Duramax and Allison

[Egon]

Recently there has been a spell of cold weather in Western Canada. Temperatures of -45 centigrade maximum and rising during the day.

According to a friend of mine it seems there have been a rash of Allison transmission failure due to the cold weather?? It seems to have something to do with leaving them idling in park??

Other wise on choice between the Chevy, Ford or Dodge it all seems equal on durability issues.

 

[JB4310]

I'm on some diesel truck sites but haven't heard about that yet, have heard about the problems with letting any auto idle for long periods of time, something to do with the fluid not being circulated. I have a Dodge with a Cummins and new in 07, an Aisin 6 speed auto tranny, everybody confuses the name with Alison of course, but the Aison is Japanese!! I know, who would of thunk it, a Japanese tranny behind a Cummins, but they are supposed to be far far superior to the Alison.

Not to get into any brand wars, but you should see some of the brand bashing/flame throwing going on at some of those truck forums, it can be entertaining at times to see how ignorant some people could be. Never seen any brand wars here regarding tractors.

 

[dgl24087]

Interesting that Dodge is using Aisin, as Toyota is a 51.9% shareholder in the company.

 

[crbr]

Recently there has been a spell of cold weather in Western Canada. Temperatures of -45 centigrade maximum and rising during the day.

According to a friend of mine it seems there have been a rash of Allison transmission failure due to the cold weather?? It seems to have something to do with leaving them idling in park??

Other wise on choice between the Chevy, Ford or Dodge it all seems equal on durability issues.

No merit to your source's rumor, that I know.

What is evloving with the Allisons is that the NSBU switch is starting to see the end of it's life's expectancy from other extremities such as any messy outdoor elements, inclusive of mud, salt, brine, or any other element that can mess up a good pair of shoes or a clean floor mat. The switch (on the older models) is on the exterior of the transmission and can be easily replaced without the inflated costs of dealer service. I doubt cold weather or idling has any effect, other than the consequences of the winter season and not cleaning the underbody.

Rumors

 

[Egon]

My friends observations have merit. He watched them come in on the back of tow trucks. I recall he mentioned four in a two hour period. And yup he does tell the truth.



You will find that at temperatures around the -40 C/F things get a little more tense than zero degrees fahrenheit!

Have you ever been in cold weather service???

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Interesting that Dodge is using Aisin, as Toyota is a 51.9% shareholder in the company.

It is common for auto manufacturers to source parts from companies that are owned by other auto manufacturers. If the part meets their specs and price then why wouldn't they buy it from them. Ford and GM even worked together to build a tranny not too long ago.

 

[ihookem]

Never heard of that one. Mostly rumor. What is not rumor is expensive stolen tale gates are on the rise . (who da thunk!)

 

[Egon]

Mostly rumor.

How so???

You be familiar with the conditions under which these trucks work?? Or where they work ?? Or the demands made upon them when they are working??

Now at -40F I know every ones vehicle/tractor will start right up after sitting for several days with no heating type assistance whatever!! Yup yea sure!

 

[JB4310]

I can't even imagine 40 below, on the truck sites there are guys from Canada talking about those temps, I told them I would not even want to turn the key for fear of doing damage to the vehicle. I would think mechanical failures should be expected.

Around here the coldest I've ever seen is maybe 5 below and even at 5 above when I stick my nose out the door I just turn around and stay in, definitely not gonna sit on my open tractor.

 

[Egon]

These are trucks working in the Hydrocarbon industry. When it's cold out they can't stay home.

Now this was the first really cold period in this area since the Duramax came out. This was the first time these fellows noticed the transmission problem occurring. Before it has never been an issue.