File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

16-NA-019
January, 2016

INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh
Shifts, Slips, or Flares

Attention: This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export vehicles.
Brand:

Model:

Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC

All
Passenger
Cars and
Trucks

Model Year:
from

2016

Condition

VIN:
to

2016

Transmission:

All

Equipped with
8L90 and 8L45
Automatic
Transmission
(RPOs M5U,
M5T,
M5N, M5X)

to

Some customers may comment on low mileage vehicles with an automatic transmissions
that the shifting may feel too firm (harsh), slips, or flares. Customers should be advised
that the transmission makes use of an adaptive function that will help to refine the shift
feel while driving and improve shift quality.

Correction
The following should be used to determine what steps
should be followed within this document. The 8-Speed
transmission utilizes a total of 5 clutches to obtain all
the ratios. Utilize the chart within this document to
determine which clutch may require additional adaptive
learning.
• If a transmission replacement was required, reset
the adapts using Service Fast Learn. Evaluate the
shifts and further learn pressures and volumes if
required.
• If a customer has a specific shift concern, the
Service Fast Learn should be skipped. Complete
the driving learn procedure to further learn
pressures and volumes for the complaint shift.

Transmission Adaptive Functions
The Hydra-Matic® 8-Speed RWD transmission utilizes
a line pressure and volume control system during
upshifts to compensate for new transmission build
variation as well as the normal wear of transmission
components. The variation from new and normal wear
of the apply components within the transmission over
time can cause shift time (the time required to apply a
clutch) to be longer or shorter than desired.
In order to compensate for these changes, the
transmission control module (TCM) adjusts the
pressure commands to the various pressure control
(PC) solenoids to maintain the originally calibrated shift
timing. The automatic adjusting process is referred to
Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

from

Engine:

as “adaptive learning” and it is used to ensure
consistent shift feel plus increase transmission
durability.
The TCM monitors the A/T input speed sensor (ISS)
and the A/T output speed sensor (OSS) during
commanded shifts to determine if a shift is occurring
too fast (harsh) or too slow (soft) and adjusts the
corresponding PC solenoid signal to maintain the set
shift feel. The purpose of the adapt function is to
automatically compensate the shift quality for the
various vehicle shift control systems. The adapt
function is a continuous process that will help to
maintain optimal shift quality throughout the life of the
vehicle.

How to Adapt Your Transmission
Transmission adapts can be reset and relearned on
most vehicles through GDS 2 by using the
Transmission Service Fast Learn procedure. This
procedure is completed in the service stall and no
vehicle driving is required.
To complete the Transmission Service Fast Learn
procedure, enter GDS 2 Diagnosis and navigate to:
• Module diagnostics
• Transmission Control Module
• Configuration / Reset Function
• Transmission Service Fast Learn

Page 2

January, 2016

Transmission Service Fast Learn is the recommended
method to reset and relearn adapts. This procedure is
available on all 2016 MY Trucks, Cars and SUVs with
8L45 and 8L90 Automatic Transmissions (RPOs: M5U,
M5T, M5N, M5X).
When the Service Fast Learn is complete, perform a
test drive and note any soft or harsh shifts.
To improve these complaint shifts further, locate the
clutches that need to be learned in the following table
below, and perform the required learning procedure for
each clutch listed in the chart. Execute the steps below
with the vehicle warmed up on a smooth level road. The
driver may observe a brief pulse behavior or firm shift
feel while the transmission is optimizing the clutch learn
characteristics.
Note: The transmission fluid temperature must be
between 35°C (95°F) and 95°C (203°F). Drive vehicle
under normal conditions until this temperature range is
achieved. If temperature is outside this range the
clutches will not be learned.
To Correct The
Shift Feel

Learn These Clutches
Applying
Clutch

Releasing
Clutch

1–2

C4

C3

2–3

C3

C1

3–4

C5

C3

4–5

C3

C4

5–6

C4

C2

6–7

C1

C4

7–8

C4

C3

3–1

C1

C4

C3

C4

2–1
N-D

C3 – Perform garage shift adaptive
learning

N-R

C5 – Perform garage shift adaptive
learning

Power Downshifts

Just perform the shifts and they will
adapt

Note: If the harsh shift is noted when the vehicle is
coming to a stop and shifting into 1st gear, this
downshift is most likely a 3-1 shift.
Note: This sequence is MY 2016 specific and
varies from MY 2015. The following adaptive
learning procedure was developed to further learn
clutch pressures and volumes required for specific
shifts. To expedite the learning process, it is
recommended to utilize a road with minimal traffic
volume that has as smooth and level surface as
possible.

