Failure Affects 2009-2015 Chevrolet/GMC Trucks, Leading to Annoying and Costly Downtime. UpFix Solution Solves Ongoing Parts Availability Issues, Minimizes Costs.
Atlanta, June 29, 2023 – Of the almost one million 2009-2015 GM HD trucks still in service and with Allison automatic transmissions, many are susceptible to a transmission control module (TCM) failure, leading to hard shifting, limp-home mode in third gear, and eventual vehicle immobilization. Though TCM replacement might seem like an easy fix, ongoing and wide-ranging backorders have plagued the repair industry. Used TCMs are just as failure prone. UpFix has an immediate time and money saving alternative; fix the truck’s existing TCM.
Whether an auto repair professional, commercial fleet manager, or do-it-yourself (DIY) truck owner, UpFix’s new Allison TCM repair service can get affected vehicles back in service and end the long and frustrating wait for an expensive, backordered replacement TCM. Since it already is matched to the vehicle, repairing an existing TCM also eliminates the need for costly VIN encoding.
Documented Allison TCM failures affect 2009-2015 Chevrolet/GMC 2500/3500 HD trucks, some 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick C4500-C6500 vehicles. UpFix professionals conducted hours of post-mortem inspections and found the internal failure source.
Specifically, heat and vibration cause the TCM’s circuit board conformal coating to fail and leads to transmission shifting issues, many of which started surfacing just a few years after the affected vehicles hit the roads. The Allison TCM is used with Duramax diesel engines with engine RPO codes LBZ, LMM, LML, LLY, and LGH. The Allison A50/T14 fourth generation TCMs have the highest failure rate.
The UpFix Solution – Don’t Replace It. UpFix It.
“We start by removing the conformal coating from specific areas, a step to prevent future problems,” said Ernest Martynyuk, UpFix Auto electronics division lead. “We apply improved thermal paste to better control any future heat issues, we replace key microprocessors updated with the latest firmware specific to the vehicle and the vehicle’s VIN, then our techs inspect and repair all connectors, clean and inspect, and seal the unit.”
UpFix then uses sophisticated software to confirm the TCM functions perfectly. The finished repair is ready to install out of the box with no additional programming needed. To learn more, see the company’s new Allison Transmission TCM Repair for Chevy HD Silverado 2500, 3500 & GMC HD Sierra 2500, 3500 video.
Once the non-functional Allison TCM is removed and sent to UpFix for repair (customers can place an order and find shipping directions here), UpFix typically services and returns the renewed TCM in a few days, far better than waiting for open-ended new-stock inventory updates or considering used parts that likely will suffer the same fate as the original TCM.
For the dedicated DIYer, Martynyuk cautioned, “This repair is far beyond the skills of even the most advanced do-it-yourselfer. While many can remove and install the component, Allison TCM repairs require sophisticated capabilities and experience as well special repair, testing, and programming equipment. This is where we excel.”
UpFix Auto Offers a Range of Electronics Repair Services
In addition to TCM repairs, UpFix provides a range of automotive electronics reset and repair services for antl-lock braking systems (ABS), body control modules (BCM), touchscreens, instrument clusters, powertrain control modules (PCM), and engine control units (ECU). It also services power steering modules, climate control units, fuse boxes/totally integrated power modules (TIPM), anti-theft modules, differential electronic modules, and provides mileage correction services.
“We specialize in fast, cost-effective, and professional repair services,” said Martynyuk. “A sidelined truck can really have a negative impact on its owner’s livelihood and lifestyle. Our goal is to help get these vehicles back on the road quickly whether individuals, auto and collision repair professionals, or commercial fleet managers. We’re on top of the latest techniques and technology to help ensure fast, reliable repairs.”
