Torque converter shudder

Castillojp86 · 05-19-2021, 07:19 PM

Hello Community,

I'm in need of advice ( please be kind

). A little back story... i purchased my camaro in 2016, I had company vehicle as a daily so the camaro was a weekend car. Fast forward to 2021, New job,However no company car. I figured I'd be ok with my camaro having 15k miles on it. I was so excited i was going to daily my camaro! My commute is 25 mile one way mainly highway.

Unfortunately i have noiced the infamous A8 transmission shake mainly on the highway. At times im cruisng at around 60 mph about 1500 RPM , when the car goes into AFM and i see it changing to V4 mode. It feels like when you let off the clutch pedal too soon on a manual car and the car is about to choke and shut off. It also feels like im driving over concrete waves.

I have taken it to a Local Dealership and showed them the 18-NA-355 TSB paid about $400 (Warranty expired). I was told by the service advisor that i may experience the problem for up to 500 miles until the new fluid works its way. So far at 250 miles post the Transmission flush the car feels worse and i see no change. Has anyone been through this TSB and felt the problem get worse before it got better? I have read the other threads and seen all the youtube videos regarding the issue. Also any ballpark estimates for Torque Converter replacement cost? I love my car and just want to get it fixed and enjoy it. Thnx

HCI2000SS · 05-19-2021, 07:29 PM

Definitely sounds like the torque converter at this point. Mine was covered under warranty along with the latest fluid and flush procedure. I'd have to go back and look at the paperwork, but for some reason about $600 sticks in my head at the moment. BTW I also have a V6 as well.

TP2SS · 05-19-2021, 07:33 PM

My wife's '16 CTS started doing it at around 40k miles last year. Since I was well aware of the issue as a '16 SS owner (and thanks to this forum!), it went into the Caddy dealer immediately. TSB done and issue stopped immediately. No recurrence so far and I think she's put another 3-4K miles on it since then.

Castillojp86 · 05-19-2021, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HCI2000SS

Definitely sounds like the torque converter at this point. Mine was covered under warranty along with the latest fluid and flush procedure. I'd have to go back and look at the paperwork, but for some reason about $600 sticks in my head at the moment. BTW I also have a V6 as well.

Ok thanks. I wish the dealership wouldve just said: we recommend the converter replacement over the fluid flush. One and done.

Castillojp86 · 05-19-2021, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TP2SS

My wife's '16 CTS started doing it at around 40k miles last year. Since I was well aware of the issue as a '16 SS owner (and thanks to this forum!), it went into the Caddy dealer immediately. TSB done and issue stopped immediately. No recurrence so far and I think she's put another 3-4K miles on it since then.

Oh good catch!!

cellsafemode · 05-20-2021, 01:34 AM

you would need the fluid flush either way.

everyone, whether they experience the shudder or not who is running with pre-2019 transmission fluid in an auto should have their fluid replaced with blue label.

a new torque converter is an added expense you won't know is necessary until after the fluid change unless you really procrastinated and tell them to just replace it at the same time as the fluid change

wingchunsifu · 05-22-2021, 09:12 AM

2017 A8

Infamous shudder emerged shortly thereafter.

First TSB [but wrong fluid] flush.

Shudder gone for a short time then returned.

Dealer determined TC replacement necessary [using same old fluid]- swap out TC.

Temp fix- shudder returned. Grounded the car till I could get an appointment, so as to not burnish the TC.

NEW TSB fluid flush- problem solved many miles later still no shudder. However occasional loud "clunk" felt in the firewall- downshift here and there. Allegedly according to GM...normal for this transmission, which in my opinion is a brute. Still like it though.

Final thoughts: you definitely need a new TC. Just check how long their warranty repair covers the new part.

arpad_m · 05-22-2021, 11:43 AM

^^^ this. You need a new torque converter. That and the new fluid and you should be all set (at this point I'd get AFM tuned out, too, or at least plug in a Range device).

craigss50 · 05-22-2021, 12:25 PM

I know I have read on here that some people are going with an after market TC. Unless the GM TC is improved I would look into that instead of a part that is known to fail.

arpad_m · 05-22-2021, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigss50

I know I have read on here that some people are going with an after market TC. Unless the GM TC is improved I would look into that instead of a part that is known to fail.

