6T45 Banner Rebuild Kit 2008-11

The 6T45 is the heavier-duty version of GM's small front-drive six-speed, and in the 2010-2011 model years it sat behind the 2.4L four-cylinder in a lot of Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Captiva Sport crossovers. Those crossovers are heavier than a Malibu, so a worn 6T45 tends to show up as a slipping reverse on a driveway incline, a flare into third under load, or a P0776 that keeps coming back. This banner rebuild kit is listed for 2008-2011 6T45 transmissions and is set up as a master-style kit without steels: overhaul gaskets and seals, a rubber pan gasket and a Raybestos friction clutch pack module (listing reference RHT96-246).

What this kit does in a 2008-2011 6T45

Inside, the 6T45 works like the rest of the family: three rotating clutches and two holding clutches are combined in pairs to make each gear, and the TEHCM on the valve body times each apply with its pressure control solenoids. The 6T45 is rated for more torque than the 6T40, and the extra load on crossovers works the 3-5-R and 4-5-6 packs hard. When their frictions glaze, the TCM stretches apply pressure to keep shift times in range until it cannot, then it flags the ratio fault. Fresh frictions and a full reseal restore the holding capacity and stop pressure from bleeding past hardened seals.

Symptoms on a 6T45 crossover

• Slip or no reverse, slip or flare into 3rd, and P0776 stored in the TCM on units built on or before January 15, 2011
• A harsh 2-3 upshift when you lift off the throttle mid-shift on a 2011 Equinox, Terrain or Captiva 2.4L
• Slow or soft engagement into Drive after a long highway run
• Dark, burnt fluid and clutch lining in the pan
• Fluid at the bellhousing seam, which can be the torque converter seal rather than an internal failure

How to confirm it before you buy

Rule out the easy fixes first. GM's PI0724B shows that a harsh 2-3 shift on the 2011 Equinox, Terrain and Captiva with the 2.4L (RPO LAF) and the 6T45 (RPOs MHC, MH7) is fixed with a TCM software update, not a rebuild. A leak at the converter housing is usually the converter seal, which GM upgraded under PI0950. If you have P0776 with no reverse or a slipping third, the fluid is dark and there is debris on the magnet, the clutches are done. Our 6T40/6T45 common problems guide separates the software and seal fixes from true clutch failures, and the valve body symptoms guide helps if the shift complaint feels hydraulic rather than slipping.

Fitment

This kit is listed for 2008-2011 6T45 transmissions and also covers the 6T40 and 6T50 of the same years. Typical 6T45 vehicles in that range include the 2010-2011 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain 2.4L and the 2011 Captiva Sport, with other early GM front-drivers using the 6T45 depending on engine. Units from 2012 on moved to revised controls and internals, so they need a matching later kit. Check the RPO on the service parts label (MH7 or MHC for the 6T45 per GM) and the build date, or send us your year and VIN. If your unit is a 2012-up build, compare kits on the rebuild kits page.

Install notes

• Steels are not included. Measure clearances and replace any steel that is warped or heat-marked.
• Install a new 3-5-R piston and waved plate whenever the unit is apart, as GM recommends, and clean the case of all waved-plate debris.
• Replace the pump filter and the control solenoid filter plate. If the pump bore or gears are scored, the 6T45 pump for 2008-2011 fits this era.
• If a solenoid code was present before the teardown, the 2008-2011 7-piece solenoid kit renews them while the valve body is out.
• Fill with DEXRON VI, set level hot at the check plug, update the TCM calibration if the 2-3 shift bulletin applies, and run the adaptive learn.

Does this kit fit a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L?

It is listed for 2008-2011 6T45 transmissions, and GM identifies the 2011 Equinox 2.4L as using the 6T45. Confirm RPO MH7 or MHC on the service parts label and the build date, or send us the year and VIN.

My 2011 Terrain has a harsh 2-3 shift. Do I need a rebuild?

Not necessarily. GM's PI0724B fixes a harsh 2-3 that happens when the throttle is released just before or during the shift with a TCM software calibration. Have that checked before buying a rebuild kit.

Is this the same kit as the 6T40 2008-2011 kit?

Yes, the same kit covers the 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 for 2008-2011. Order whichever listing matches your transmission; the contents are the same.

What is not included that I should order?

Steel plates are not included and pistons are not listed. Plan on a new 3-5-R piston and waved plate, plus the pump filter and solenoid filter plate, and any bushings or hard parts your teardown shows are worn.

What fluid does a rebuilt 6T45 take?

DEXRON VI. Set the level with the engine running and fluid at 85-95 C, filling until it just drips from the check plug, then run the adaptive learn.

• 6T40 Common Problems and Fixes
• 6T40 Valve Body Symptoms: What Wears, What It Does to the Drive, and How to Test It
• 6T40 Rebuild Cost: What You Actually Pay For and What Drives It Up
• 6T40 Fluid Leak: Common Spots and Fixes