Technical Bulletin # 1473
Transmission: 6L80/6L90
Subject: Neutrals Before 1-2 ShiŌ
Application: GM
Issue Date: September, 2012
6L80/6L90
Neutrals Before the 1-2 Shift
This condi on may be caused by a low sprag failure. There is an updated sprag assembly that changes
from 30 to 38 elements.
The symptom will be the transmission shi s to a neutral mode shortly a er take off. This occurs only
with the lever in the drive posi on. In the manual low posi on this condi on does not occur.
We can see on the scan data that shi solenoid #1 and pressure control solenoid #3 are changing
states during this “neutral” event. In the manual low posi on the solenoid status does not change, this
is normal. The solenoid ac vity is the low reverse clutch being released.
1ST
RANGE PARK REVERSE NEUTRAL 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH
BRAKING
1Ͳ2Ͳ3Ͳ4
ON ON ON ON ON
Clutch
3Ͳ5
ON ON ON
Clutch
4Ͳ5Ͳ6
ON ON ON
Clutch
2Ͳ6
ON ON
Clutch
L/R
ON ON ON ON
Clutch
Low
ON ON
Sprag
The apply chart shows that the low reverse clutch is holding in 1st gear and during first gear braking.
The low sprag holds only in 1st gear under accelera on.
The low reverse clutch has to be off prior to the 1-2 shi , the TCM will release the L/R clutch just a er
the vehicle gets rolling. When the L/R clutch is released the load is now on the low sprag.
If the low sprag is not holding, the transmission will shi to a neutral mode when the L/R clutch re-
leases.
Copyright © 2012 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. MP • Page 1 of 2
6L80/6L90 #1473
Neutrals Before the 1-2 Shift
The low sprag was updated from 30 to 38 elements in 2008.
If the sprag freewheel rota on is incorrect, the transmission will shi to neutral when the low reverse
clutch is released a er take off. If enough road speed is obtained the trans will bind up in 2nd gear.
Sprag race free wheel rotation, counterclockwise.
MP • Page 2 of 2 Copyright © 2012 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.
