The Malibu is a confusing car to quote a transmission job on, because three different automatics went into the same body style in the same years. Only one of them is a 6T70, and the 6T70 Malibus split again into early Gen 1 cars and a small run of later turbo cars. This guide sorts the Malibu 6T70 problems by build, with the GM bulletin numbers, codes, specs and part numbers behind each one, so you can tell a wave plate job from a shift-lever switch before the pan comes off. Numbers in brackets point to the Sources list at the bottom.
First: which Malibu actually has the 6T70?
The 2008-2012 Malibu was offered with a 2.4L four, a 3.5L V6 and a 3.6L V6 (engine VIN code 7, the LY7) [6]. GM's owner manual lists two automatics for those cars: a 4-speed and a 6-speed [6]. The 6-speed itself came in two sizes. ATRA's 6T70 seminar spells it out for the Z-body Malibu and Aura: the 6T40/45 carries RPO MH7 or MHC, while the 6T70/75 carries RPO MH2, MH4, MY9 or MH6 [5]. In practice the 3.6L V6 car is the 6T70 car. A 2.4L six-speed Malibu is a 6T40, and a 3.5L car is a four-speed.
GM's bulletins back this up by RPO. The wave plate bulletin and its special coverage list the 2008-2009 Malibu equipped with the 6T70/75 under RPO MH2, MH4, MH6 or MY9 [1][2], and the internal mode switch bulletin lists the 2009-2011 Malibu under the same RPOs [3]. Later, GM bulletin 18-NA-358 lists the 2015 Malibu with the 6T70 under RPO M7W [4], which is the second-generation unit. Pull the RPO label from the trunk lid or glovebox before you order a kit. The 6T40 and 6T70 look alike on a parts screen and share almost nothing inside.
Generation matters on this unit. ATRA explains that 6T70s under RPO M7W or M7U got a major controls update for 2013, while units under other RPO codes did not get it until 2014 production [5]. On a Malibu, plan on the 2008-2012 V6 cars being Gen 1 and an M7W car being Gen 2, and buy parts for the unit on your bench, not the calendar.
1. No reverse, no 3rd, no 5th: the 3-5-R wave plate
This is the big one on a 2008-2009 Malibu V6, and it is the failure the early 6T70 is known for. GM bulletin 09-07-30-012F describes a check engine light, no reverse, and a slip, flare or harsh shift in 3rd and/or 5th, with P0776 (Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Stuck Off) usually set. The debris can also set P0777, P2723, P0717, P0716, P2715 and P2714 on their own [1].
The mechanism is simple once you have seen one. The 3-5-Reverse clutch wave plate breaks, the apply piston over-strokes, the piston seal leaks, and the clutch loses apply [1]. Three ranges ride on that clutch, so you lose all three at once. Broken plate pieces then circulate through the planetary section. ATRA's seminar shows the reaction carrier damage that follows, and notes that this condition primarily hits units built before the 2010 model year [5].
GM backed the 2008-2009 Malibu with special coverage 14404B: 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever came first [2]. Every one of those cars is now past the ten-year mark, so this lands on independent shops at full price.
Confirming it
ATRA's advice is to keep diagnosis simple. Unplug the transmission and see whether reverse is being prevented electrically. If reverse engages unplugged, the input sun shell (a separate early failure where the welds break) is not your problem [5]. Steel fragments on the pan magnet tell you the rest.
Do not condemn the control solenoid body on the P0776 alone. GM states the TEHCM should not be replaced for any DTC unless the service information diagnostics call for it [1].
The repair, done right
GM released updated waved plate 24254103 and recommends installing it any time the transmission is apart for any reason [1]. The clean-out is the part that prevents a comeback: GM says to separate the case halves, clean the whole unit, and replace both the pump fluid filter and the control solenoid filter plate. It also warns against washing the control solenoid valve body and TCM assembly in parts cleaner [1].
