[tcrain]

Hello everyone!! I joined this forum to ask this question, is it possible!??

We have a 2020 Enclave with 22,000 miles on it. The transmission (solenoid) has given out 3x in 2 ½ years. We leased it with the intent to buy which would have given us an affordable payment. The lease ends in July and its going back!!

Every time it breaks down, the tech’s are mystified what is causing this. They say they can’t diagnose it until something goes wrong. If the problem could be found and fixed, we’d consider buying it.

We have come to the conclusion the common denominator in these breakdowns are the charging ports inside the car, and I think, specifically, the USB charging port in the console. Here is why...

The car never broke down just driving around town. It happens driving to/at our vacation destination...all 3x’s. Ruined 3 vacations! We never use any changing ports, ever, driving around town, only while driving to our vacation destination. Let me explain the breakdowns.

• 1st breakdown. July 2020, car is 10 days old, Drove 4 hours to Traverse City...we always plug in an igloo cooler near the tailgate for this trip (we drive to Traverse 5x a summer) there has been no issues with JUST the igloo plugged in on the 12 trips we’ve made to Traverse City so far. I never charge my phone/tablet on this trip either but this particular trip I plugged in my cell phone to charge on the way up. Car broke down day after we arrive. Solenoid, 5 days to get the car back.
• 2nd breakdown March 2022, 1 1/2 years later, we didn't vacation in 2021, covid. We drive/vacation to Panama, 15 hours one way. On the way there we plugged in the igloo cooler by the tailgate. In the console we plugged in a smaller cooler for drinks, food warmer as well as charged cell phones and tablets. We arrive okay but second day in Panama, the car broke down again in a parking lot after putting it in park! 5 day repair, replaced valve body and solenoid, no loaner, no rental available (covid) we’re stranded 7 out of 10 days. At this point we’re now thinking electrical.
• 3rd breakdown. March 2023, one year later. We decide with much hesitation, to vacation/drive to Myrtle Beach because what are the chances it happening a third time?? It’s a 12 hour drive. This time we decide to ONLY plug in the igloo cooler by the tailgate since we know it’s safe. Did NOT charged any phones/tablets day one. We’re on day two’s drive, 90 minutes from Myrtle beach and my phone needs charging. I went to plug it in and hesitated...mmmm should I??? I went for it, plugged in my phone....and guys, within an hour....we’re driving 70 mph, engine revs, no acceleration!!! We drift to the side, put in park, then drive, we have acceleration, but, it won’t go out of first gear. Long story short, we limp 20 minutes to nearest dealership. Another solenoid! At least we got a rental, drove to Myrtle but had to make a 3 hour drive round trip to pick the Enclave up 5 days later.

We would appreciate ANY thoughts.....is it coinsidental? Or is it possible the charging port/s are causing electrical/voltage disturbances and causing these solenoids to go???

Thank you!

 

[Alvenir]

Welcome tcrain. I found this service bulletin and another article which may be helpful. Scroll down to the last page of the bulletin ref. the solenoid. The pilot program covers up to 18,000 miles but given your history perhaps they would consider replacing the tranny. I haven't heard of charging ports causing the problems you have experienced, although I suppose it is possible, and if that was the cause I doubt the techs would be able to prove it.

Transmission replacement
Transmission replacement pilot program

 

[tcrain]

Hello Alvenir!! First, thanks for the welcome! Second, thank you so much for the heads up on the pilot program, we had NO idea! We got the Enclave in July 2020, the bulletin took affect December 2020 and at that time we already had one incident. During the time the pilot program was in affect, 12 months, we had NO issues, it was only thereafter 2 more happened. Lucky us! And the funny thing is, husband, at the 2nd and 3rd incident even asked to replace the trans which wasn't a consideration at all, just fix the solenoid. Why they didn't send owners of these vehicles a bulletin through the mail is beyond me because of the dangers involved. We've contacted GM customer care with each incident and working with a very nice lady now who will be offering us some compensation when the Enclave goes back in July towards another vehicle. I am definately going to bring up this pilot program to her and in our opinion, given how the last incident was so dangereous losing acceleration at 70mph, and my husband asking to replace the trans twice, should be offered to us regardless of the pilot program expiring. Whether we'd take it??? Not sure, there isn't enough time for a new trans to prove itself by July. Again, thanks sooo much for your input...knowing about the pilot program may give us some leverage with GM!!

 

[electbc]

So sorry to hear of these issues. Make sure that you have all the documentation on the issues and repairs when you deal with the dealer. As Alvinair stated the pilot program was for 18,000 miles and within 18 months. and run for only 12 months. I like where they limit the coverage and also say that the program will increase customer confidence.

This program will increase customer confidence in their new vehicle equipped with a GM 9T65 transmission (RPO M3V and M3W), if a problem occurs, by directing the technician to replace the transmission assembly instead of repairing it in most cases, if certain checks are made and guidelines followed. 1. Only applies to vehicles sold and serviced in the U.S. 2. Only applies to vehicles less than 18 months from Date of Delivery and have less than 18,000 miles on the odometer. 3. Program pilot will only run for 12 months from the date of bulletin release.

 

[electbc]

9T65 Transmission Replacement Program Ending Soon – TechLink

gm-techlink.com

9T65 Transmission Replacement Pilot Program Update – TechLink

gm-techlink.com

Check this one out. Look at your dealer receipts for which solenoids were replaced.

Transmission Warning for DTCs with Solenoid Stuck On – TechLink

gm-techlink.com

 

[tcrain]

Thanks so much electcb....I appreciate all the links you and Alvenir have provided. We were aware of earlier year trans issues but not recent. Had no idea! I will definately look at my receipts to see what solenoids were replaced. As I stated above we are well out of the pilot program period but plan to address this knowledge with the GM rep who is assigned to our case...we have a lot of questions as to why none of the techs who worked on our car mentioned this program or the known issues with this trans...as well as the 3 GM reps we spoke to with each breakdown...We'll be talking to our rep on Tuesday...curious what she has to say...I'll provide the update...Thanks so much for your time...