1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Logo
Posted on Aug 05, 2009
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1996 Tahoe trans trouble code 1870?

I had my original 4L60e trans case crack open where it meets with the transfer case.  The cause was excessive rear driveshaft angle (truck is lifted), driveshaft angle is now fixed.  As for the broken trans, i had the insides checked and inspected, then installed in a used case.  Since i installed the "new trans", it shifts really hard from first to second ONLY, also, if I accelerate hard enough in first gear, it kinda feels like i'm doin a burnout (but im not).  I also had the ses light come on as well.  Codes were 700, and 1870 (component slippage).  Is there enough info here to determine the exact cause/problem??  Thanks everyone

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  • Posted on Aug 06, 2009
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Sounds like the clutch packs are worn out or not enough oil pressure engaging the first gear clutch pack.

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Diagnostic trouble code P1870 (Transmission Component Slippage) is a General Motors-specific code whose set parameters are determined by transmission type and engine size. The PCM monitors and compares engine speed to vehicle speed after the converter clutch has been commanded ON in either high gear or Overdrive. Should the expected rpm ratio exceed predetermined parameters, DTC 1870 sets. And upon doing so, the PCM elevates the transmission main line pressure and stops converter clutch apply.

Once the vehicle has made it to a cruise state, the PCM then begins to monitor the vehicle's cruise ratio. If at some point the transmission begins to slip, P1870 sets and line pressure is elevated in an attempt to stop any further slippage and prevent further damage. This would explain why DTC 1870 Ls often accompanied by a complaint of a hard 1-2 up shift.

When this code sets, it could have any number of causes, ranging from the sump running low of fluid to a malfunctioning torque converter. Take a GM 4L60-E transmission, for example. When it's in Overdrive, the forward clutch and the 3-4 clutches are applied, as well as the 2-4 band. Now add the converter clutch. This is what the PCM monitors at cruise. If the ratio breaks away, the cause could be any of three components, the hydraulics that operate them or the electronics that control them. Fortunately, experience has shown that in most cases, the cause can be traced to some form of converter clutch failure as a result of valve body concerns. With GMs 4L80-E transmission, this code has usually been the result of a cracked converter clutch piston.

Put a line pressure gauge ($55 shipped on Ebay, or visit a local trans shop) on the pressure test port and go for a drive to verify proper line pressure. Base pressure at idle in P,N,OD should be around 70psi and around 140psi in R. Max line pressure should be at least 190psi at WOT in 1st or 2nd, 225psi is optimum. If base pressure is low, trans or pump is worn out. If max pressure is low, check EPC solenoid. If reverse is slow to engage, and line pressure does not come up to at least 130psi in reverse, replace the boost valve with a Transgo 0.049" - 0.500" boost valve (easy fix in pan), and replace the servo with an upgrade servo from a Corvette 4L60E. This will give you a more firm shift and address the DTC 1870 which is common to a weaken Boost valve or faulty EPC valve.
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The key distinction of the Later 4L60-E (1997-2006) from the Early 4L60-E (1992-1997) or 4L60 (1990-1992) or 700R4 (1982-1989) is the six-bolt "hex" rear output or tail housing / adapter pattern. The previous versions featured a four-bolt square bolt pattern at the adapter or tail housing. This is where that made the small change and the 96/97 year was a change over year so you may have the newer housing or the older housing, but if your replacing the transfer case with the transmission your good to go, the electronics are the same. Just the body housing is different. Good luck and hope this helps. And why wold you want to convert the transmission, there are lots of easy simple up grades with out dropping the transmission or valve body. 
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