6T50 Shift Kit 2013

The 6T50 is the strongest member of GM's small front-drive six-speed family, and it usually sits behind the engines that make the most torque in that group, such as a turbocharged 2.0L or a 3.0L V6 in a Buick Verano, Regal, Chevrolet Malibu or Captiva. When one of these starts flaring on the 2-3, slips under boost, or logs a converter clutch or pressure control code after a fluid service, the hydraulic control in the valve body is a prime suspect. This is a new TransGo SK 6T40-G2 SHIFT KIT valve body repair kit, the kit TransGo builds for Gen 2 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 transmissions from 2013 on.

What this shift kit does in a 6T50

GM rates the 6T50 for up to about 350 Nm, more than the 6T40 it shares its valve body layout with. Every clutch apply in it is commanded electronically, but the solenoids can only regulate the oil they are fed. TransGo explains that the actuator feed limit (AFL) valve caps solenoid feed at a set pressure no matter what line pressure is doing. When that bore wears, feed pressure wanders, so the solenoids put out too much or too little and the clutches slip through the shift. On a high-torque 6T50 that slip time turns into heat fast. The kit addresses the three valves involved:

• Oversized USA-made hardened steel AFL valve, fitted after reaming the worn bore with TransGo tool kit AFL-G2-TK (sold separately)
• Redesigned drop-in hardened steel pressure regulator (PR) valve and spring for steadier line pressure and quicker boost
• Drop-in hardened steel TCC regulator valve with scarf cut sealing ring, spring and O-ring to restore converter clutch control

Symptoms on a 6T50 that point to valve body wear

• Soft or flared upshifts, usually worse once the fluid is hot or under turbo boost
• Slow line pressure rise when you go to full throttle
• Erratic or hunting torque converter clutch apply at cruise, often with P0741
• Burned friction plates found at teardown, or a rebuilt unit that burns up again
• Codes TransGo links to this wear: P0751, P0752, P0776, P0777, P0796, P0797, P2714, P2715, P2723 and P2724

How to confirm the diagnosis before buying

The 6T50's best-known weak point is the 3-5-R wave plate, and a broken one can set the same ratio codes while scattering pieces through the case, so pull the pan and look for metal before blaming the valve body. Our 6T40/6T45 wave plate failure guide applies to the 6T50 as well. Then check the fluid level hot at the check plug and compare commanded versus actual pressure control readings with a scan tool. If a P0776 is the code you are chasing, work through our P0776 diagnosis guide, and the 6T40 valve body symptoms guide explains which bore causes which complaint.

Fitment

This listing is titled 2013, but the kit itself is cataloged for Gen 2 6T50 (RPO MHK front-drive, MHJ all-wheel drive) units from 2013 through 2017 built without pressure switches. GM started the Gen 2 change for 2012 with some exceptions, so year alone is not proof. Check the eighth digit of the TEHCM part number for the generation and look at the control solenoid body for pressure switches. Our 6T40 family identification guide shows where to find the tags. A 2010-2011 Gen 1 6T50 needs a different kit, so if you are unsure, send us your year and VIN before ordering. You can also browse every rebuild kit we carry.

Install notes

• Get the AFL-G2-TK reamer before you pull the valve body; the oversized AFL valve cannot be installed without it.
• Follow the TransGo instructions in order, one bore at a time, with removed valves and springs laid out as they came out.
• Do not swap solenoid positions on the TEHCM; each is calibrated to its location.
• Install the kit during an overhaul or valve body service. A Gen 2 6T50 overhaul kit for 2012-2013 covers the seals and gaskets; for 2013-and-later units GM's own 6T50 overhaul seal kit is another option. Burned plates still need new frictions matched to your generation.
• Refill with DEXRON VI (about 8.2 L dry, roughly 5 L on a drain and fill), set the level hot, and run the Service Fast Learn so the TCM relearns clutch fill against the corrected pressures.

Why is a 6T50 kit called SK 6T40-G2?

TransGo makes one Gen 2 kit for the 6T30, 6T40, 6T45 and 6T50 because they share the AFL, pressure regulator and TCC regulator bores it repairs.

Will it fit my 2014 Buick Regal or Verano with a 6T50?

It is cataloged for Gen 2 6T50 units from 2013 to 2017 without pressure switches. Confirm the TEHCM generation digit or send us your VIN and we will check it.

Does it fit a 2010 or 2011 6T50?

Usually not. Those are Gen 1 units with a different valve body calibration, so they need a Gen 1 kit. Send us your VIN if you are not sure which you have.

Is the AFL-G2-TK reaming tool included?

No. The tool kit is sold separately and is required for the oversized AFL valve. The PR and TCC regulator valves drop in without reaming.

What fluid and relearn does the 6T50 need afterward?

DEXRON VI, about 8.2 L total capacity. Set the level hot at the check plug, then run the Service Fast Learn with a scan tool.

• GM 6T40 / 6T45 Wave Plate Failure: Why P0776 Is Not Just a Solenoid
• 6T40 P0776: Pressure Control Solenoid B Stuck Off Causes & Fix
• 6T40 Valve Body Symptoms: What Wears, What It Does to the Drive, and How to Test It
• 6T40 Identification Guide: 6T40 vs 6T45 and Gen 1, 2 and 3
• 6T40 TCC Lockup Explained: Codes, Shudder and the Real Fix