GENERAL MOTORS 33

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Introduction
Two additional 6 speed transaxles have been introduced into the GM line, the 6T40 and
6T45.

Chevrolet Malibu, followed by the 2009 Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6. The transaxle is
also the primary application for the Daewoo Tosca and the Buick Lacrosse in Asia. The
6T40/45 family of transaxles is poised to become the largest 6 speed FWD applications
that GM will produce.
Known as the “global 6 speed” or “GF6” the 6T40/6T45 improves fuel economy on
average of 4 % while performance was improved 8% on average over its 4 speed cousins.
The 6T40/6T45 share the same architecture and most of the parts are the same. The
primary difference is the 6T45 is a heavy duty version of the 6T40. The heavy duty parts
in the 6T45 include:
• 1.25” wide chain verses a 1” chain with the 6T40
• Input planetary is a 5 pinion assembly
• Heavier ribbed case
• Heavier Differential

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 34 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Features
RPO CODES:
• 6T40 car Fwd RPO MH8
• 6T40 car Awd RPO MHB
• 6T45 car Fwd RPO MH7
• 6T45 car Awd RPO MHC
• Input torque capacity 6T40 177 lb-ft (240 Nm)
• Output torque capacity 6T40 277 lb-ft (375 Nm)
• Weight 178 lbs (81kg)

RATIOS:
1st 4.58-1
2nd 2.96-1
3rd 1.91-1
4th 1.44-1
5th 1-1
6th .74-1
REV 2.94-1

• Final Drive “effective ratio” 2.89-1, 3.17-1 or 3.87-1

• Fluid Type—Dexron VI
• Fluid capacity Valve body cover removal—5.3-7.4 qts (5-7 liters)
•
• Fluid capacity Overhaul--- 7.4-9.5 qts (7-9 liters)
• No dipstick, oil level checked via a plug (most applications)
• EC3 236 mm “hyper elliptical” furnace brazed torque converter. Torque converter
contains a lip seal that will be damaged if the converter is removed or installed in any
position other than “vertical”. Special tools are available J46409
• 5 clutches (3 holding, 2 driving) clutch to clutch shifting
• 1 diode one way clutch
• 1 shift solenoid used (On/Off Design), SS1
• 6 Variable bleed solenoids, PCS1, PCS2, PCS3, PCS4, PCS5, TCC

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 GENERAL MOTORS 35

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Features (continued)
• A Motorola (Continental) built 32 bit TCM (TEHCM) mounted internal to the trans-
mission on the valve body (Referred to as the “control solenoid valve assembly”) The
TEHCM incorporates the TCM, Solenoids, pressure switches, TFT sensor and it is
bolted to the valve body.
• Gerotor type oil pump, 3 selective gears thicknesses available
• Internal Mode Switch (IMS) equipped
• Hall effect input and output speed sensors
• Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) programming
• Performance Algorithm Lift foot (PAL) programming
• Winter mode programming
• Sport mode and TAP shift equipped
• Adaptive Strategies with fast learn capabilities
• Reverse lock out feature
• Grade Braking
• Fwd/Awd applications can be dingy towed but Awd applications cannot be dolly
towed. Neither application can be towed with the rear wheels in the air, as would
happen when the vehicle is being towed by a tow truck.

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 36 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Exploded View

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 GENERAL MOTORS 37

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Checking the Fluid Level
The 6T40/45 utilize a thermal type element to control the oil level in the unit similar to
other GM units. Known as a “Fluid Level Control Valve” the unit is basically a thermally
controlled stand pipe.

You will need to remove the bottom pan as with other transmissions to completely drain

Fluid temp can be checked from the “driver information center” or by using a scan tool.

area in the case.

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 38 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Range Reference 6T40/6T45

NOTE: The Low/REV clutch is applied when the vehicle is in a forward range and
the vehicle is stationary. As vehicle speed is indicated, the L/R clutch will be re-
leased. This increases torque capacity under load with the vehicle stationary

© 2008 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

 GENERAL MOTORS 39

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
IMS (Internal Mode Switch)
The 6T40/6T45 Internal Mode Switch is connected mechanically to the manual shaft
similar to the 4T65E application.
Electrically the IMS operates similar to other GM IMS applications. The TCM sends a
bias voltage to the IMS on 4 circuits, A, B, C, P. Pin N is used for Park/Neutral start-
ing operations and is supplied by the ECM. As the range selector is moved the IMS will

position. By monitoring the voltage sequence produced, the TCM will be able to identify
the range that was selected.

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 40 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Speed Sensors
The speed sensors are “hall effect” style assemblies. The input speed sensor is mounted
externally in the case. The output speed sensor is mounted under the valve body in the
case.
The TCM provides a signal voltage for the sensor operation. As the transmission rotates
the sensors will produce a square wave signal. The TCM will monitor the frequency of
the signal to determine the input or output speed. Input Speed Sensor signals are gener-
ated by the rotation of the 3-5-R clutch assemblies and are used to calculate gear ratio
and slip rates.
The Output Speed Sensor signal is generated by the rotation of the park gear. The OSS
is used for indicating Vehicle speed for shift pattern control as well as Ratio calculations.
Diagnosis of the speed sensors is accomplished using a signal generator and a scan tool
as with the other 6 speed applications.