The coverage parts list is a realistic shopping list: service seal kit 24269586 for 2009 models or 24269587 for 2007-2008, four reverse clutch fibers 24238954, four flat steels 24258074, a 3-5-R backing plate 24236516, the reverse clutch housing and piston if required, and nine quarts of DEXRON VI (88861037). GM estimated that extra hard parts are needed in about 25 percent of these repairs [2]. Quote the job that way so the customer is not surprised by a housing.
While it is apart, ATRA recommends the updated wave plates in every clutch, not just the one that broke: 1-2-3-4 (24259063), 2-6 (24259816), 3-5-R (24254103) and low-reverse (24259817), with the 3-5-R the most common to break [5]. A ten-dollar plate in each pack is cheap insurance on a unit that has already eaten one.
2. No movement after the wave plate repair (P2723)
This one is a builder error, and ATRA names the Malibu specifically. After a repair that included a new reaction planetary carrier, R, V and Z-body cars (Traverse, Acadia, Outlook, Enclave, Malibu, G6, Aura, Vue) can come back with no drive and a P2723 [5].
The trap is the parts diagram. Many publications show the reaction carrier and input ring gear as one assembly. In reality the reaction carrier, the input ring gear and the ring gear snap ring are serviced separately, and ATRA notes the snap ring is very difficult to remove. Leave the ring gear off the new carrier and the car will not move. The fix is to install the ring gear [5]. Lay the old carrier assembly next to the new one before it goes in the case.
3. Check engine light with P182E, or a blank PRNDL
This is the Malibu complaint that gets misdiagnosed as a transmission failure. GM Preliminary Information PI0269B covers 2009-2011 Malibu (along with Equinox, Traverse and the other 6T70 crossovers) built February 2009 through July 2010 with P182E set in the TCM, and in rare cases no PRNDL display [3].
P182E points at the internal mode switch (IMS), the range sensor on the manual shaft. GM's summary of the verification steps is worth following in order [3]:
- Verify the shift cable adjustment.
- Verify the ECM Park/Neutral switch status in every range.
- Verify the IMS A, B, C and P parameters in every range on the scan tool.
- Drive it inside the conditions for running the DTC and the freeze frame data to try to reset it.
If the code does not come back, GM replaces the IMS (the lever, manual shift detent and shaft position switch assembly). If it does reset, continue with the circuit and system testing. GM also says a U0101 stored in the electronic brake control module is a false set and should be ignored [3].
There is a second, separate PRNDL problem on the Z-body. ATRA lists Malibu and Aura cars, both 6T40/45 and 6T70/75, where the cluster does not show the gear the driver selected. Inspect circuits 5981, 5982, 5983 and 5984 and connectors X206, X303 and X304 between the cluster, body control module and shift lever assembly. It is often intermittent, and an updated calibration is available [5]. Check the actual gear on the scan tool before anybody calls it a transmission problem.
4. Pressure switch codes: P0752, P0872, P0877, P0989
ATRA groups these fluid pressure switch codes together on the 6T70. Before you chase switches or the solenoid body, check line pressure at idle. If it is low, inspect the pump outlet seal for damage [5]. A cut or rolled outlet seal bleeds pressure to every circuit, and the switches are simply the first thing to notice.
5. 2015 Malibu (M7W): launch shudder, flare and 2-3 shift
The later Gen 2 car has its own bulletin. GM 18-NA-358 lists the 2015 Malibu (RPO M7W) for a severe launch shudder in 1st from a stop, a shudder in 4th while cruising, or a shudder on the 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift, sometimes with flare, slip or harsh shifts [4]. GM traces it to debris in the upper and/or lower valve bodies, or valves scratched or scored so they do not move properly [4].
Work it in the bulletin's order:
- Rule out an engine misfire or driveability problem first.
- Rule out converter clutch shudder by watching TCC slip speed on the scan tool while the converter clutch is applied during the event. A shudder that lives in TCC slip is a converter problem, not this one.
- Try to reproduce the launch shudder with a power brake in first, for 5 seconds or less, so you do not stress the 1-2-3-4 clutch [4].
If it reproduces, GM replaces the upper and lower valve body assemblies together (upper 24281084, lower 24257450, kit 24264343) [4]. Two warnings in that bulletin save money: TEHCM replacement has not been an effective repair for this concern, and you should inspect the input and output speed sensors for collected debris. Debris on the sensors means internal failure; no debris but scratched valves means check the final drive bearing [4]. A new valve body on top of a failing final drive bearing just scratches the new one.
6. Things that look like problems but are not
ATRA notes that some 6T70 converters under RPO MH2, MH4, MH6 or MY9, which takes in the 2008-2011 Malibu V6, show dark or blue discoloration, often as circles on the hub side. If the whole converter is not discolored and there is no other sign of overheating, do not replace it [5].
The dipstick catches people too. GM's 2010 Malibu manual says it is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level, and that on the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L cars the fluid will not reach the end of the dipstick unless the transmission is at operating temperature [6]. A cold "empty" dipstick on a Malibu is normal. Do not top it off cold and overfill it.
Service and setup that keep a Malibu 6T70 alive
Fluid: DEXRON-VI [6]. The 2010 Malibu manual lists the 6-speed drain-and-refill at 5.0 L (5.3 qt) [6]. ATRA's level check is on a level surface, parking brake on, engine idling for one minute, with transmission fluid temperature between 180 and 200 degrees F [5].
Interval: GM's 2010 schedule calls for an automatic transmission fluid change every 100,000 miles in normal service and every 50,000 miles in severe service, which GM defines as heavy city traffic in hot weather, hilly or mountainous driving, frequent towing, or taxi, police or delivery use [6]. ATRA lists the same 50,000/100,000 split and notes the internal filter is not a service item, replaced only after an internal repair [5]. Most Malibus we see did city duty in summer heat, so treat them as severe.
After the repair: run Service Fast Learn Adapts with the scan tool, then shut the engine off and let the TCM power down before restarting to complete it. A replacement transaxle needs its internal TCM programmed [5].
Converter: lift it out vertically. There is no seal on the turbine shaft; the lip seal is inside the converter and gets damaged if the converter goes in or out at an angle [5].
Quick reference
| Malibu symptom | Typical codes | Likely cause | Builds |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reverse, 3rd or 5th; slip or flare 3rd/5th | P0776, plus P0777, P2723, P0717, P0716, P2715, P2714 | Broken 3-5-R wave plate [1] | 2008-2009 V6 (MH2 etc.) |
| No movement after a wave plate repair | P2723 | Input ring gear left off the reaction carrier [5] | Any rebuilt unit |
| Check engine light, blank PRNDL | P182E (ignore EBCM U0101) | Internal mode switch or cable adjustment [3] | 2009-2011, built 2/2009-7/2010 |
| PRNDL shows wrong or no gear, intermittent | Often none | Circuits 5981-5984, connectors X206/X303/X304; calibration [5] | Z-body Malibu |
| Pressure switch codes | P0752, P0872, P0877, P0989 | Low idle line pressure, pump outlet seal [5] | All 6T70 |
| Launch, 4th-gear or 2-3 / 3-2 shudder | Often none | Valve body debris or scored valves [4] | 2015 (M7W) |
Shop the part for this fix: 6T70 master rebuild kit
When the Malibu unit has to come apart for the 3-5-R clutch or a debris clean-out, this CoreTransmissionParts master kit has the frictions, steels, gaskets and seals for the overhaul. Match the generation to your unit.
View the 6T70 master rebuild kit at CoreTransmissionPartsLooking for something else? Browse all 6T70 parts at CoreTransmissionParts.
Need parts for this job?
Our 6T70 parts page has Gen 1 and Gen 2 rebuild kits, valve bodies, clutch drums, pumps and filter kits that fit the V6 and M7W Malibu, all on our own checkout. For fluid specs across every unit, see the transmission fluid spec chart.
FAQ
Which Chevy Malibu has the 6T70 transmission?
The 3.6L V6 cars from 2008-2012, plus the 2015 Malibu that GM bulletin 18-NA-358 lists under RPO M7W. GM bulletins list the 2008-2011 Malibu with the 6T70 under RPO MH2, MH4, MH6 or MY9. A 2.4L six-speed Malibu has the smaller 6T40/45 (RPO MH7 or MHC) and a 3.5L V6 Malibu has a 4-speed, so check the RPO label before ordering parts.
