6T45 Pressure Control Solenoid

If a 2.4L Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain or Captiva Sport has started slipping on upshifts, banging into Drive or Reverse, or lighting the check engine lamp with a pressure control solenoid code, the part most diagnostic paths end at is the control solenoid assembly on the 6T45. This listing is that complete assembly: the solenoid plate with every solenoid already installed and remanufactured, sold as one unit so you are not chasing one tired coil at a time. It is the most complete way to fix a 6T45 solenoid fault, which is exactly why the diagnosis should be solid before you order.

What the pressure control solenoids do in a 6T45

The 6T45 has no bands. Every gear comes from applying two clutches, and the transmission computer decides how firmly each one clamps by varying current to a row of variable-bleed solenoids. Per the GEARS Magazine solenoid breakdown, the assembly carries a line pressure control solenoid, a TCC pressure control solenoid, four clutch pressure control solenoids (PCS2 through PCS5) and one on/off shift solenoid. The line pressure solenoid is normally high: with low current it gives full line pressure, so a weak or unpowered solenoid tends to produce hard shifts rather than none. PCS2 feeds the 3-5-R clutch, PCS3 the low/reverse and 4-5-6 clutch, PCS4 the 2-6 clutch and PCS5 the 1-2-3-4 clutch. Because each clutch has its own solenoid, one sticking valve usually shows up as a problem in specific gears, not across the board.

Symptoms that point to this assembly

• Soft, slipping or flaring upshifts, often worse once the fluid is hot
• Harsh engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse
• No reverse, 3rd and 5th together with DTC P0776, the 3-5-R clutch circuit
• Falling out of gear at a stop with P2723 (PCS5)
• On Gen 1 units only, pressure switch codes such as P0842, P0872 or P0877

How to confirm the diagnosis before you buy

Start with a capable scan tool. GEARS recommends running the factory solenoid cleaning routine, which cycles the solenoids under pressure to flush debris, before any other solenoid diagnosis. On Gen 2 controls GM's PI0670A says the Control Solenoid Valve and TEHCM Performance Test works and must be used; it is not functional on Gen 1. Off the car, the Kent-Moore DT47825 kit checks each solenoid with 90-100 psi of regulated air. Two traps catch people. A solenoid code can be caused by a leaking clutch circuit: GEARS describes a P2723 that turned out to be a cracked 1-2-3-4 piston. And GM says not to replace the TEHCM for P0776 until the 3-5-R clutch piston has been visually inspected. Our 6T40 and 6T45 shift solenoid symptoms guide walks through each code, and the valve body symptoms guide covers bore wear that mimics a bad solenoid.

Fitment

This assembly is listed for the 6T45, which shares its control design with the 6T40 and is best known behind the 2.4L in the Equinox, Terrain and Captiva Sport. The fitment line that matters is generation. GM moved these transmissions to Gen 2 controls for 2012 (PI0604C), deleting the pressure switches, and GEARS notes PCS2 and PCS5 changed location and operation, so the two generations do not interchange. A few 2012 models stayed Gen 1, including the 1.8L Cruze and Sonic and the 3.0L Captiva Sport. Read the eighth digit of the ID on your TEHCM - 1, 2 or 3 is Gen 1; B, C or D is Gen 2 - and send it with your year and VIN before ordering so we can confirm the match. If your unit is a 6T40 rather than a 6T45, the same assembly is listed as the 6T40 pressure control solenoid.

Install notes

• The assembly mounts to the valve body under the control valve body cover. Drain the fluid first and keep every bolt in its original location.
• Inspect the valve body bores and do not reuse damaged gaskets; the spacer plate and gasket kit is worth having on the bench.
• GEARS points out that keeping your original TEHCM electronics avoids a reprogram; if the module itself is replaced, it must be programmed to the vehicle.
• Refill with Dexron VI and set the level at the check plug with the fluid in the 85-95 C window; overfilling can overheat the unit and set P0218.
• Clear adaptive values and let the computer relearn over several gentle shift cycles.
• Burnt fluid or friction material in the pan means the solenoids were a symptom, not the cause. Plan on the 6T45 overhaul kit instead.

Is this a single solenoid or the whole assembly?

The whole assembly: the solenoid plate with all of its solenoids installed. If only one solenoid has failed and you are comfortable working on the bench, our 6T40 solenoid kits are a lower-cost route.

Will it fit my V6 Equinox or Terrain?

No. The V6 models use the 6T70 family. This assembly is for the 6T45 four-cylinder applications and the related 6T40.

How do I know if I have Gen 1 or Gen 2 controls?

Look at the eighth digit of the TEHCM ID. 1, 2 or 3 is Gen 1 with pressure switches; B, C or D is Gen 2. Most 2012 and all 2013-and-later covered vehicles are Gen 2.

I have P0776 and no reverse. Is this the fix?

Sometimes. GM directs technicians to inspect the 3-5-R clutch piston for cut or damaged lips before replacing the TEHCM, and warns that air checks through the case are not reliable for that piston.

Does it need programming?

Not if your original TEHCM electronics stay with the vehicle. A replacement module must be programmed. Either way, clear adapts and allow a relearn drive.

What fluid does the 6T45 use?

Dexron VI. Check the level hot, at 85-95 C, by letting excess drip from the level set plug with the engine running.

• 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