Bulletin No.

: 19-NA-121
Service Bulletin Date: June, 2019

TECHNICAL
Subject: Shake and/or Shudder During Light Throttle Acceleration Between 25 and 80 MPH
(40 and 128 KM/H) at Steady Speed

Attention: This Bulletin only applies to vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada and Middle East.

Model Year: Date Breakpoint:

Brand: Model: Engine: Transmission:
from to from to
Silverado 1500
Chevrolet
(New Model) March 01,
2019 2019 SOP L3B, L84 MQE
Sierra 1500 2019
GMC
(New Model)

Involved Region or Country United States, Canada, Chile, Thailand and Middle East Operations (MEO)
Some customers may comment on any of the following conditions:
• A shake and/or shudder during light throttle acceleration between 25 and 80 mph
(40 and 128 km/h) steady state driving when transmission is not actively shifting
Condition gears.
• A shudder feeling that may be described as driving over rumble strips or rough
pavement.
Shudder feeling is evident in both Drive and M7 modes.

Diagnosis Instructions Run the following tests for 3 operational modes:

To ensure torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder is A. Normal Operation (GDS2 for viewing only)
diagnosed correctly, please drive the following B. GDS2 Commanding TCC in Disabled Operation
schedule on a smooth road with transmission sump (TCC Open)
temperature between 50°C (122°F) - 70°C (158°F). C. GDS2 Commanding TCC in Enabled Operation
Important: For some road conditions, it may be (TCC Locked)
required to apply the brake pedal and throttle
simultaneously to stay within desired gear, engine firing
mode, engine torque range, and engine/vehicle speed Shudder Test
ranges. Refer to the table below for conditions pertaining to
Press and hold the tow-haul mode button for 5 seconds specific applications. In each vehicle, constant throttle
to disable grade braking to prevent downshifts input on a smooth grade is desirable.
during test.
Vehicle Information Shudder Test Conditions
Vehicle
Engine Transmission Engine
Engine Engine Trans Speed
Make Application: Gear Mode (4, Input Torque
Type RPO RPO mph
V6, V8) Speed (rpm) (Nm)
(km/h)
Chevrolet/ Silverado/ 4 CYL. 45-55
L3B MQE 4 4 1100-1500 100–250
GMC Sierra Turbo (72-88)
8
Chevrolet/ Silverado/ 45-55
CYL. L84 MQE 8 V8 1050-1500 200-375
GMC Sierra (72-88)
NA

Copyright 2019 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121

GDS Test
To confirm TCC Shudder, the vibration concern must be
created in normal operation (Mode A) of the test. If the
concern is gone with the torque converter clutch
disabled (Mode B, TCC Open) and is gone with torque
converter clutch enabled (Mode C, TCC Locked), then
the vibration root cause is TCC Shudder, and the fluid
flush procedure corrective action described below
should be performed.
If the concern is not present in Mode A, then the
vibration concern is NOT TCC shudder.
If the concern is still present with the torque converter
clutch disabled (Mode B) or with the torque converter
clutch enabled (Mode C, TCC slip speed at zero), then
the vibration root cause is NOT TCC Shudder.
GDS can be used to monitor TCC Slip to confirm TCC
Shudder. Once TCC shudder is duplicated TCC slip
speed should be monitored while driving at a steady
speed and steady throttle. TCC shudder typically will
present itself in a saw tooth or oscilloscope pattern
where TCC slip will increase and decrease rapidly. The
increase may be as much as a 150 rpm and decline to
below 0 rpm, creating a saw tooth or oscilloscope type
pattern. When TCC slip speed is graphed on the GDS
screen. Desirable slip speed would present itself with 5
to 15 rpm variation. Slip speed will vary by application.
The slip speed is it should be consistent and not erratic
or presented in a saw tooth or oscilloscope pattern
Vibrations not identified as TCC shudder should be
further investigated using the Vehicle Vibration
Diagnosis in SI as a starting point.

5343327
Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121 June, 2019 Page 3

This is an example of TCC slip speed on a 5.3 (L84)

truck. Note the improvement in slip speed after
immediately after the fluid exchange procedure. The
slip speed will improve after additional mileage is
accumulated. This improvement will occur over the
course of 200 miles (320 km) and a minimum of two
cold to operating temperature drive cycles. The truck
should be returned to the customer for the mileage
accumulation.

