Technical Service Information

GM 6T40/45
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
The Hydra-matic 6T40/45 is a fully automatic, six speed, front-wheel drive, electronic-controlled
transmission, and was first introduced in the 2008 model year as shown in Figure 1. It consists primarily of a
four element torque converter, compound planetary gear set, friction and mechanical clutch assemblies, and a
hydraulic pressurization system. There are two variants of the transmission (6T40 and 6T45), based on the
torque carrying capacity. Structure is common between the variants, and component differences are primarily
related to size. This transmission was designed based on the 6T70 transmission primarily used in 4 cylinder
applications.
The 4-element torque converter contains a pump, a turbine, a pressure plate splined to the turbine, and a stator
assembly. The torque converter acts as a fluid coupling to smoothly transmit power from the engine to the
transmission. It also hydraulically provides additional torque multiplication when required. The pressure
plate, when applied, provides a mechanical direct drive coupling of the engine to the input shaft of the
transmission.
The three compound planetary gear sets provide the six forward gear ratios and reverse. Changing gear ratios
is fully automatic and is accomplished through the use of a transmission control module (TCM) located inside
the transmission and bolted to the valve body. The TCM receives and monitors various electronic sensor inputs
and uses this information to shift the transmission at the optimum time.
The TCM commands one On/Off shift solenoid and six variable bleed (PWM) solenoids to control shift timing
and shift feel. The TCM also controls the apply and release of the torque converter clutch which allows the
engine to deliver the maximum fuel efficiency without sacrificing vehicle performance. All of the solenoids,
including the TCM, are packaged into a self-contained assembly and are not serviced separately.
The hydraulic system primarily consists of an gear type pump, upper and lower valve body assemblies, transfer
drive gear support assembly with a drive chain, and the transmission case. The pump maintains the working
pressures needed to stroke the clutch pistons that apply or release the friction components. These friction
components, when applied or released, support the automatic shifting qualities of the transmission.
The friction components used in this transmission consist of 5 multiple disc clutches. The multiple disc
clutches combine with a one-way clutch to deliver the seven different ratios, six forward and one reverse,
through the compound planetary gear sets. The gear sets then transfer torque through the transfer drive, transfer
driven sprockets, drive chain and differential assembly.
Component location chart is found in the cut-away view in Figure 2.
Refer to the following pages for Principles of operation and electronic function, as well as a tear down section
showing individual components.

VEHICLE APPLICATION CHART

VEHICLE YEAR ENGINE
Chevrolet Malibu 2008-12 2.4L (4cyl)
GMC Terrain 2010-12 2.4L (4cyl)
Chevrolet Equinox 2010-12 2.4L (4cyl)
Buick Lacrosse 2010-12 2.4L (4cyl)
Chevrolet Cruze 2012-UP 2.4L (4cyl)

Figure 1

14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 1 of 20
 Technical Service Information

COMPONENT APPLICATION CHART

SHIFT 1-2-3-4CL 2-6 CL 3-5 LO/REV 4-5-6 3-5 REV 2-6 LOW LO/REV 1-2-3-4
RANGE GEAR RATIO SOL PC SOL 5 PC SOL 4 REV CL 4-5-6 CL CLUTCH CLUTCH CLUTCH ONE-WAY CLUTCH CLUTCH
(On/Off) N.L. N.L. PC SOL 2 PC SOL 3
N.H. N.H. CLUTCH

PARK P ON OFF OFF ON OFF APPLIED*

REV R 2.940 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF APPLIED APPLIED

NEUT N ON OFF OFF ON OFF APPLIED*

1ST 4.584 OFF ON OFF ON OFF APPLIED APPLIED
BRAKING
1ST 4.584 OFF ON OFF ON ON HOLD APPLIED
D OFF ON ON ON ON
2ND 2.964 APPLIED APPLIED
R
I
3RD 1.912 OFF ON OFF OFF ON APPLIED APPLIED
V
E
4TH 1.446 OFF ON OFF ON OFF APPLIED APPLIED

5TH 1.000 OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF APPLIED APPLIED

6TH 0.746 OFF OFF ON ON OFF APPLIED APPLIED

* APPLIED WITH NO LOAD Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 2 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 2 of 20
 Technical Service Information

SOLENOID AND PRESSURE SWITCH LOCATION ON TCM

TFP SWITCH 2
(2-6) TFP SWITCH 1
(1-2-3-4)
TFP SWITCH 3
(3-5-R) TFP SWITCH 4
TCM
(4-5-6/R-1)

LINE PRESSURE
CONTROL SOLENOID

PRESSURE CONTROL
SOLENOID 3
(R-1/4-5-6)

PRESSURE CONTROL
SOLENOID 4
(2-6)

PRESSURE CONTROL
SOLENOID 5
(1-2-3-4)
TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
ON-OFF SHIFT
SOLENOID

TCC PRESSURE
CONTROL SOLENOID PRESSURE CONTROL
SOLENOID 2
(3-5-R)

Note: Solenoids and Pressure Switches are not sold separately from the TCM
Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 3

14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 3 of 20
 Technical Service Information

SOLENOID I.D. AND FUNCTION

SHIFT SOLENOID
PLUNGER AND
COIL
METERING BALL
SUPPLY ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY CONNECTOR
PRESSURE
(ACTUATOR
FEED LIMIT)

N.C. 18 Ohms
EXHAUST
CONTROL
PRESSURE

SPRING HOUSING

The Shift Solenoid is Normally Closed. When Off it blocks the passage to the Clutch Select Valve
and Shuttle TCC Regulated Apply Valve. When On it connects Actuator Feed Limit Valve pressure
to the Clutch Select Valve and Shuttle TCC Regulated Apply Valve, stroking the valves.

NORMALLY-LOW CLUTCH PRESSURE

TCC CONTROL SOLENOID
CONTROL COIL
PRESSURE ASSEMBLY
SUPPLY
PRESSURE HOUSING
(ACTUATOR EXHAUST
FEED LIMIT)

N.L. 4.5 Ohms

VARIABLE
RESTRICTION CONNECTOR

The TCC Control Solenoid is Normally Low. When Off it blocks the passage to the TCC Control Valve
and TCC Regulated Apply Valve. When On it connects Actuator Feed Limit Valve pressure
to the TCC Control Valve and TCC Regulated Apply Valve, stroking the valves, which apply the
Torque Converter Clutch.

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 4 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 4 of 20
 Technical Service Information

SOLENOID I.D. AND FUNCTION

NORMALLY-HIGH CLUTCH PRESSURE

LINE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID
CONTROL
PRESSURE COIL
(PCS LINE) ASSEMBLY
SUPPLY HOUSING
PRESSURE
EXHAUST
(ACTUATOR
FEED LIMIT)

N.H. 4.5 Ohms

VARIABLE
RESTRICTION SPRING CONNECTOR

The Line Pressure Control Solenoid is Normally High. When Off it connects Actuator Feed Limit
Valve pressure to the Spring side of the Pressure Regulator Valve increasing Line Pressure. When on
or at high duty cycle it blocks or limits Actuator Feed Limit Valve pressure to the spring
side of the Pressure Regulator Valve decreasing Line Pressure.

NORMALLY-HIGH CLUTCH PRESSURE

PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID 2 AND 3
CONTROL
PRESSURE COIL
(PCS LINE) ASSEMBLY
SUPPLY HOUSING
PRESSURE
EXHAUST
(ACTUATOR
FEED LIMIT)

N.H. 4.5 Ohms

VARIABLE
RESTRICTION SPRING CONNECTOR

Pressure Control Solenoids 2 and 3 are Normally High. When Off they connect Actuator Feed Limit
Valve pressure to their respective valves. When On they block Actuator Feed Limit Valve pressure to
their perspective valves.
Pressure Control Solenoid 2 controls the 3-5-Reverse clutch Reg. Valve.
Pressure Control Solenoid 3 controls the R1/4-5-6 clutch Reg. Valve.

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 5 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 5 of 20
 Technical Service Information

SOLENOID I.D. AND FUNCTION

NORMALLY-LOW CLUTCH PRESSURE
CONTROL SOLENOIDS 4 AND 5
CONTROL COIL
PRESSURE ASSEMBLY
SUPPLY
PRESSURE HOUSING
(ACTUATOR EXHAUST
FEED LIMIT)

N.L. 4.5 Ohms

VARIABLE
RESTRICTION CONNECTOR

Pressure Control Solenoids 4 and 5 are Normally Low. When Off they block the passage to their
perspective valves. When On they connect Actuator Feed Limit Valve Pressure to
their perspective valves.

Pressure Control Solenoid 4 controls the 2-6 clutch Reg. Valve.

Pressure Control Solenoid 5 controls the 1-2-3-4 clutch Reg. Valve and 1-2-3-4
clutch boost valve.
Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 6

14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 6 of 20
 Technical Service Information

INTERNAL MODE SWITCH

INTERNAL MODE SWITCH LOGIC

Gear Selector
Position Signal A Signal B Signal C Signal P
Park LOW HI HI LOW
Park/Reverse LOW LOW HI LOW
Reverse LOW LOW HI HI
Reverse/Neutral HI LOW HI HI
Neutral HI LOW HI LOW
Neutral/Drive 6 HI LOW LOW LOW
Drive 6 HI LOW LOW HI
A
B
C

Drive 6/Drive 4 LOW LOW LOW HI

D
E
F

Drive 4 LOW LOW LOW LOW

Drive 4/Drive 3 LOW HI LOW LOW
Drive 3 LOW HI LOW HI
Drive 3/Drive 2 HI HI LOW HI
INTERNAL MODE Drive 2 HI HI LOW LOW
SWITCH
CONNECTOR (Blue) Open HI HI HI HI
Invalid HI HI HI LOW
Invalid LOW HI HI HI
HI = 12 Volts
Yellow
Green

Black

LOW = 0 Volts
Grey
Blue

Red

Internal Mode Switch (IMS) Terminal Identification

Terminal Function
A Ground (Blue)
B Mode Switch Signal "A" (Green)
A B C D E F C Mode Switch Signal "B" (Grey)
D Mode Switch Signal "C” (Yellow)
E Mode Switch Signal "P" (Red)
F P/N Start Signal "N" To ECM (Black)

(Face View)

The Internal Mode Switch is connected to the manual shaft with a roll pin
Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 7

14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 7 of 20
 Technical Service Information

PRESSURE SWITCH FUNCTION

BODY SEAL BODY SEAL

UPPER UPPER
CONTACT CONTACT

DIAPHRAGM DIAPHRAGM

+ +

LOWER LOWER
DISK PISTON DISK PISTON CONTACT
CONTACT
NO PRESSURE PRESSURIZED

Pressure Switch Logic

Selector
Position Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 Switch 4
Park 0 1 0 0
Reverse 0 0 0 0
Neutral 0 1 0 0
1st Engine
Braking 0 1 1 0
“D"-1st 0 1 1 1
“D"-2nd 0 1 0 1
“D"-3rd 0 0 1 1
“D"-4th 0 1 1 0
“D"-5th 1 0 1 0
“D"-6th 1 1 0 0
1 = Pressurized 0 = Exhausted

Pressure Switch hydraulic control

Pressure Switch 1 Indicates the position of the 1-2-3-4 Clutch Regulator Valve
Pressure Switch 2 Indicates the position of the 2-6 Clutch Regulator Valve
Pressure Switch 3 Indicates the position of the 3-5-R Clutch Regulator Valve
Pressure Switch 4 Indicates the position of the R1/4-5-6 Clutch Regulator Valve

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 8 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 8 of 20
 Technical Service Information

CASE CONNECTOR TERMINAL I.D. AND FUNCTION

View Looking Into View Looking Into

14-Way Solenoid Body Connector 14-Way Harness Connector

TERMINAL IDENTIFICATION
AND FUNCTION

Pin No. Function

1 Ignition Voltage Power
2 Ground
3 Park/Neutral Signal
4 Not Used
5 Not Used
6 High Speed GMLAN Serial Data (+)
7 High Speed GMLAN Serial Data (+)
8 High Speed GMLAN Serial Data (-)
9 Not Used
10 Stop Lamp Switch Signal
11 Not Used
12 Ignition Voltage
13 Accessory Wakeup Serial Data
14 High Speed GMLAN Serial Data (-)

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 9

14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 9 of 20
 Technical Service Information

14Way PARTIAL WIRE SCHEMATIC

Connector Ignition Voltage
Clutch PC
Transmission CPC 2 Signal Solenoid 2
Control Module

3 4 5 6 7 8 Clutch PC
1 2 CPC 3 Signal Solenoid 3
9 10 11 12 13 14

Clutch PC
CPC 4 Signal Solenoid 4

Clutch PC
CPC 5 Signal Solenoid 5

TCC PC
TCC PC Signal Solenoid
Ignition Voltage
LINE PC
Line PC Signal Solenoid

14Way Shift
Connector
SS Signal Solenoid
Battery Access

Accessory Wake up Voltage

13
Transmission Fluid
Battery Voltage Temp Sensor
1 TFT Low

TFT Signal
Ground

2 TFP SW1

TFP SW4

Pressure
Switches
Ignition

Brake Apply Signal TFP SW3

10
TFP SW2
Battery

Ignition Voltage
12
A 2 Wire
Hall Effect
B ISS
ISS
Conn. (White)

B 2 Wire
GMLAN Serial DATA (+) Hall Effect
6
Data Communication

A OSS
GMLAN Serial DATA (+) OSS
7 Conn. (Blue)
Internal
Mode Switch
GMLAN Serial DATA (-) P/N Signal
8 F
Signal P
E
GMLAN Serial DATA (-) Signal C
14 D
Signal B
C
P/N Switch Signal Transmission Signal A
3 Control Module B
Ground
14 Way A
Connector
Control Solenoid Body Internal Mode
And TCM Assembly Switch Connector
(Blue)
Copyright © 2014 ATSG
Figure 10 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 10 of 20
 Technical Service Information
TURBINE SPEED SENSOR

The Turbine Speed Sensor is a two wire Hall- effect sensor that is bolted to the exterior of the case
and reads the projections on the 3-5-Reverse/4-5-6 Housing. The sensor connector is attached
to the TCM which is located inside of the front pan.

OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR

The Output Speed Sensor is a two wire Hall- effect sensor that is bolted to the interior of the case
under the Valve Body, and reads the projections on the Park Gear. The sensor connector is attached
to the TCM which is located inside of the front pan. Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 11 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 11 of 20
 Technical Service Information
FLUID LEVEL CONTROL VALVE

Mounted behind the valve body into the case

Thermostatic element

At temperatures below 140° the thermostatic element allows fluid to drain from the
control valve body cover into the case sump. As temperature increases the element
traps fluid in this area and the fluid level rises. Copyright © 2014 ATSG
Figure 12 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 12 of 20
Technical Service Information

VALVE BODY BREAKDOWN

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 13
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 13 of 20
 Technical Service Information

CHECK BALL LOCATION

2
6
5

CHECK BALL CIRCUIT

Check Ball 1- In 4-5-6 Clutch CSV2 Latch Hydraulic Circuit

Check Ball 2- In 3-5-Reverse Clutch Feed/Drive 1-6 Hydraulic Circuit
Check Ball 3- In 3-5-Reverse Clutch Feed Hydraulic Circuit (Some Models)
Check Ball 4- In Compensator Feed/3-5-Reverse Clutch Feed Hydraulic Circuit
Check Ball 5- In R1-4-5-6 Clutch/Actuator Feed Limit Hydraulic Circuit

Check Ball 6- In 3-5-Reverse Clutch/Actuator Feed Limit Hydraulic Circuit

Copyright © 2014 ATSG

Figure 14 14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 14 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY

Remove
Pan Bolts

Figure 15 Figure 16

Remove Remove
TCM Bolts Valve Body
Bolts

Figure 17 Figure 18

Remove R1 Feed
tube and seal
Remove
OSS Sensor
Bolt

Remove 1-2-3-4
Feed tube and seal

Figure 19 Figure 20
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 15 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY CONTINUED

Remove case
Bolts

Remove Bell=housing half from rear case

Figure 21 Figure 22

Remove Differential Carrier Remove Drive chain and sprokets

Figure 23 Figure 24

Remove Pump
seal assembly

Remove Differential Carrier Baffle and Remove 1-2-3-4 Backing plate

Drive link lube scoop retaining snap ring and parking pawl assembly

Figure 25 Figure 26
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 16 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY CONTINUED

Remove 1-2-3-4 Backing plate - notice blue Remove 1-2-3-4 Clutches and steel plates
dot for re- assembly purposes

Figure 27 Figure 28

Remove 1-2-3-4 cushion plate - notice position 1-2-3-4 Clutch assembly with Output
of the tabs for re- assembly purposes (fits 1 way!) Sun Gear assembly

Figure 29 Figure 30

Remove 1-2-3-4 and Low Reverse Notice the alignment tab before you remove
Piston housing the 1-2-3-4 and Low Reverse Piston housing

Figure 31 Figure 32 14-04

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 17 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY CONTINUED

Notice the position of the Low Reverse cushion

Remove Planetary assembly
plate for re-assembly

Figure 33 Figure 34

Planetary assembly Low Reverse Clutch and piston assembly

Figure 35 Figure 36

Low Reverse Clutch backing plate Low Reverse Clutch backing plate alignment

Figure 37 Figure 38
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 18 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY CONTINUED

Inner Race Outer Race

Inner Race Freewheels Clockwise when holding Outer race

Low One way Clutch Low One way Clutch

Figure 39 Figure 40

2-6 Clutch Assembly and Reaction

Remove 2-6 Clutch Assembly Sun gear and hub

Figure 41 Figure 42

3-5-Reverse
4-5-6 Clutch

Remove 3-5-Reverse 3-5-Reverse/4-5-6 Clutch housing

4-5-6 Clutch housing and components

Figure 43 Figure 44
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 19 of 20
 Technical Service Information
UNIT DIS-ASSEMBLY CONTINUED

Filter

Remove Differential carrier baffle Remove Pump attaching bolts

Figure 45 Figure 46

Remove Filter from Pump assembly by rotating it Slots in Pump Housing

to align it with the slots in the pump

Figure 47 Figure 48

Tcc Control
Valve

Pressure
Regulator
Valve

Front seal
and retainer

Figure 49 Figure 50
14-04
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP Page 20 of 20