Well, the theory is GM's TC, revised a few times after 2016, only fails with pre-2019 fluids, the combination of latest TC (when necessary) and latest fluid worked for practically everyone.

raptor5244 · 05-22-2021, 07:20 PM

I traded my 2013 2SS 1LE for a 2016 Camaro 2SS A8 when they first came out. The trunk was chipping itself in the corner, caused by poor trunk alignment. Next up was hot start issue where the car would barely turn over if the engine was hot. Seem like starter heat soak, always felt like I as going to be stranded. next was the valve issue on the Dual Mode exhaust. They would make some sort of rattle noise when they would open and close so rather than go with some epoxy short term fix solution I just pulled the fuse so the valves would stay open.

Then the as you mentioned at about 3500 miles I start getting the A8 dreaded torque converter shudder. It was early in the 2016 release and I was not in the mood to keep visiting my local chevy dealer every month so I sold it. Wound up getting a 2017 C7 with the M7. That was a much better experience. Folks are not kidding when they say you shouldn't buy a 1st year Chevy.

cellsafemode · 05-23-2021, 01:45 AM

the stock torque converter isn't faulty. The trans fluid prior to 2019 attracted water due to it's formula + frequently not getting hot enough during drives to regularly boil water off.

This leads to slippage (the shudder) at low engine loads

This causes perm damage over time by to the TC, first by varnishing and then more serious damage.

The fluid is what's bad and we all got the same fluid before 2019. That's why everyone should get it changed whether you experience the problem or not because it's only a matter of time unless you're lucky to keep the water level low in the trans fluid.

It's kinda BS that chevy didn't make this a recall level service ...but it's obviously cheaper to deal with the people who the problem hits while under warranty than protect people's purchases by fixing your mistake. Definitely a way to keep customers.

arpad_m · 05-23-2021, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellsafemode

It's kinda BS that chevy didn't make this a recall level service ...but it's obviously cheaper to deal with the people who the problem hits while under warranty than protect people's purchases by fixing your mistake. Definitely a way to keep customers.

That's what happens when bean counters take over completely with their "risk/reward" analyses—instant quarterly gratification preferred over long term customer satisfaction and word of mouth. Then, once it's over for one company, they parachute to another.

Castillojp86 · 05-25-2021, 09:47 PM

UPDATE: about 450 miles since the fluid change and still having the issue. I have contacted the dealership that performed TSB 18-NA-355 and they said give it another week to allow the new fluid work into the clutch packs. mean time i just ordered the Range AFM disabler since the issue happens when my vehicle changes to V4. My vehicle is past warranty

05-19-2021, 07:19 PM	#1
Castillojp86 K-Camaro Drives: 2016 V6 1LT Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Anywhere Posts: 86	Torque converter shudder Hello Community, I'm in need of advice ( please be kind ). A little back story... i purchased my camaro in 2016, I had company vehicle as a daily so the camaro was a weekend car. Fast forward to 2021, New job,However no company car. I figured I'd be ok with my camaro having 15k miles on it. I was so excited i was going to daily my camaro! My commute is 25 mile one way mainly highway. Unfortunately i have noiced the infamous A8 transmission shake mainly on the highway. At times im cruisng at around 60 mph about 1500 RPM , when the car goes into AFM and i see it changing to V4 mode. It feels like when you let off the clutch pedal too soon on a manual car and the car is about to choke and shut off. It also feels like im driving over concrete waves. I have taken it to a Local Dealership and showed them the 18-NA-355 TSB paid about $400 (Warranty expired). I was told by the service advisor that i may experience the problem for up to 500 miles until the new fluid works its way. So far at 250 miles post the Transmission flush the car feels worse and i see no change. Has anyone been through this TSB and felt the problem get worse before it got better? I have read the other threads and seen all the youtube videos regarding the issue. Also any ballpark estimates for Torque Converter replacement cost? I love my car and just want to get it fixed and enjoy it. Thnx

05-19-2021, 07:33 PM	#3
TP2SS Drives: 2016 2SS Convertible Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 575	My wife's '16 CTS started doing it at around 40k miles last year. Since I was well aware of the issue as a '16 SS owner (and thanks to this forum!), it went into the Caddy dealer immediately. TSB done and issue stopped immediately. No recurrence so far and I think she's put another 3-4K miles on it since then. __________________ 2016 2SS Convertible Hyper Blue/Ash Gray A8 Magnetic Ride Control Dual Mode Exhaust 2019+ version Split Spoke Silver Wheels Navigation Silver Rally Stripes

05-22-2021, 11:43 AM	#8
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 11,563 View My Garage	^^^ this. You need a new torque converter. That and the new fluid and you should be all set (at this point I'd get AFM tuned out, too, or at least plug in a Range device). __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

05-22-2021, 07:20 PM	#11
raptor5244 Drives: 2022 CT4-V Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 2,723	I traded my 2013 2SS 1LE for a 2016 Camaro 2SS A8 when they first came out. The trunk was chipping itself in the corner, caused by poor trunk alignment. Next up was hot start issue where the car would barely turn over if the engine was hot. Seem like starter heat soak, always felt like I as going to be stranded. next was the valve issue on the Dual Mode exhaust. They would make some sort of rattle noise when they would open and close so rather than go with some epoxy short term fix solution I just pulled the fuse so the valves would stay open. Then the as you mentioned at about 3500 miles I start getting the A8 dreaded torque converter shudder. It was early in the 2016 release and I was not in the mood to keep visiting my local chevy dealer every month so I sold it. Wound up getting a 2017 C7 with the M7. That was a much better experience. Folks are not kidding when they say you shouldn't buy a 1st year Chevy. __________________ 2002 Corvette Z06 - Black - Sold 2013 Camaro SS 1LE - Black - M6 - Sold 2016 Camaro SS - Mosaic Black - A8 - Sold 2017 C7 Stingray - M7 Coupe - Sold 2019 C7 Grand Sport M7 Vert - Sold 2021 Camaro ZL1 - Black - A10 - Sold 2019 Tesla Model 3 2022 CT4-V Blackwing - M6

05-19-2021, 07:29 PM	#2
HCI2000SS Drives: 2018 Camaro V6/RS Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: MI Posts: 1,596	Definitely sounds like the torque converter at this point. Mine was covered under warranty along with the latest fluid and flush procedure. I'd have to go back and look at the paperwork, but for some reason about $600 sticks in my head at the moment. BTW I also have a V6 as well.

05-20-2021, 01:34 AM	#6
cellsafemode Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: California Posts: 3,491	you would need the fluid flush either way. everyone, whether they experience the shudder or not who is running with pre-2019 transmission fluid in an auto should have their fluid replaced with blue label. a new torque converter is an added expense you won't know is necessary until after the fluid change unless you really procrastinated and tell them to just replace it at the same time as the fluid change

05-22-2021, 09:12 AM	#7
wingchunsifu Drives: 2017 2SS A8, 2018 Macan GTS Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New York Posts: 133	2017 A8 Infamous shudder emerged shortly thereafter. First TSB [but wrong fluid] flush. Shudder gone for a short time then returned. Dealer determined TC replacement necessary [using same old fluid]- swap out TC. Temp fix- shudder returned. Grounded the car till I could get an appointment, so as to not burnish the TC. NEW TSB fluid flush- problem solved many miles later still no shudder. However occasional loud "clunk" felt in the firewall- downshift here and there. Allegedly according to GM...normal for this transmission, which in my opinion is a brute. Still like it though. Final thoughts: you definitely need a new TC. Just check how long their warranty repair covers the new part.

05-22-2021, 12:25 PM	#9
craigss50 Drives: 2017 Camaro SS Fifty Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Port St Lucie, Florida Posts: 966	I know I have read on here that some people are going with an after market TC. Unless the GM TC is improved I would look into that instead of a part that is known to fail.

05-23-2021, 01:45 AM	#12
cellsafemode Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: California Posts: 3,491	the stock torque converter isn't faulty. The trans fluid prior to 2019 attracted water due to it's formula + frequently not getting hot enough during drives to regularly boil water off. This leads to slippage (the shudder) at low engine loads This causes perm damage over time by to the TC, first by varnishing and then more serious damage. The fluid is what's bad and we all got the same fluid before 2019. That's why everyone should get it changed whether you experience the problem or not because it's only a matter of time unless you're lucky to keep the water level low in the trans fluid. It's kinda BS that chevy didn't make this a recall level service ...but it's obviously cheaper to deal with the people who the problem hits while under warranty than protect people's purchases by fixing your mistake. Definitely a way to keep customers.

05-25-2021, 09:47 PM	#14
Castillojp86 K-Camaro Drives: 2016 V6 1LT Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Anywhere Posts: 86	UPDATE: about 450 miles since the fluid change and still having the issue. I have contacted the dealership that performed TSB 18-NA-355 and they said give it another week to allow the new fluid work into the clutch packs. mean time i just ordered the Range AFM disabler since the issue happens when my vehicle changes to V4. My vehicle is past warranty

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