5336317
Example of GDS Screen Print.
Important: Obtain a single page screen print from
GDS that shows the TCC shudder event. This screen
print must be attached to the Repair Order hard copy
for reference. A screen print can be completed by
pressing the Print Screen button on your laptop
computer or by using a program or application such as
Snipping Tool.
Examples of acceptable screen prints:
• GDS2 Session showing TCC slip
• GDS2 Special Functions showing TCC Locked 3763203
Slip Speed
• DT-51190 Transmission Oil Fill Adapter
Special Tools
DT-52263 Transmission Fluid Exchange Kit:
• DT-52263-1 Block Assembly (includes fluid drain
hose, spring clamp)
• DT-52263-5 Radiator Cooler Drain Adapter
Page 4 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121

Service Procedure
Initial TransFlow Flush Machine Setup
Important: The prepping procedure only needs to be
completed if the DT-45096 supply reservoir has
DEXRON VI fluid in it and has not been converted to
use the new blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP
fluid.
Note: The prepping procedure only needs to be
completed if HP fluid is not in the supply reservoir.
1. Connect the TransFlow adapter DT-45096-31 to
the supply line of the DT-45096 TransFlow
machine.

5181938

• GE-47716-2 Graduated Bucket

5180884

2. Switch the DT-45096 TransFlow to Idle.

3. Connect power leads to the vehicle 12-volt DC
supply.
4. Turn the TransFlow main switch ON.
5. Connect air supply to the DT-45096.
6. Place the TransFlow supply hose with adapter
DT-45096-31 into a waste reservoir using care not
to spill the expelled fluid.
1215917
7. Switch the DT-45096 TransFlow to Flow and allow
DT-45096 TransFlow Cooler Flush Machine all the fluid in the supply reservoir to be removed
and placed in the waste reservoir.
8. Switch the control switch back to idle.

Fluid Exchange Procedure – 2019 Chevrolet

Silverado and GMC Sierra (New Body Style)
Equipped with the RPO (MQE)
Important: This procedure must be followed as
published. The exchange process is required to obtain
proper level of new blue label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF
HP fluid. Intermixing of other types of transmission fluid
or aftermarket additive packages will result in a low
4733125
concentration level of new fluid and will not provide
DT-45096-31 TransFlow Adapter (one of two pieces satisfactory results.
from DT-45096-30)
Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121 June, 2019 Page 5

1. Fill the DT-45096 with 20 quarts of HP fluid.

2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

5182541

3. Install the DT-45096-31 TransFlow adapter (1) to

the DT-51190 fluid fill adapter (2).
3723844

8. Remove the level set plug (1) from the

transmission.
Important: DO NOT over tighten the DT-51190 as it
can be damaged by excessive torque. DO NOT exceed
9 Y (80 lb in).
9. Install the DT-51190/DT-45096-31 assembly and
hand tighten as shown in the graphic above.

5180563
3723839

4. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipe assembly 10. Connect the TransFlow fluid feed (supply) line (3)
from the transmission. to the DT-45096-31 adapter (2).
5. Install the DT-52263-1 Adapter Block Assembly 11. Lower the vehicle.
(1), reusing the seal from the transmission oil
cooler pipe assembly. Caution: DO NOT REMOVE MORE THAN 3 QUARTS
OF FLUID AS IT COULD CAUSE FLUID PUMP
6. Tighten the bolt (2) to 22 Y (16 lb ft). CAVITATION AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE
7. Place the hose (3) in the GE-47716-2 Graduated TRANSMISSION.
Measuring Bucket, utilizing a Spring Clamp to 12. Utilizing the graduated bucket, start the engine and
retain the hose. run 30 - 45 seconds until 3 quarts of fluid is
expelled.
Page 6 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121

13. Shut the engine off immediately. Note: DO NOT add additional transmission fluid until
14. Connect the DT-45096 to the vehicle battery the 4 quarts of oil have been removed from the
12 volts and connect shop air to the air connection. transmission (Reducing fluid level in the TransFlow
from 12–8).
17.2. Repeat step 17.1.
17.3. Add a maximum of 5 quarts of HP fluid to the
transmission while allowing 5 additional
quarts of oil to fill the DT-graduated bucket
(Reducing fluid level in the TransFlow
from 8 – 3).

5181027

15. Switch the DT-45096 TransFlow to Flow and add

4 quarts of HP to the transmission.

5181401

17.4. Shut the engine off once 16 quarts of fluid

have been collected.
17.5. Properly dispose of the expelled
transmission fluid.
5181020
18. Raise the vehicle.
16. Switch the DT-45096 TransFlow to Idle (Reducing 19. Disconnect the DT-45096 TransFlow feed (supply)
fluid level in the TransFlow from 20–16). line from DT-45096-31 TransFlow adapter.
17. Switch the TransFlow DT-45096 to Flow and start 20. Using care, remove DT-45096-31/DT-51190 as an
the engine: assembly.
17.1. Add a maximum of 4 quarts of HP Fluid to 21. Remove the DT-51190 fluid fill adapter from
the transmission, turn the TransFlow switch DT-45096-31 hose.
to idle once 4 quarts have been added, while 22. Install the level set plug.
allowing 4 additional quarts of oil to fill the
DT-graduated bucket (Reducing fluid level in Tighten
the TransFlow from 16 – 12). Torque the plug to 9 Y (80 lb in).
23. Remove DT-52263-1 Adapter Block Assembly
from the transmission.
Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121 June, 2019 Page 7

24. If equipped, remove the Thermal By-Pass Block Note: Silverado and Sierra Models equipped with a
from the cooler pipes (L84 only). thermal bypass valve, the transmission fluid level
24.1. If equipped with the 4 cylinder (L3B) engine should be checked only after the TFT has reached or
skip to step 27. exceeded an operating temperature of 90°C (194°F).
25. Using clean compressed shop air regulated to Once the TFT has reached or exceeded 90°C (194°F),
50 PSI blow out the transmission oil cooler lines to then turn OFF the vehicle and allow the TFT to cool
remove any remaining transmission fluid. back down to 35-45°C (95-113°F) before checking the
fluid level as required. Reaching or exceeding an
26. If equipped, install the Thermal By-Pass Block from operating temperature of 90°C (194°F) opens the
the cooler pipes. bypass valve and allows the cooler to fill up with fluid,
27. Install the transmission oil cooler pipe using a new which will result in a more accurate fluid level check.
cooler block seal.
1. Observe the TFT using the driver information
28. Partially lower the vehicle. center (DIC) or a scan tool.
29. Start the engine. 2. Start and idle the engine.
30. Using care, shift the transmission through all 3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever
forward ranges and Reverse. through each gear range.
31. Shift the transmission into Park. 3.1. Pause for at least 3 seconds in each range.
32. Perform the Transmission Fluid Level and 3.2. Move the shift lever back to PARK.
Condition Check outlined below in this procedure:
3.3. Ensure the engine RPM is low
32.1. Get the transmission fluid temperature to the (500–800 RPM).
proper temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for a minimum time
32.2. Install the level set plug. of 1 minute.
Tighten Caution: THE ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING when the
Torque the plug to 9 Y (80 lb in). trans oil level check plug is removed or excessive fluid
The TCC shudder condition should be directional loss will occur, resulting in an under-filled condition. An
improved immediately after the fluid exchange under-filled transmission will cause premature
procedure. It may take up to 200 mi (320 km) for the component wear or damage.
TCC shudder condition to be eliminated. It is not a 5. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
requirement for the dealer to drive the vehicle 200 mi ⇒ The vehicle must be level, with the engine
(320 km). The customer should be advised that the full running and the shift lever in the PARK range.
effect will take up to 320 km (200 mi) and a minimum of
two cold to operating temperature drive cycles. Note: Continue to monitor the TFT. If the TFT is not
within the specified values, reinstall the trans oil level
check plug and repeat the previous steps.
Transmission Fluid Level and Condition 6. Remove the transmission oil level check plug (1)
Check from the transmission fluid pan.
This procedure checks both the transmission fluid level, 7. Allow any fluid to drain.
as well as the condition of the fluid itself. Because the • If the fluid is flowing as a steady stream, wait
transmission on this vehicle is not equipped with a fill until the fluid begins to drip.
tube and dipstick, a tube in the bottom pan is used to • If no fluid comes out, add fluid until fluid drips
set the fluid level. out. Refer to Transmission Fluid Fill Procedure
Warning: The transmission fluid level must be in SI.
checked when the transmission fluid temperature 8. Reinstall the transmission oil level check plug.
(TFT) is between 35–45°C (95–113°F). If the TFT is
not within this range, either idle or brake torque the Tighten
vehicle to raise the fluid temperature, or shut off the Torque the plug to 9 Y (80 lb in).
vehicle to allow the fluid to cool as required. Setting 9. Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak
the fluid level with a TFT outside this range will Diagnosis in SI.
result in either an under or over-filled transmission.
TFT>45°C=under-filled, TFT<35°C=over-filled. An
under-filled transmission will cause premature
component wear or damage. An over-filled
transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the
vent tube, possibly causing a fire that may result in
serious bodily injury or severe vehicle damage,
fluid foaming, or pump cavitation.
Page 8 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 19-NA-121

Parts Information
Note: Only select the parts that coincide with the repair
performed.

Causal Description Part Qty

Part Number
19417577
(US -
1 quart)
X Mobil 1 Synthetic 20
19418066
LV ATF HP (Canada -
(Available only 0.946L/1 qt)
through Local GM
Oil Distributors) Drum
55 gallon
N/A 1
19417904
(US)
RETAINER,
N/A TRANS FLUID 24205103 2
CLR PIPE FTG
SEAL, TRANS
N/A 23135703 1
FLUID CLR PIPE

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.

Labor Description Labor Time

Operation
8480818* Diagnostic Testing and Fluid 1.4 hrs
Exchange
Add DT-45096 Prep (Not 0.1 hr
required unless the fluid is
not Mobil 1 Synthetic LV
ATF HP)
*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.

Version 1
Modified Released June 04, 2019

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your TECHNICIAN
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the CERTIFICATION
information.