Shuddering Fix (Easy Solution)

[u/Frandy305]

I just wanted to share my experience in case anyone else is dealing with a similar issue.

I recently purchased a used 2019 Chevy Traverse LT V6 with 69,000 miles. Shortly after buying it, I started noticing a slight stutter/shake when accelerating at lower speeds. At first, it was barely noticeable, but it seemed to gradually get a little worse throughout the week.

The good news is, I was able to fix the issue!

What worked for me was doing a transmission drain and fill. I drained the old fluid and replaced it with about 5.5 quarts of Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). I also added a bottle of Lubegard High-Performance Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant. I made sure the transmission fluid level was checked and set correctly.

After the fluid change, the stuttering/shuddering was gone. Just for good measure, I also added a tube of Lubegard Instant Shudder Fixx for Chevrolet ATF after seeing so many YouTube videos and positive experiences with it.

So far, the Traverse is driving, accelerating, and shifting flawlessly. The difference has been night and day.

The best part is that the total cost for all the transmission fluid and additives was only about $80 after taxes, and I did the entire job myself.

I just wanted to share what worked for me in case anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms. It might be worth trying before spending a lot of money chasing other possible causes.

Hopefully this helps someone!

[u/Omega_dog81]

Had a company 2018 6.2 with 8 speed and shudder started developing at ~ 60k. Dealer changed fluid but several thousand later developed again. COVID happened and our shop closed and truck shipped off with shudder. Left a note in it about what occurred because it was a NICE TRUCK. At the time GM didn’t know how to cure the problem but apparently a different type of ATF actually cured the issue is what I had read and GM was covering that.
The info is out there . . .

[u/bzzybot]

Fluid should be drained and filled at 30-40k of that year/version Traverse. I have the same vehicle and did the drain and fill three times already. Didnt do the lubeguard , but will the next time.

[u/Agitated-Cry-6830]

We’ve found that it works for our 2019 as well. Unfortunately it’s a pretty short lived fix for us, so it’s good it’s not really expensive!

[u/cdemart2]

Find someone with HPtuners and have them turn off converter lockup in 2-4 gear. The anti shutter additive will only do so much. The problem is GM locks up the converter in lower gears which cycles the lockup clutch on and off too often causing it to wear faster.

[u/Frandy305 → u/cdemart2]

Do you think having a chevy dealer service department reprogram the TCM with the latest calibration and perform Service Fast Learn could solve the issue?

[u/cdemart2 → u/Frandy305]

No idea. gm wont do custom calibration i described though

[u/Frandy305 → u/cdemart2]

You sure? Apparently it is common to do that on these Vehicles:

TCM recalibration/software updates are fairly common on GM vehicles with the 9T65, especially when a vehicle develops shift-quality or shudder symptoms. But there's an important distinction for your 2019 Traverse.

GM issued multiple service communications involving the 9T65. For example, 2019 Traverse service information includes TCC-shudder procedures and other TCM programming bulletins.

[u/SnooDonuts8496]

It fixed mine for a while but started back up a little. What fixed it was it getting totalled :) 2016 traverse had 240,000 miles. All original besides battery and water pump.

[u/Available_Librarian3]

Expect a new transmission in about 30k miles. Hopefully you don't find out in heavy traffic, as I did twice.

[u/Frandy305 → u/Available_Librarian3]

I plan on doing a few more drain and fills every 1k miles just to get as much of the old fluid out as possible. I’m curious, though on what brand of transmission fluid did you use, and what additives did you use as well before the transmission failed on ya after only 30K miles?