6T40 Solenoid Kit

A Chevrolet Cruze that suddenly has no reverse, a Malibu that flares into 3rd, or a Buick Regal that bangs into Drive and throws a pressure control solenoid code all point at the same small parts: the solenoids inside the 6T40's control module. This kit is a remanufactured set of seven of them, the full complement the module carries, so you can rebuild the module you already own instead of buying a whole new one.

What the solenoid kit does in a 6T40

The 6T40 does all of its shifting with clutches, and every one of those clutches is fed by a regulator valve that a solenoid controls. The solenoids live in the TEHCM, the combined transmission computer and solenoid body that bolts to the valve body behind the side cover. Six of the seven are variable pressure control solenoids: one sets line pressure, one runs the converter clutch, and four aim oil at the 3-5-R, low-reverse/4-5-6, 2-6 and 1-2-3-4 clutch regulators. The seventh is an on/off shift solenoid that moves the clutch select valve so one regulator can serve two clutches. Three of the pressure control solenoids are normally high (low current, high pressure) and three are normally low, which is why the set comes in two body styles plus the odd one with blue seals.

Symptoms that point to the solenoids

• Gears missing in groups, such as no reverse, 3rd or 5th together, which is the classic PCS2 and 3-5-R pattern
• Flare or slip during an upshift, or a bang on a downshift
• Harsh or late engagement into Drive or Reverse
• DTC P0776, P0796, P2714 or P2723 for a pressure control solenoid that is not doing what it was told
• Limp mode, with the car holding one gear

How to confirm before you buy

Codes on this unit are easy to misread. GM's PI0670A covers P0776 with no reverse, 3rd or 5th and directs technicians to look at the valve body, pump, 3-5-R housing and piston before condemning the control module, because a broken 3-5-R wave plate or a cut piston lip produces exactly the same complaint. Check the fluid level first, then pull the TEHCM and measure each solenoid off the module; GEARS gives 3-5 ohms for the pressure control solenoids and 16-20 ohms for the shift solenoid. Our 6T40 shift solenoid guide walks through the test, and the 6T40 valve body symptoms article shows how worn regulator bores can impersonate a weak solenoid.

Fitment

This listing is not tied to a model year. The set is catalogued for the GM 6T40/6T45/6T30/6T50 family, with a broad application list that includes the Cruze, Malibu 2.4L, Regal, LaCrosse, Equinox and Terrain 2.4L, Captiva Sport and Saturn Aura. The thing that matters most is the control generation. GM moved most 2012 vehicles to Gen 2 controls, but PI0604C lists four 2012 exceptions that stayed Gen 1: the Cruze and Sonic with the 1.8L, the Captiva Sport 3.0L and the Orlando. Read the eighth digit of the TEHCM identifier: 1, 2 or 3 means Gen 1, and B, C or D means Gen 2. Both generations use three normally high, three normally low and one shift solenoid, but PCS2 and PCS5 trade roles and positions between them, so lay each new solenoid beside the one it replaces and match body color, seal color and connector before it goes in. If you cannot read the ID, send us the year and VIN and we will check it. For a dated alternative, compare the 2008-2011 7-piece 6T40 solenoid set.

Install notes

• Disconnect the battery, drain the fluid, remove the side cover and lift the TEHCM off its locating dowels.
• Replace one solenoid at a time so each lands in the bore it came from, with new O-rings and clean inlet screens.
• Never put 12 volts across a pressure control solenoid to test it; GEARS warns it can damage them.
• Because you are reusing your own TEHCM, GEARS notes no reprogramming is needed. Clear adapts and drive through every gear so the computer relearns the shifts.
• Refill with Dexron VI and set the level hot at the level plug.

If the fluid is dark and the pan holds friction material, solenoids alone will not save it. Plan on a 6T40 clutch module or a full 6T40/6T45 master rebuild kit, and inspect the valve body while it is apart.

Will this kit fix a Cruze with no reverse and no 3rd?

Only if a solenoid is the cause. That exact pattern also comes from a broken 3-5-R wave plate or a damaged 3-5-R piston, and GM tells technicians to inspect those before replacing control parts. Measure the solenoids off the module first.

Do I need to program the TCM after changing the solenoids?

No, as long as you install them in your existing TEHCM. Programming is tied to replacing the module itself. Clear the adaptive values afterward and drive through every gear so shift timing relearns.

Does it work on Gen 1 and Gen 2 units?

Both generations use three normally high, three normally low and one shift solenoid, but PCS2 and PCS5 swap roles and positions. Check the eighth digit of the TEHCM ID and match each new solenoid to the old one in the same bore. Send us your VIN if you are unsure.

Should I replace all seven or just the bad one?

On a high-mileage unit most builders replace the whole set while the module is out, since the labor is the same and the others have seen the same heat and wear. The kit gives you all seven.

What fluid does the 6T40 take?

Dexron VI. Set the level with the transmission hot by letting the excess drip from the level plug, not by guessing from the quantity you drained.

• 6T40 Shift Solenoid Symptoms and Replacement
• 6T40 Valve Body Symptoms: What Wears, What It Does to the Drive, and How to Test It
• 6T40 Common Problems and Fixes
• 6T40 Delayed Engagement: Causes and Fix