To Learn C1 (For 6-7 or 3-1 Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-019

Note: It is recommended to utilize a road with a speed
limit between of 30-45 mph (48-72 km/h) for this
procedure.
• Shift the transmission into 6th gear with the
PRNDM in the M position. Obtain an engine
speed between 1000 and 1600 engine rpm.
Maintain this condition for a total of about 5
miles (8 km). Cruise control may be used and
has been found to result in faster learning of the
clutch values.
2. Volume Learns:
• Complete 15 light throttle 6-7 upshifts at
approximately 15% throttle to further learn C1.

To Learn C2 (For 6-5 Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:
Note: It is recommended to utilize a road with a speed
limit 40-45 mph (64-72 km/h) for this procedure.
• Perform 10 normal mode 6-5 coast down shifts
(zero/light brake) to learn the C2 Return Spring
pressure.
2. Volume Learns:
• Shift the transmission into 8th gear with the
PRNDM in the M position. Obtain an engine
speed between 1000 and 1750 rpm. Maintain
this condition for a total of about 5 miles (8 km).
Cruise control may be used and has been found
to result in faster learning of the clutch values.

To Learn C3 (For 2-3, 4-5, or N-D Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:
• Perform 10 normal mode 8-7 coast down shifts
(zero/light brake) to learn the C3 Return Spring.
2. Volume Learns:
• Complete 15 light throttle 2-3 upshifts at
approximately 15% throttle to further learn C3.

To Learn C4 (For 1-2, 5-6, or 7-8 Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:
Note: It is recommended to utilize a road with a speed
limit between of 40-45 mph (64-72 km/h) for this
procedure.
• Shift the transmission into 7th gear with the
PRNDM in the M position. Obtain an engine
speed between 1000 and 1750 rpm. Maintain
this condition for a total of about 5 miles (8 km).
Cruise control may be used and has been found
to result in faster learning of the clutch values.
2. Volume Learns:
• Complete 15 light throttle 1-2 upshifts at
approximately 15% throttle to further learn C4.

To Learn C5 (For 3-4 or N-R Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:
Note: It is recommended to utilize a road within a
Business Park or similar area, where it is safe to drive
at very slow speeds of approximately 5-25 mph (8-40
km/h).

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-019

January, 2016

• Shift the transmission into 3rd gear with the
PRNDM in the M position. Start a very slow
acceleration, starting at about 1000 rpm.
Maintain the slow acceleration until you reach
about 2500 rpm. Once you reach 2500 rpm,
slow back down to 1000 rpm and repeat the
slow acceleration up to 2500 rpm. Repeat this
10 times.
2. Volume Learns:
• Complete 15 light throttle 3-4 upshifts at
approximately 15% throttle to further learn C5.

Power Downshift Adaptive Learning
Starting with the vehicle operation in 8th gear, slowly
apply pressure to the accelerator pedal until downshift
occurs. Repeat as necessary in each gear (8, 7, 6, 5, 4,
3 and 2).
Note: This procedure will learn the off-going clutch
adapts for desired power downshift control.

Page 3

Garage Shift Adaptive Learning (For N-D or N-R
Shift)
1. Pressure Learns:
• Perform 10 normal mode 8-7 coast down shifts
(zero/light brake) to learn the C3 Return Spring.
2. With the vehicle at a stop, hold foot on brake pedal
and move the shifter from Neutral to Drive and
Neutral to Reverse. Repeat as necessary until
desired shift quality is achieved.
Note: This procedure will learn the C13567 (C3-Drive)
and C45678R (C5 – Reverse) oncoming clutch adapts.

Warranty Information
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor Time

8480318*

Transmission Service Fast
Learn

Use Actual
Clock Time

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.

Version

1

Modified

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION