It appears that the auto trans overheating issue is not a new one on auto Corvettes from other posts. But many thought it might be addressed in the C7, being a new ground up (almost) car. Well, it does not appear to be the case.
I've had the problem every track day from the get go (November '13). The manual says, "First time on track do not run the car as long or as hard or overheating could occur which may damage the trans and not be covered under warranty." Well, I took it easy (lead and follow, novice stuff) the first time on track and it acted fine for all 20 min sessions (ambient air temp 50°). 2nd time on track: by session 3 (air temp: 50-70° - AM to PM) when I was beginning to get the hang of track line and increased speed (passed all the Porsches) trans got to 250° and with no DIC codes started up-shifting on its own (about the 15 min point). I got off track and idled to cool it down with trans fan running on high. Next session, same thing. No fun, so went home, took car to dealer, no codes, "Can't help you. Will open an issue with GM." No further word. (Nice, huh?) Changed trans and rear end fluids to eliminate them from equation. Next HDPE, warmer weather but basically the same trans behavior. By session 2 at 15 min point same behavior but at about 275° this time: No codes, or DIC messages, up-shifting on its own, got off track and idled the engine to keep trans cooler fan running until it shut off at about 240°. Car sat for another hour. Back on track, 15 minute mark, same problem. Got back off track. Cooled trans. Went home early. Half way home, check engine light came on. Two minutes later, heard clanking noise from rear. Pulled over. Stuck head under rear. Heard loud rhythmic clanking in "Park" that let me think something was going to fly through the trans case at any moment. Shut it off and had it towed to dealer. After sitting an hour waiting for the tow truck I could start it and drive it onto the flat bed truck and off again at the dealer without noise. Trans temp was at 240° when clanking first heard. It's at the dealer now.
Anyone else with similar issues or solutions like bigger aftermarket coolers/fans that will fit in the same space as original, etc ?
I've had the problem every track day from the get go (November '13). The manual says, "First time on track do not run the car as long or as hard or overheating could occur which may damage the trans and not be covered under warranty." Well, I took it easy (lead and follow, novice stuff) the first time on track and it acted fine for all 20 min sessions (ambient air temp 50°). 2nd time on track: by session 3 (air temp: 50-70° - AM to PM) when I was beginning to get the hang of track line and increased speed (passed all the Porsches) trans got to 250° and with no DIC codes started up-shifting on its own (about the 15 min point). I got off track and idled to cool it down with trans fan running on high. Next session, same thing. No fun, so went home, took car to dealer, no codes, "Can't help you. Will open an issue with GM." No further word. (Nice, huh?) Changed trans and rear end fluids to eliminate them from equation. Next HDPE, warmer weather but basically the same trans behavior. By session 2 at 15 min point same behavior but at about 275° this time: No codes, or DIC messages, up-shifting on its own, got off track and idled the engine to keep trans cooler fan running until it shut off at about 240°. Car sat for another hour. Back on track, 15 minute mark, same problem. Got back off track. Cooled trans. Went home early. Half way home, check engine light came on. Two minutes later, heard clanking noise from rear. Pulled over. Stuck head under rear. Heard loud rhythmic clanking in "Park" that let me think something was going to fly through the trans case at any moment. Shut it off and had it towed to dealer. After sitting an hour waiting for the tow truck I could start it and drive it onto the flat bed truck and off again at the dealer without noise. Trans temp was at 240° when clanking first heard. It's at the dealer now.
Anyone else with similar issues or solutions like bigger aftermarket coolers/fans that will fit in the same space as original, etc ?