6T45 Shift Kit 2013-17

A 6T45 that flares on the 2-3 merging onto the highway, lets the engine flare before 4th when you are loaded up, or sets torque converter clutch and pressure control codes on a long climb is usually losing hydraulic pressure somewhere between the pump and the clutches. On the 2013-2017 Gen 2 units, a common place for that loss is inside the valve body. This is the new TransGo SK 6T40-G2 SHIFT KIT valve body repair kit, listed here across its full 2013-2017 catalog range for the 6T45. TransGo names it after the 6T40, but one kit covers the Gen 2 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 because those units share the same valve body bores.

What the shift kit does in a 6T45

The 6T45 is the heavier-duty member of GM's 6T40 family and is most often found behind the 2.4L in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Like the rest of the family it shifts clutch to clutch under TCM control, so every shift depends on three valves holding their calibration. The actuator feed limit (AFL) valve caps the pressure sent to the solenoids no matter what line pressure is doing. The spring end of the pressure regulator valve is where the EPC boost signal raises line pressure when you ask for torque. The TCC regulator valve sets converter clutch apply. When those bores wear, the solenoids are fed the wrong pressure, boost comes late, and the clutches slip on apply, which a loaded SUV punishes quickly. The kit contains:

• A drop-in USA-made hardened steel pressure regulator valve and spring with longer lands
• An oversized USA-made hardened steel AFL valve that requires reaming the bore
• A drop-in hardened steel TCC regulator valve with a scarf cut sealing ring that seals in the original worn bore, plus its spring and a sizing O-ring

Symptoms that point to this repair

• Soft shifts or flare-up between gears, worse when hot or under load
• Erratic, hunting or slipping converter clutch at cruise
• Burned friction plates found inside, or a rebuilt unit that burns clutches again
• Lazy pressure boost when you go to the throttle
• TransGo's code list for this kit: P0741, P0751, P0752, P0776, P0777, P0796, P0797, P2714, P2715, P2723 and P2724

How to confirm it before you buy

On 2013 and 2014 Equinox and Terrain models, GM issued a bulletin warning that a damaged transmission fluid pump can cause harsh shifts, slipping or missing gears with P0776, P0796, P2714 and P2723, the same codes this kit addresses. GM's instruction is to perform a line pressure check before replacing the TEHCM or the valve body. Do the same here: low line pressure from a damaged pump will not be fixed by new valves. If pressure is present but erratic and the fluid is clean, valve body wear becomes the likely cause. Our 6T40 family valve body symptoms guide explains how each worn bore shows up on the road, and if your complaint is a slow drop into Drive or Reverse, start with the delayed engagement guide.

Fitment

TransGo catalogs the SK 6T40-G2 for Gen 2 6T30, 6T40 and 6T45 transmissions from 2013-2017 built without pressure switches. Two boundaries matter on a 6T45. Earlier units with pressure switches on the control solenoid body are Gen 1 and take the 6T45 shift kit for 2007-2012. At the other end, TransGo states the 6T40 series moved to Gen 3 at the start of 2015 model year production, with an off-axis, chain-driven pump; those units are designated 6T46 on the 6T45 side and use TransGo's separate SK 6T40-G3 kit. So a 2015-2017 vehicle needs checking: a chain-driven pump means Gen 3, and this kit is the wrong one. GM lists the 6T45 under RPO codes MHC and MH7, which you can find on the service parts label. Match your unit, or send us your year and VIN and we will confirm it. The same kit is also listed as the 6T45 shift kit 2013 if you landed there first.

Install notes

• The oversized AFL valve cannot go in without TransGo's AFL-G2-TK tool kit, a high-speed steel reamer with three guides. It is sold separately and the kit's instructions show exactly which bore to ream.
• On most of these SUVs the valve body is serviced with the transaxle lowered or out, so the kit is normally fitted during a rebuild. Clean the casting, work one valve train at a time and keep parts in order.
• If the bores are too badly worn to salvage, a Gen 2 valve body casting for MH7 and MH8 units is the alternative.
• Burned clutches need replacing at the same time; the 6T40E/6T45E master rebuild kit covers the seals and frictions.
• Refill with Dexron VI, set the level hot at the check plug, and run the Service Fast Learn before the vehicle goes back to towing or hauling.

Is this the same kit as your 6T45 Shift Kit 2013 listing?

Yes, both are the TransGo SK 6T40-G2. This listing shows its full 2013-2017 catalog range for the 6T45; the fitment rules are the same.

Will it fit my 2016 Equinox 2.4L?

Only if the transmission is still a Gen 2 unit. TransGo says the 6T40 series went to Gen 3 at the start of 2015 model year production with a chain-driven pump. If yours has that pump, it needs the Gen 3 kit. Send us your VIN if you are not sure.

What is the AFL-G2-TK and do I need it?

It is TransGo's reamer and guide set for sizing the AFL valve bore. The oversized AFL valve in this kit requires it, and it is not included.

My 6T45 has P2723 and slips. Is it the valve body?

It can be, but GM also links that code to low line pressure from a damaged fluid pump on 2011-2014 units. Check line pressure first; if it is low, fix the pump before installing this kit.

What fluid and relearn does it need?

Dexron VI, with the level set hot at the check plug, followed by the Service Fast Learn so the TCM relearns clutch fill on the restored pressures.

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