6T45 Shift Kit 2013

The 6T45 earns its keep in heavier GM front-drive vehicles, most often the 2.4L Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, and those owners tend to notice pressure problems first under load: a flare on the 2-3 when merging, a slip pulling a grade, or a shudder and code from the converter clutch on the highway. This is a new TransGo SK 6T40-G2 SHIFT KIT valve body repair kit. Despite the 6T40 in its name, TransGo builds this one kit for the whole Gen 2 family, including the 6T45, because the valve body bores it repairs are shared.

Why a 6T45 needs pressure control kept tight

The 6T45 carries more torque than the 6T40, using a five-pinion input gearset and a wider output chain, but it shares the same electronic control strategy. The TCM decides how hard each clutch applies, yet the hydraulics have to deliver it. Three valves sit at the center of that: the actuator feed limit valve that sets solenoid supply, the pressure regulator valve that builds and boosts line pressure, and the TCC regulator valve. Wear in those bores is exactly what turns a heavier SUV's normal load into clutch slip, because the pressure the computer asks for never fully arrives. This kit supplies:

• An oversized USA-made hardened steel AFL valve, fitted after reaming the bore with TransGo tool kit AFL-G2-TK (not included)
• A redesigned drop-in pressure regulator valve and spring
• A drop-in hardened steel TCC regulator valve with scarf cut ring, spring and O-ring

Symptoms on a 6T45 that point here

• Flare or slip on upshifts that gets worse when towing, climbing or fully loaded
• Late, soft engagement of pressure when you go to wide-open throttle
• TCC slip, shudder or hunting at highway speed, sometimes with P0741
• Repeat clutch burn after a previous rebuild
• Codes TransGo ties to this wear, including P0776, P0777, P0796, P0797, P2714, P2715, P2723 and P2724

Rule out the other causes first

On a 2011 Equinox, Terrain or Captiva 2.4L, a harsh 2-3 on throttle release had its own GM calibration fix, so a firm shift is not always hydraulic. A cracked 3-5-R wave plate, a sticking solenoid or low fluid can mimic valve body wear too. Our 6T40 and 6T45 harsh shift causes guide separates software, solenoid and wear problems, and if the complaint is no fifth or sixth, read why a 6T40 family unit will not shift into overdrive before buying parts.

Fitment

TransGo lists the SK 6T40-G2 for Gen 2 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 transmissions from 2013 through 2017 that do not have pressure switches. On the 6T45 that includes the 2.4L Equinox and Terrain of those years. Gen 2 started for 2012 with exceptions, and later units moved to Gen 3 parts, so confirm your unit before ordering by checking the TEHCM generation digit and the solenoid body for pressure switches, or send us your year and VIN. An early unit takes the 6T45 shift kit for 2007-2012. If you own a Cruze or Sonic with the lighter-duty unit, the matching listing is the 6T40 Gen 2 shift kit.

Install notes

• Have the AFL-G2-TK reaming kit on hand; the oversized AFL valve depends on it.
• Work one bore at a time and lay parts out in order, following the TransGo sheet.
• Leave each solenoid in its original calibrated location on the TEHCM.
• A 6T45 that slipped long enough often has damaged pistons as well as plates; the bonded piston set covers those, and a fresh pan, filter and gasket kit finishes the service.
• Fill with Dexron VI, check the level hot at the level set plug, then run the Service Fast Learn before any towing.

Why does a 6T45 kit say SK 6T40-G2?

TransGo makes one Gen 2 kit for the 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 because they share the valve body bores this kit repairs.

Does it fit my 2015 Equinox 2.4L?

It is cataloged for Gen 2 6T45 units from 2013 to 2017 without pressure switches. Confirm your TEHCM generation or send us your VIN to be sure.

Do I need special tools?

Yes. Reaming the AFL bore for the oversized valve requires TransGo tool kit AFL-G2-TK, which is not included with this kit.

Is this kit good for towing with a 6T45?

It restores correct solenoid feed, line pressure boost and TCC control, which reduces the clutch slip that heat and load make worse. It does not raise the factory tow rating.

What should I do after installing it?

Refill with Dexron VI, check the level hot at the level set plug, and run the Service Fast Learn so the TCM relearns clutch fill.

• 6T40 Harsh Shift Causes and Fix
• 6T40 Won't Shift Into Overdrive: Causes and Fix
• 6T40 Shift Solenoid Symptoms and Replacement
• 6T40 Delayed Engagement: Causes and Fix