Sub'd

 

So far no issues to report with the Escalade. It has been working perfect. I've also caught wind that the '03 Sierra this owner sold, which had begun to exhibit the same EXACT issue, was repaired via just a filter change as well. Both vehicles were serviced with a Power Torque brand filter from O'Reilly's.

As mentioned though, just to be safe, it's probably best to shy away from ALL non O.E. filters. This is serious stuff guys, this can cost you a transmission, plain and simple. Loss of line PSI via a restricted element is no joke, doesn't take any time to ruin the clutches at all.

On a side note, this problem is not isolated to GM or this particular transmission. Take a look at this '03 Taurus which was exhibiting the same issues I had worked on. The noise is a dead giveaway. This vehicle exhibited lack of movement after driving for a short distance, and a neutral out while driving:

VID_20130211_161047_972.mp4 - YouTube

However, the issue on this one was it simply hadn't been serviced in 150k miles...so the filter element was saturated with wear material and restricted. It should be noted it was a Filtran brand, but simply run well past it's service point:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OLtQ-NiWVeY/URpa-LBHHaI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/vHWOfi6DfIw/s800/IMG_20130212_090829_748.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ypVSU3Clhf4/URpa_t1l8AI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/a3iIssO3Wa4/s800/IMG_20130212_090816_415.jpg

So the moral of the story, keep your transmissions serviced, and with OE filters, in my opinion.

 

Agreed!

 

No issues to report. The trans has seen countless WOT hits since repaired.

 

I'm still receiving reports of aftermarket filter issues here guys. Stay away from aftermarket filters!

More reports of guys getting their trans entirely replaced, due to a filter issue. Symptoms will include noise/groaning from the pump area, more pronounced on cold startup. Slow loss of forward/reverse movement as the vehicle is driven more. Will resume movement if vehicle is let sit for a short period of time. Filter change will alleviate the symptoms for a month or two, unless going back with GM filter.

Permanent trans damage requiring full teardown/overhaul can result from repeated exposure to this concern. You will have to make a judgement call when you remove the pan, as to how much clutch is in the pan at the time. In my experience, all units have been lightly damaged and return to full functionality upon repair of the filter restriction issue.