Towing Allison, rear wheels down

mamachala · May 8, 2003

Someone tried to steal my 2001 3500 4x4 8.1 /Allison. The security system disabled the fuel system so they didn't get it , but I couldn't drive it either. It had to be towed to a dealership to reset the security system. The truck was towed in neutral rear wheels down about 25 miles. It didn't occur to me at the time but I think that would be bad for the transmission.

After repairs I drove home 500 milesand all I noticed was the trans temp was about 200 instead of the 160 degrees it used to be.

I know some of you guys are GM techs, should I be concerned or not?

Thanks a lot!!!!!!

robsawatsky · May 8, 2003

If it was towed wheels down, it should have been towed with the transfer case in neutral, not the tranny.

Shaners · May 8, 2003

If it was towed wheels down, it should have been towed with the transfer case in neutral, not the tranny.

Or the driveshaft removed...

mamachala · May 8, 2003

The transfer case was in 2WD. The tow truck driver asked if it was in 4WD but that was all. Any idea what kind of damage or indicators I should look for?

manytranny · May 9, 2003

Do all of our trucks disallow fuel if broken in to? Or dod you put an aftermarket alarm on it?

As for the tranns issue, I had this happen to a car a few years ago. Ruined the tranny. Mine did go faster than 25 mph...Looks like the tow truck driver is responsible...

BellevueSilvy · May 9, 2003

Now don't quote me on this but I believe it ruins the pump in the torque converter or something like that thus rendering the trans useless.

99silveradoz71 · May 9, 2003

If it was towed wheels down, it should have been towed with the transfer case in neutral, not the tranny.

Had my 99 Z71 towed when it was near new due to a flat. I couldn't figure out how to use the spare release tools Anyway, I put the t-case and tranny both in neutral and have had no problems since. I would've preferred the flatbed though, but they wanted $25 or so more for it

mamachala · May 9, 2003

This is the factory security system. I didn't know how it worked until I was trying to start it after the break-in . The owners manual says the fuel system is disabled, but it wouldn't crank over at all either. It did the job!

Those of you with Allisons, what temperature does your trans run with your truck empty and/or loaded?

odoh · May 9, 2003

Mine runs close to radiator temperature around town/slo traffic. A lil cooler on the open road. I just installed an air deflector to divert additional airflow behind the bowtie.

Not certain re your potential damage ~ not a tranny tech, just know its not the thing to do. The time I had my mohome towed, I had to tell the driver to pull the driveline

mamachala · May 12, 2003

I got some new info on my truck. I pulled the external filter off the tranny and found lots of filings on the magnet. I'm thinking that the pump was damaged but not ruined, and that may be the cause for my 20% drop in fuel mileage along with the increase in tranny temp.

Do the rest of you ever find much on the tranny magnet in the way of filings?

JimWilson · May 28, 2003

If they only put the tranny in neutral, and not the tcase, then I'm afraid that's not a good thing. You still had driveline components "connected" and creating drag. I'd be on the phone to that towing company and complain. I'd also be asking for something in writing about the episode, in case something happens in the future. And you might want to suggest they get educated operators from now on...

AlanTDickey · May 29, 2003

How do you put the T-case in neutral?

s10mudder · May 30, 2003

I think that you push both the 2hi and 4low buttons at the same time for like 5sec.

chiefsshop · May 31, 2003

Mamachala

This question isn't about the tranny but about the factory security system. Did they mess with the ignition switch?

I had a lock cylinder go bad on my '01 2500HD at a rest area of all places. I had to take the steering column apart to get it going again. What I found is that if you try to start it without the key in the run position, it will start then die due no fuel. The lock cylinder case has a sensor in it that needs to see the key in the run position before the fuel pump is turned on. I was just kinda of curious of what kinda attempt they made at stealing your truck.

mamachala · June 4, 2003

Yea chiefsshop, they peeled the steering column and tried to start it without a key which disabled the truck due to the fuel being shutdown. I took it to an Allison truck service center and they found a pin inside the tranny pan. Waiting to see who will pay?