GM Releases Fix For 2022 Chevy Silverado Poor Transmission Shift Quality
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GM has released a new service update for the Chevy Silverado 1500 related to poor shift quality from the pickup’s automatic transmission.
The problem: certain units of the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 may exhibit a condition wherein the automatic transmission provides poor-quality shifts. In addition, the vehicle’s Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may be illuminated as well.
The hazards: there are currently no known safety hazards related to this service update.
The fix: to address the poor shifting issue, GM has instructed technicians to replace the Chevy Silverado 1500’s transmission control module. This procedure includes the related software programming.
Affected components: transmission control module.
Affected vehicles: certain units of the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500. Note that this service update applies to fully refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 unveiled in September of 2021, as opposed to the pre-refresh 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited.
Number of affected vehicles: it’s currently unknown how many units of the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 are affected by this new service update.
Owners should: owners can get a hold of Chevrolet directly with any concerns they may have using the contact information listed below.
Contacts:
- GM Service Update number: N222383250
- Chevrolet U.S. Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
GM is instructing dealers to ensure that any vehicle subject to this service update that enters vehicles inventory or is dropped off for service, and is still covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, must receive the service update correction before it is sold or released. Any vehicle that is subject to this service update must be inspected and repaired prior to customers taking possession of the vehicle. Involved vehicles cannot be delivered to customers, traded, released to auction, or used for demonstration purposes.
As a reminder, the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is available with both the GM eight-speed automatic transmission (RPO code MQE) and GM 10-speed automatic transmission (RPO code MQB). It’s unclear at this time if this service update applies to one or both transmissions.
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I wonder what they mean by poor shift quality, as this could mean a variety of things. Can we also assume it’s an issue with GMC units as well? And, since the article says that units entering inventory must be corrected before customer delivery, does it also apply to 2023 models?
The reason I ask… In my new 2023 Sierra, I’ve noticed several times that some of the shifts can be a bit jerky when pulling out from a stop. I hadn’t given it too much thought because it’s noticeable but not to the point of being annoying. I thought it was “normal”, but now I’m starting to wonder…
I agree, in the 850 miles I’ve put on my 23 I’ve felt about 3 of those rough shifts. Feels similar to the rough 1-2 shift in my 16 Camaro SS
Yep. I have the 10-speed auto. Noticed it about a half dozen or so times in 1500 miles. It seems to be the 1-2 shift and/or the 2-3 shift – haven’t been able to tell for sure yet. I haven’t really noticed it on any other shifts.
In your camaro, was it a 1-2 shift? Reports were that the original programming of the 8 speed featured a 1-4 jump under certain conditions that could feel very abrupt. Updated software fixed the issue. Largely in this case it’s a driving situation the software engineers didn’t foresee and not an actual transmission problem.
Side note. I just replaced my BCU on my farm truck with the old 4 speed, and while I was doing it, reflash was the ECU and TCM. The new software changed the TQ converter lockup sequence, and it’s much smoother.
I hated the way my 8 speed 2019 Trail Boss shifted. When slowing down in a parking spot, it felt like someone rear ended the truck. I had at least 3 software updates. Then I sold it. I hope this is fixed once and for all.
I’m in the exact same boat…‘22 Sierra 3.0l with 3500 miles and same behavior you’re describing. Not sure if it’s worth the pain of dealing with the local service dept
Adam
Are you having any other issues with the 22 refresh model? I have had the main display lock up and then it won’t start. Bad ground on main ECM helped but still does it. Disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes usually works to reset everything. I also have the trailer brake controller drop out after a few times breaking. I’m told GM doesn’t have a fix for this problem yet. It is a dangerous safety issue as I typically would be pulling over a ton. I bought the truck to tow and now is a safety issue.
I have not had any of that, thankfully. That sounds very frustrating and I hope they find the issue for you. The only thing I am dealing with besides the shift quality issue is intermittent diesel fumes upon remote start or in the cabin when the truck is running a regen. Outside of those issues, I have been really pleased with the truck. Much more so than my ’21 Tahoe which lost the lifters in the left bank at 15k miles. GM refused to do the right thing and replace the other parts before they failed and I am not in a class action with them over the issue. It’s very unfortunate that they have to be legally incentivized to do the right thing by their customers.
I’ve had this “hard shift/poor shift issue out the gate with my ’22 Suburban High Country w 10-speed transmission. First, they told me to put some miles on it. First visit was at 640 miles. Second visit was 4k miles.
GM’s answer was then that is was functioning as designed, but now at 10k mi I was almost smoked crossing over a road the other day when it jerked and then full-on cut out and then jumped back to life. Tested the manual gears and it appears somewhere in the 2-3-4 gears. Trying to function in traffic and on ramps is super frustrating. All higher gears are great. My tech told me that GM won’t do anything unless it’s causing damage to components and so far, they’ve not seen that (which of course will show up when warranty is done). They basically said, keep coming back and after 4 visits, GM will start paying attention and putting engineering effort on it. Who has that kind of time? I love the ride but GM makes it hard to be a loyal customer when they don’t take responsibility.
Government Motors and there problematic transmissions, and engines for that matter. My 2019 GMC Sierra violently shifts from 1st and 2nd the first start of the day. The dealer switched out the factory transmission fluid to mobile one transmission fluid, it did help,but didn’t correct the problem. I do 1 of two things the first start of the day, I always let it warm up, then pull it out of the garage, stop the engine and restart the engine. This seems to help, but the best solution I have found is when I pull out onto the highway, I punch it hard, it shifts ok that way. The rest of the day, if shifts just fine. My 2011 6.2L engine was the best vehicle I have ever own, sad I don’t still have it. You never felt it shift. Maybe the 5.3L engines are just prone to hard shifting transmission.
10speed? Input shaft issues are known on the 10 speed that might be effecting the TQ converter. Normally the 1-2 shift is actually the converter lockup.
Reading the second to last paragraph….what about vehicles that are “out of warranty” and were sold with the defective Transmission Control Module as OEM ? Is GM trying to avoid repairing their lack of pre-production QC testing on those vehicles ?
So, there’s nothing wrong with the transmission it’s self, it’s the TCM. Who builds the TCMs? Sure seems issues like this is on the rise.
Guessing it’s a smoke and mirrors show. GM “ we have a mechanical issue with the transmission we can cover up with software, but we should replace a part to make them think we actually fixed it”
Retired from h.m
Power train. Seen some shady c
C. Still loyal to them. May be changing .
Love my 4cylinder and trans .
What about Colorado 8 speed auto? Hard shift first to second still a problem. Is the new 8-speed transmission a problem solver? Ford along with GM worked together on development of the newer transmissions. Does Ford have the same troubles? Oh, the smooth shifts of a Power Glide, how I miss you.
When did GM forget how to build automatic transmissions? They used to be bulletproof.
GM farmed out the design. GM blames the design, not the assembly
10 speed has ford all over it.
H1C hiring?
I’ve noticed a pause in engaging of shift after putting into drive from Park!!! after shift into drive it seems to sit there as if I’m still in Park and several seconds go by and I’m saying come on lets go as I gas it a bit to get it to engage!
Wow Jeffrey, that sounds like low fluid level.
The fluid has been changed based on a service bulletin. No change
Mine does that, I think it’s the electric parking brake. If I press and release the fuel peddle it goes quicker.
I noticed poor shift quality in my 2023 Silverado 2500 as well.. about 4 times in first 1000 miles.. but i assume this would be a different tranny than the 1500.
2017 colorado, 44000 miles, yesterday. Didn’t drive today.
Junk transmissions
I bought a new 2016 Silverado High Country 8- speed. After 4 to 5 thousand miles noticed a hard down shift, I think from 2nd to 1st. Has gotten much worse as time goes on. GM changed transmission fluid 2 times and reset transmission to factory specs. Absolutely no change, may have gotten worse. It bucks like a wild bronco coming to a stop and surges as it goes into 1st gear. Was told there was no fix. Glad to see GM finally addressing this issue. I sure hope my 2016- 8 speed is covered under that program. That year model was not mentioned. I am 74 years old and really can’t afford to buy another truck. It is a junk transmission and I have complained to the dealer constantly about that issue. Dealer has been great but can’t fix if they don’t know what to do.
I have the same 2016 High Country as Leo and does exactly the same thing and have been to the dealers like him with NO result. I took mine to the GMC dealership and was told by service manager that there was no known fix and even gave me the name of a private shop that was given to him who supposedly had a fix, the shop is a ways off and downtown Houston and at 81 years old I don’t do good there.
What is the fix, if any is he talking about that GM is suggesting.
Jim
I have a 22 with the 8 speed. I have it on setting three accelerator. So far the shifts have felt fine. The only problem I have had is towing down hill. The truck will downshift and scream all the way down, I apply brakes and it would shift up.
Hello AJ. I don’t think I have ever been as frustrated with anything in my life as much as I have been with my 2016 Silverado High Country 8-Speed. Like you, I have to really be careful getting onto a roadway as I feel like I am taking my life into my own hands as I start forward. Coming to a very slow rolling stop and then accelerating is a no-no as my tranny will slam and bang and then lurch forward like someone hit me in the rear. Sounds like the whole tranny fell apart. I have to be at a complete stop while holding the brakes waiting for the tranny to slam, bang, downshift and lurch, hoping the brakes will hold it. Once all of that takes place I can then accelerate all while the drivers behind me are ticked off and wondering why I have hesitated if the light turns green as I roll to a stop. I have been a loyal GM customer all of my adult life and now at 74 years old, I can’t believe GM has allowed this to go on for several years without a fix.
I have now noticed a “clunk” when going from park to drive or from park to reverse. Took it to the dealer and they gave me a white paper addressing this clunk. Gm said this was OK and gave a politicians answer and said this is nothing to worry about, BS. It has jerked so much with all the rough shifting that no doubt it has created to much backlash in the rear differential so the clunk.
Has anyone here developed this problem.
All, I have a refreshed 2022 Silverado. Anyone experiencing a shudder at slow down – it is very annoying and my dealer says it is normal – there is no way that is normal. Almost every time I come to a stop, i get a rumbling from somewhere in the mid to front – feels like transmission itself or the mounts or I guess could even be faulty brakes – but brakes seem fine for any kind of hard stop.
I had a similar issue as well with my ’22 Suburban. It seemed like a rumbling, grind-ish in the front left. My hubby heard it and we tried to isolate it with no success. Was pronounced at around 800 and 1300 RPMs. After getting under the vehicle, grabbing the rear exhaust and doing a hard shake and slam forward, we haven’t had the issue again. Probably some loose vibrating mounts.
Welcome to to the club of GM transmission woes. It is unbelievable that this is still going on, even with some new models.
Good news! I’m even going to send my tech a thank you. My last visit in, after complaining for 10k miles they did another reprogramming of my ’22 Suburban transmission and this time it fixed the hard/jerky shift problem. I had heard they had a flash for the Silverados, so maybe that’s what they did but in any case – if you’re having this issue, may be worth a trip to the dealership (again) and pushing them to just do it.
I tried with my dealer, but they said unless a check engine code was prompted, they wouldn’t/couldn’t apply the reprogramming. GM probably refusing to pay for the dealer charge without a code. Did yours have any check engine or other codes generated?
I had NO error codes, or check engine. I had it in 3 times between 680 and 10,500 miles. Maybe it was the tech I had, but after the reprogram, I’m still smiling. I now have 12k on it. The additional thing I’ll mention, is that it may be worth a call to GM and logging a case with them.
I had the shift points reprogramed, flashed, with a charge of $320 from the dealer BUT did not help at all.
My 23 GMC 1500 3.0L 10 speed will exhibit a light shudder at times between gears during a launch. But at 70 mph and a light tip-in, the shudder can be violent! If you do a heavy tip-in there are no issues. This has me concerned with a truck that I otherwise think is excellent.