The Traverse is the heaviest vehicle GM hung a six-speed front-drive automatic on, and that shows up on the bench. It is a three-row crossover with a 3.6L V6 and a 5,200 lb tow rating, and it uses the heavy-duty member of the 6T70 family, the 6T75. Most of what fails in a Traverse fails in an Equinox or Malibu too. It just fails sooner, and it takes more parts with it. This guide sorts the Traverse problems by build, with the GM bulletin numbers, codes, specs and part numbers behind each one. Numbers in brackets point to the Sources list at the bottom.
First: what is in a Traverse, and which generation?
Every first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) is a 3.6L V6 with a six-speed automatic. The 2012 owner manual lists one engine, the 3.6L V6 with VIN code D, backed by an automatic, and rates the V92 trailer package at 5,200 lb on both front and all-wheel drive [6]. GM's bulletins put the Traverse in the 6T70/6T75 family. The wave plate bulletin, the special coverage and the P182E bulletin all list the 2009 Traverse alongside the Acadia, Enclave and Outlook under RPO MH2, MH4, MH6 or MY9 [1][2][3]. Shudder bulletin 18-NA-358 lists the 2017 Traverse under RPO M7V and M7X [4], and ATRA identifies M7V and M7X as 6T75 codes [5].
Generation matters more than model year. ATRA explains that the 6T70 (M7W, M7U) and 6T75 (M7V, M7X) got a major controls update for 2013, and that units under other RPO codes did not get it until 2014 production. That means two versions of the unit exist in 2013: Gen 1 without the update and Gen 2 with it [5]. Pistons, frictions and valve bodies differ between them. Pull the RPO label from the glovebox before you order a kit, and buy for the unit on the bench, not the calendar.
1. No reverse, no 3rd, no 5th: the 3-5-R wave plate (2009 and early units)
This is the failure the early 6T70/6T75 is known for, and the 2009 Traverse is on both GM documents for it. Bulletin 09-07-30-012F describes a check engine light, no reverse, and a slip, flare or harsh shift in 3rd and/or 5th, usually with P0776 (Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Stuck Off) set. Any of P0777, P2723, P0717, P0716, P2715 or P2714 can set on its own from the same failure [1].
The mechanism: the 3-5-Reverse clutch wave plate breaks, the apply piston over-strokes, the piston leaks and the clutch loses apply [1]. Reverse, 3rd and 5th all ride on that clutch, so they go together. GM says it normally does not happen before about 20,000 miles (32,000 km), and that the debris it makes can upset the speed sensors and the other clutches [1]. ATRA notes the condition primarily affects units built before the 2010 model year [5].
GM backed the 2009 Traverse with special coverage 14404B: 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, regardless of owner, with dealers replacing the 3-5-R clutch plate at no charge [2]. Every 2009 Traverse is now past the ten-year mark, so this job lands on independent shops at full price.
Confirming it
Keep it simple, the way ATRA puts it: 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 finish the diagnosis. Do not condemn the control solenoid body on P0776 alone. GM states the control solenoid valve and TCM assembly should not be replaced for any DTC unless the SI diagnostics call for it, and it should never be washed in a parts cleaner [1].
The repair, done right
GM recommends a new waved plate any time the transmission is apart for any reason. The clean-out is what stops a comeback: separate the case halves, clean the debris from the entire unit, and replace both the pump fluid filter and the control solenoid filter plate. GM warns that skipping those steps can lead to repeat damage [1].
The coverage parts list doubles as a realistic quote: service seal kit 24269586 for 2009 models, four reverse clutch fibers 24238954, four flat steels 24258074, a 3-5-R backing plate 24236516, the reverse clutch housing 24223798 and piston 24223803 if required, and nine quarts of DEXRON VI (88861037) [2]. On a Traverse, quote the housing and piston as likely rather than possible. This vehicle works the reverse clutch harder than a Malibu does.
ATRA also recommends the new-design wave plates in every clutch, not only the one that broke: 1-2-3-4 (24259063), 2-6 (24259816), 3-5-R (24254103) and low-reverse (24259817). The 3-5-R is the most common to break [5]. If the planetary is not damaged yet, the extra plates are what keep it that way.
2. No movement after a wave plate repair (P2723)
ATRA names the Traverse, Acadia, Outlook and Enclave first on this one. After a repair that included a new reaction planetary carrier, these units can come back with no drive and a P2723 [5]. The reason is the parts diagram: many publications show the reaction carrier and input ring gear as one piece, but the carrier, the input ring gear and its snap ring are serviced separately. Leave the ring gear off the new carrier and the vehicle will not move. The fix is to install the ring gear [5]. Lay the old assembly beside the new one before it goes into the case.
3. Check engine light with P182E, or no PRNDL
GM Preliminary Information PI0269B covers the 2009-2011 Traverse, along with the Acadia, Enclave and other 6T70/6T75 models, built February 2009 through July 2010. The complaint is a check engine light with P182E 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 verification steps, 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 within the Conditions for Running the DTC and the freeze frame data to try to reset it.
If the code does not reset, GM replaces the IMS (lever, manual shift detent and shaft position switch assembly). If it does reset, continue with circuit and system testing. A U0101 in the electronic brake control module is a false set and should be ignored [3]. This is a sensor and cable job, not a transmission job. Quote it that way.
4. 3-4 and 4-3 bind (P0797)
ATRA lists a 6T70/6T75 complaint of a bind on the 3-4 or 4-3 shift, sometimes with P0797. The cause is a worn ring groove on the case cover hub sleeve, which lets the 3-5-Reverse and 4-5-6 clutch circuits leak into each other and tie up the unit. Pull the hub from the rear case cover and check ring-to-groove clearance with a feeler gauge. Maximum is 0.007 in. Past that, replace the case cover [5]. A Traverse that tows will wear that groove faster than a light car.
5. Pressure switch codes: P0752, P0872, P0877, P0989
Before you chase switches or the solenoid body on these, ATRA says to check line pressure at idle, and if it is low, inspect the pump outlet seal for damage [5]. A cut or rolled outlet seal bleeds pressure to every circuit. The switches are just the first part to notice.
6. 2017 Traverse (M7V, M7X): launch shudder, flare and 2-3 shift
GM bulletin 18-NA-358 lists the 2017 Traverse 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, slide/bump or harsh shifts [4]. GM traces it to debris in the upper and/or lower valve bodies, or to scratched and scored valves that 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 on the scan tool while the TCC is applied during the event.
- Try to reproduce the launch shudder with a power brake in first for 5 seconds or less, so you do not distress the 1-2-3-4 clutch [4].
If it reproduces, GM replaces the upper and lower valve bodies together (upper 24281084, lower 24257450, kit 24264343) [4]. Two warnings in that bulletin save real money. TEHCM replacement has not been an effective repair, so do not replace it for this. And inspect the input and output speed sensors for collected debris: debris on the sensors means internal failure, while clean sensors with scratched valves mean you check the final drive bearing [4]. A new valve body bolted on top of a failing final drive bearing just gets scratched again.
7. Overheating and what it does to a 6T75
The Traverse cluster has a TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE message. GM's manual says it displays with a chime when the fluid gets hot, that you should stop and let the vehicle idle until it clears, and that driving with overheated fluid can damage the transmission in a way the warranty may not cover [6]. On a three-row crossover pulling a trailer up a grade, that message is the early warning for burned 3-5-R and 1-2-3-4 frictions. If a customer reports it, ask about towing before you quote.
One thing that looks like heat damage but often is not: ATRA notes some MH2, MH4, MH6 and MY9 converters 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].
Service and setup that keep a Traverse 6T75 alive
Fluid: DEXRON-VI only. The 2012 manual lists the transmission drain-and-refill at 5.0 L (5.3 qt) and warns that the wrong ATF can cause damage the warranty may not cover [6]. A full rebuild takes far more; the wave plate coverage repair calls for nine quarts [2]. Note that the 2012 Traverse power steering takes GM power steering fluid (89021184), not ATF [6], so do not top off both from the same jug.
Level check: GM says the fluid will not reach the end of the dipstick unless the transmission is at operating temperature [6]. ATRA's check is on a level surface, parking brake on, engine idling for one minute, with fluid temperature between 180 and 200 degrees F [5]. A cold "low" reading is normal. Do not overfill it cold.
Interval: ATRA lists 50,000 miles severe and 100,000 miles normal, and notes the internal filter is not a service item, replaced only after an internal repair [5]. A Traverse that tows, sees mountains or does stop-and-go school runs in summer heat is a severe-service vehicle. Treat it that way.
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. A replacement transaxle needs its internal TCM programmed. Lift the converter out and in vertically: the lip seal is inside the converter and gets damaged if it goes in at an angle [5].
Quick reference
| Traverse 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] | 2009 (pre-2010 units) |
| No movement after a wave plate repair | P2723 | Input ring gear left off the reaction carrier [5] | Any rebuilt unit |
| Check engine light, no PRNDL | P182E (ignore EBCM U0101) | Internal mode switch or cable adjustment [3] | 2009-2011, built 2/2009-7/2010 |
| Bind on 3-4 or 4-3 shift | P0797 possible | Worn case cover hub ring groove, over 0.007 in. [5] | All 6T70/6T75 |
| Pressure switch codes | P0752, P0872, P0877, P0989 | Low idle line pressure, pump outlet seal [5] | All 6T70/6T75 |
| Launch, 4th-gear or 2-3 / 3-2 shudder | Often none | Valve body debris or scored valves [4] | 2017 (M7V, M7X) |
Shop the part for this fix: 6T75 master rebuild kit
When the Traverse unit has to come apart for the 3-5-R clutch or a debris clean-out, this CoreTransmissionParts 6T75 master kit covers the frictions, steels, gaskets and seals for the overhaul. Match the generation to your unit.
View the 6T75 master rebuild kit at CoreTransmissionPartsLooking for something else? Browse all 6T75 parts at CoreTransmissionParts.
Need parts for this job?
Our 6T75 parts page has rebuild and overhaul kits, valve bodies, pumps, clutch drums and solenoid kits for the Traverse, all on our own checkout. The 6T70 parts page covers the lighter sister unit. For fluid specs across every unit, see the transmission fluid spec chart.
FAQ
What transmission is in a Chevy Traverse?
The 2009-2017 Traverse uses a six-speed front-drive automatic from GM's 6T70/6T75 family behind the 3.6L V6. GM bulletins list the 2009 Traverse under RPO MH2, MH4, MH6 or MY9, and the 2017 Traverse under RPO M7V and M7X, which ATRA identifies as 6T75 codes. Check the RPO label in the glovebox before ordering parts, because Gen 1 and Gen 2 units take different pistons and valve bodies.
Why does my Traverse have no reverse, 3rd or 5th gear?
That pattern points at the 3-5-Reverse clutch. GM bulletin 09-07-30-012F traces it to a broken 3-5-R wave plate that lets the apply piston over-stroke and leak, usually with P0776 set. The repair is a teardown with an updated plate, a full debris clean, a new pump fluid filter and a new control solenoid filter plate.
Is the Traverse wave plate failure covered by GM?
GM special coverage 14404B covered the 2009 Traverse for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever came first. Every 2009 Traverse is now past ten years, so it is a customer-pay repair today.
How much transmission fluid does a Traverse take?
GM's 2012 Traverse manual lists the drain-and-refill at 5.0 L (5.3 qt) of DEXRON-VI. A full rebuild takes much more; GM's wave plate coverage repair calls for nine quarts. The fluid will not reach the dipstick until the transmission is at operating temperature, so do not top it off cold.
What causes a Traverse to shudder when taking off?
On a 2017 Traverse, GM bulletin 18-NA-358 traces launch, 4th-gear and 2-3 shift shudder to debris or scoring in the upper and lower valve bodies, fixed by replacing both together. Rule out an engine misfire and torque converter clutch shudder first, and do not replace the TEHCM, which GM says has not fixed this concern.
Related guides
Sources
- General Motors, Service Bulletin 09-07-30-012F, "No Reverse, 3rd or 5th, Check Engine Light Illuminated, DTC P0776," October 2012 (2009 Traverse 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, the 20,000-mile note, the case-split clean-out with new pump fluid filter and control solenoid filter plate, and the no-parts-cleaner and no-replacement cautions. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- General Motors, Special Coverage 14404B, "Transmission Clutch Wave Plate," August 2016. Backs the 2009 Traverse coverage of 10 years or 120,000 miles, the 6T70 or 6T75 application, and the parts list (seal kit 24269586, fibers 24238954, steels 24258074, housing 24223798, piston 24223803, backing plate 24236516, nine quarts DEXRON VI 88861037). static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- General Motors, Preliminary Information PI0269B, "Malfunction Indicator Lamp On, DTC P182E," October 2016. Backs the 2009-2011 Traverse 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 2017 Traverse RPO M7V/M7X 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 parts 24281084, 24257450 and 24264343. static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)
- ATRA, "6T70 Product Issues and Updates" seminar. Backs the 6T75 RPO codes and the 2013 Gen 2 controls update, the unplug-for-reverse test, the pre-2010 wave plate note and four updated wave plate part numbers, the P2723 missing ring gear no-move on Traverse/Acadia/Enclave/Outlook, the 0.007 in. case cover hub clearance for 3-4 bind and P0797, the pressure switch codes and pump outlet seal, discolored converters, the 180-200 degree F level check, the 50,000/100,000-mile intervals, Service Fast Learn, TCM programming and vertical converter handling. atracom (PDF)
- Chevrolet, 2012 Traverse Owner Manual. Backs the 3.6L V6 (VIN D) with automatic, the 5,200 lb V92 tow rating, the TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE message, DEXRON-VI, the 5.0 L (5.3 qt) drain-and-refill, the dipstick-at-operating-temperature note, and GM power steering fluid 89021184. assets.gm.com (PDF)