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 GENERAL MOTORS 41

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
TEHCM Internals

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 42 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
TEHCM Internals (continued)
Pressure Switches:

The pressure switches are housed as part of the control solenoid valve assembly
(TEHCM). Four switches are used, 1, 2, 3 and 4. The switches act as an input to the
TCM and are used for 2 basic purposes:
• To monitor clutch regulator valve and clutch hydraulic operation
• To monitor clutch CVI (Adaptive learning)

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 GENERAL MOTORS 43

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoids
Shift solenoid and PCS operation is controlled by the TEHCM (TCM). The TCM regulates
the feed voltage to the solenoids. The TCM then regulates feed voltage and current to
the solenoids. The shift solenoid is an On/Off design (N.C.) with the TCM controlling the
power for the solenoid as well as the ground. The pressure control solenoids are PWM
controlled. The TCM is over current and overtemp protected.
Motorola refers to the PWM solenoid’s by their state, NL or NH. Normally High (N.H.) is
used to describe a solenoid that allows pressure to travel to the clutch when the solenoid
is turned off. Normally Low (N.L.) is used to describe a solenoid that prevents pressure
from getting to a clutch when the solenoid is turned off.

valve body and the control solenoid valve assembly (TEHCM) and must be replace any-
time the valve body or control solenoid valve assembly (TEHCM) is replaced or unbolted
from each other. The Filter plate is serviced with the control solenoid valve assembly
(TEHCM) but it can also be ordered separately.

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 44 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoid Cleaning Process
An automated process is available that aids in cleaning debris from the solenoid assem-
bly. Your scan tool will instruct the TCM (TEHCM) to cycle the solenoids while the sys-
tem is pressurized to clean the solenoids. The transmission does not need to be disas-
sembled to perform the cleaning process.
Simply follow the instructions on the scan tool to activate the cleaning program. This
process should be completed prior to attempting to diagnose the transmission with the
DT-48616 tools as described below. If the cleaning process is unsuccessful then you
should diagnose the concern with DT-48616
Diagnostics
Like other GM transmissions, diagnosis is designed around the use of a quality scan
tool. With the 6T40/6T45 this could not be more true as the need to access scan data is
critical. Unlike other GM transmissions you have become accustomed to working with
over the years, the 6T40/6T45 internal electrical components are not hard wired to the
rest of the vehicle via the transmission harness. This means that the diagnostic process
has changed considerably. Diagnosis is divided into 2 categories, scan diagnostics and
test plate/air check diagnostics.
Solenoid and valve body diagnosis requires the following tools:
• A quality scan tool capable of communicating and commanding the TCM and its sole-
noids.
• Tool number DT 48616 Solenoid test plate and jumper harness DT48616-10
Remove the Control Solenoid Valve Assembly from the transmission. Install tool DT
48616 onto the Control Solenoid Valve Assembly (5Nm 44 Lb In). Apply regulated shop
air (90-100 psi) to the tool. Connect the scan tool to the Control Solenoid Valve Assem-
bly using cable DT48616-10.
Command the solenoid ON/OFF air pressure should be present on the gauge and then it
should exhaust as the solenoid is cycled. If the solenoid or valve are malfunctioning the
gauge pressure will not change as you cycle the solenoid. If a malfunction is determined
to be present, replace the complete Control Solenoid Valve Assembly.
If the solenoid checked OK, install the gauge on another solenoid port and command
that solenoid ON/OFF with the scan to repeat the process.

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 GENERAL MOTORS 45

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoid Cleaning Process (continued)

NOTE: If the solenoid is malfunctioning the gauge pressure will not change as you
cycle the solenoid. If a malfunction is determined to be present, replace the com-
plete Control Solenoid Valve Assembly (TEHCM)

NOTE: The TCM (TEHCM) will normally cycle several of the solenoids ON/OFF to
help keep the solenoids and the valves free of debris. Therefore this cleaning func-

you are testing.

Do not operated the solenoids for longer than 2 minutes or damage may occur.

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 46 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Adaptive Learning
The 6T40/45 are fully equipped with several adaptive learning strategies. As with some
other GM applications you will need to erase the adaptive values and perform a “Fast
Learn” prior to operating the vehicle. Adapts and fast learn procedures should be per-
formed if any of the following occur:
• Internal Transmission repairs have been performed
• The valve body was replaced
• The Control Solenoid valve assembly was replaced
• The TCM was recalibrated or replaced
• Internal repairs were performed that could effect shift quality

NOTE: Fast learn is not required if a GM New or GM Rebuilt 6T40/6T45 is used.

The transmission is fast learned prior to it being shipped from the plant.

To perform a fast learn:

• Use a scan tool capable of performing the fast learn procedure
• TFT 158-230°F (70-110°C), Move the selector in/out of gear 3 times
• Select the fast learn process from the scan tool menu
• Place the transmission in Drive with the vehicle stationary. The TCM will individually
apply the clutches and calculate the clutch volume
• Place the transmission in Reverse with the vehicle stationary. The TCM will individu-
ally apply the clutches and calculate the clutch volume
• Shut off the engine for at least 30 seconds, open and close the door to allow “RAP” to
expire or false DTC’s may set, After a minimum of 30 seconds the car can be restart-
ed , power off the scanner
• The process is now complete

The fast learn procedure will not run if:

• DTC’s are set
• TFT is not between 158-230 °F (70-110°C)
• The brake switch is not working
• TP is 0% but engine RPM increases during the test
• P/N switch is improperly adjusted or is not functioning correctly
• Line pressure control system is malfunctioning

© 2008 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.