Seven-solenoid replacement set for GM 6T40 and 6T45E six-speeds in 2008-2011 Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Terrain - covers shift and pressure control solenoids.
This is the full seven-solenoid set for the first-generation GM 6T40 and 6T45 six-speed, the transmission in the 2008-2011 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L, 2009-2011 Equinox and GMC Terrain 2.4L, 2009-2011 Cruze and the 2008-2011 Buick Regal. Owners land here when the car bangs into gear, flares on the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, loses reverse, or sets a pressure control solenoid code. The photos show seven solenoids: three with yellow connectors, three with green connectors, and one on/off unit with a black connector and blue seals.
GEARS lays out the Gen 1 arrangement, and it matches the set: six pressure control solenoids and one on/off shift solenoid, all mounted in the TEHCM behind the side cover. Three are normally high, meaning low current gives high pressure: line pressure, PCS2 for the 3-5-R clutch and PCS3 for the low/reverse and 4-5-6 clutch. Three are normally low: the converter clutch solenoid, PCS4 for the 2-6 clutch and PCS5 for the 1-2-3-4 clutch. The shift solenoid moves the clutch select valve so one regulator can serve two clutches. Gen 1 modules also carry pressure switches that report clutch apply back to the computer. Since every shift is a clutch-to-clutch handoff timed by these solenoids, one weak solenoid shows up as a flare, a bind-up or a missing range.
Check fluid level and condition first, then scan. On Gen 1 controls the trouble may not be a solenoid at all. GEARS reports high failure rates on the Gen 1 pressure switches, and Transmission Digest traced one 2011 Cruze neutral drop on the 1-2 shift to a damaged filter plate in the pressure switch 2 circuit. GM's PI0670A also warns that the scan tool's TEHCM performance test does not work on Gen 1 units. Remove the module and measure each solenoid off it: 3-5 ohms for pressure control solenoids, 16-20 ohms for the shift solenoid. Our 6T40 solenoid symptoms guide has the full test, and the common problems article covers the 3-5-R wave plate failure that can mimic a bad solenoid.
Listed applications are the 2008-2011 Malibu 2.4L, 2009-2011 Cruze 1.4L and 1.8L, 2009-2011 Equinox and Terrain 2.4L, 2008-2011 Regal 2.0L and 2.4L, the LaCrosse and the 2007-2011 Captiva. V6 Equinox, Terrain and LaCrosse models use the larger 6T70 family, so this set is not for them. Gen 1 and Gen 2 modules are not interchangeable, and PCS2 and PCS5 changed in Gen 2, so read the eighth digit of the TCM ID on your module before ordering: 1, 2 or 3 confirms Gen 1. If the digit is B, C or D, or you cannot read it, send us the ID or your VIN. For Cruze-only applications, compare it with the 2009-2011 6T40 solenoid kit.
| Fits | GM 6T40 / 6T45E (Gen 1) |
| Pieces | 7 solenoids |
| Applications | 2008-2011 Malibu, Cruze, Equinox, Terrain, LaCrosse, Regal, Captiva |
| Condition | Remanufactured, tested |
| Shipping weight | 1.74 lb |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Usually not. GM moved most 6T40/6T45 units to Gen 2 for 2012, and Gen 2 changed PCS2 and PCS5. This set is listed for Gen 1. Check the eighth digit of your TCM ID: 1, 2 or 3 is Gen 1.
If one solenoid has failed on a high-mileage unit, the others have the same hours on them. Doing all seven at once saves pulling the side cover twice. Test each one first so you know whether the problem is a solenoid or a pressure switch.
No. The V6 versions use the larger 6T70 family transmission. This set is for the 2.4L four-cylinder 6T45 and the 6T40.
Not if you reuse your original module and only replace the solenoids. Clear the adaptive values and road test through all six gears so it relearns the shifts.
Dexron VI. GM lists a fluid change of about 4.0-6.0 liters for the 6T40; set the final level hot at the level set plug.
