Looking for tips for a towing tune for the 4L60

[naskie18]

Hey all, I've got an '04 Colorado 2WD Z85 with the 3.5L and 4L60, with a 3.42 rearend and 31" tires.

I'm getting to a point where more and more I'm using the truck for hauling a 16' enclosed trailer with motorcycles in it, and am looking for some tips for creating a tune specifically for towing, mainly interested in suggestions for modifications to trans/TCC settings.

I did try searching for "towing" looking for general tips, but wasn't able to find much, it seems most of the threads got started by people trying to resolve a current issue. I'm not specifically looking to get the rpms into a certain range or avoid shifts at certain times, but interested more generally in which way people have changed certain settings to improve a tune for towing, and, obviously, very interested in what not to do.

Right now I get about 10mpg towing the trailer, which I don't consider atrocious, but anything that could be done to improve that would be beneficial. Also, I've got 161k miles on the truck, and have a few years left on the loan for the G8, so getting a new truck isn't in my near future. With that in mind, any tips to preserve trans life would also be greatly appreciated.

[Shrek]

Heat and slip (which generates heat) are the main causes of automatic transmission failures. More frequent shifts (especially 3>4 & 4>3 cycling) will also cause premature wear of the clutch packs - especially with a 4L60.

With many older vehicles running a 4L60, the owners manual would instruct you to tow in "D" (3rd) and not in O/D (4th) - to address the above issues.


With your setup I would recommend 4 things:

• TransGo 4L60E-HD2 reprogramming kit
• an auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• towing in "D" (3rd) - especially with an I5
• keeping the TC locked in 3rd as much as possible while towing

This will reduce fuel economy marginally while towing, but will greatly increase transmission longevity.

[crazyeyez]

and for my Canyon (same motor and tranny) i found that i am able to tweek the TC lock and unlock points. you should be able to with your 04