Why does my Malibu have no reverse, 3rd or 5th gear?
On a 6T70 Malibu that pattern is almost always the 3-5-Reverse clutch. GM bulletin 09-07-30-012F traces it to a broken 3-5-R wave plate that lets the piston over-stroke and leak, usually with P0776 set. The repair is a teardown with updated plate 24254103, a full debris clean, a new pump fluid filter and a new control solenoid filter plate.
Is the Malibu 6T70 wave plate failure covered by GM?
GM special coverage 14404B covered 2008-2009 Malibu models with the 6T70 for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever came first. Every one of those cars is now past ten years, so it is a customer-pay repair today.
What does P182E mean on a Chevy Malibu?
P182E is an internal mode switch (range sensor) code. GM PI0269B covers 2009-2011 Malibu 6T70 cars built February 2009 through July 2010 with P182E and sometimes a blank PRNDL. Verify shift cable adjustment, the Park/Neutral status and the IMS A, B, C and P parameters in every range; if the code does not reset, GM replaces the IMS.
How much transmission fluid does a 6T70 Malibu take?
GM's 2010 Malibu manual lists the 6-speed drain-and-refill at 5.0 L (5.3 qt) of DEXRON-VI. A full rebuild takes more, and GM's wave plate coverage repair calls for nine quarts of DEXRON VI. The fluid will not reach the dipstick until the transmission is at operating temperature, so do not top it off cold.
Related guides
Sources
- General Motors, Service Bulletin 09-07-30-012F, "No Reverse, 3rd or 5th, Check Engine Light Illuminated, DTC P0776," October 2012 (2008-2009 Malibu and other 6T70/75 models, RPO MH2/MH4/MH6/MY9). Backs the symptoms, P0776 and companion codes, the broken 3-5-R wave plate cause, updated plate 24254103, the case-split clean-out with new pump fluid filter and control solenoid filter plate, and the no-parts-cleaner and no-TEHCM-replacement cautions. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- General Motors, Special Coverage 14404B, "Transmission Clutch Wave Plate," August 2016. Backs the 2008-2009 Malibu coverage of 10 years or 120,000 miles, the parts list (seal kits 24269586/24269587, fibers 24238954, steels 24258074, backing plate 24236516, nine quarts DEXRON VI 88861037) and the 25 percent additional-parts estimate. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- General Motors, Preliminary Information PI0269B, "Malfunction Indicator Lamp On, DTC P182E," October 2016. Backs the 2009-2011 Malibu listing, the February 2009 to July 2010 build window, the no-PRNDL complaint, the cable, Park/Neutral and IMS verification steps, IMS replacement, and the false EBCM U0101. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- General Motors, Service Bulletin 18-NA-358, "Shudder, 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Concern," October 2020. Backs the 2015 Malibu RPO M7W listing, the shudder and flare symptoms, the valve body debris cause, the 5-second power brake test, the TCC slip check, the TEHCM caution, the speed sensor debris and final drive bearing check, and valve body parts 24281084, 24257450 and 24264343. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- ATRA, "6T70 Product Issues and Updates" seminar. Backs the Z-body 6T40/45 vs 6T70/75 RPO split, the 2013 Gen 2 controls update by RPO, the unplug-for-reverse test, the four updated wave plate part numbers, the P2723 missing ring gear no-move, the PRNDL circuits and calibration, the pressure switch codes and pump outlet seal, discolored converters, the 180-200 degree F level check, the 50,000/100,000-mile intervals and non-serviceable filter, Service Fast Learn, TCM programming and vertical converter removal. atracom (PDF)
- Chevrolet, 2010 Malibu Owner Manual. Backs the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L (VIN 7, LY7) engine line-up, the 4-speed and 6-speed automatics, the 6-speed drain-and-refill capacity of 5.0 L (5.3 qt), DEXRON-VI, the dipstick-at-operating-temperature note, and the 100,000-mile normal and 50,000-mile severe fluid change intervals. assets.gm.com (PDF)