can do to prolong auto trans life. The MOPAR ATF-4 along with the international stuff in the wife's Volvo is synthetic, and I assume today's Dexron and Mercon is, too. Even the Chrysler-spec manual trans fluid (Valvoline) in my stick is synthetic.

Edit: Flush not required. Just drain and refill. I do the wife's ride every 15,000 miles.
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Old 09-22-2017, 07:52 AM   #13
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Drain and refill changes what's in the pan, probably about 6 Qts. What's in the torque converter is still old, how many Qts?
Every 15,000 miles is good if that's the service your doing.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:04 AM   #14
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Drain and refill changes what's in the pan, probably about 6 Qts. What's in the torque converter is still old, how many Qts?
Every 15,000 miles is good if that's the service your doing.
The Volvo XC70 AWD automatic is a Nissan Maxima transmission. Four quarts to drain, 7-8 quarts to flush. I have a flush kit, but don't use it anymore. I drain four qts every other oil change and replace. No filter (strange). After almost 200,000 it still shifts like new. The wife loves the car and it's been the best car I've ever owned. We'll replace it in another couple of years, but it continues to work well and look good without an exterior mark on it. Even the leather is holding up.

Maintenance and care is the key.
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-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:24 AM   #15
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And then there are the "sealed" transmissions with no user service possible.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:44 AM   #16
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And then there are the "sealed" transmissions with no user service possible.
Something to consider on the next purchase. Do you suppose the salesman will have all the details?
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-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:50 AM   #17
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No comment!!
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Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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Old 09-22-2017, 04:33 PM   #18
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And then there are the "sealed" transmissions with no user service possible.
The day that's done on pick-ups will be a sad day indeed. I'd be one of many looking to the aftermarket to modify things around a bit so fluid can be added.
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Old 09-22-2017, 04:39 PM   #19
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Autos in general are becoming more difficult to work on just because of the special tools required. I can't begin to tell you how many "one use" tools I own, and NO they aren't part of the AP stores "loan a tool" inventory.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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Old 09-22-2017, 04:44 PM   #20
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Autos in general are becoming more difficult to work on just because of the special tools required.
I know all to well and is why I don't work on them.
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