GM · Rebuilt, built to order
Rebuilt 6T40 / 6T45 transmission for Cruze, Malibu and Equinox
A rebuilt 6T40 or 6T45 is GM's 6-speed front-wheel drive transaxle, rebuilt in our Plantation, Florida shop for compact and midsize cars and small SUVs. It is for owners of a Cruze, Malibu, Trax, Encore, Verano, Equinox or Terrain that has lost reverse, shudders or shifts hard.
Price
Quote by VIN
Send your VIN and we email your price with a secure payment link. Nothing is charged until you pay it.
- Type
- 6-speed automatic transaxle, front-wheel drive / AWD
- Build time
- About 4 to 6 weeks
- Delivery
- Free pickup or freight
Fits these vehicles
- Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo (2011 to 2016)
- Chevrolet Malibu four-cylinder (2008 to 2016, most)
- Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L (2010 to 2017)
- GMC Terrain 2.4L (2010 to 2017)
- Buick Verano 2.4L (2012 to 2017)
- Buick Encore (2013 to 2022)
- Chevrolet Trax (2015 to 2022)
- Chevrolet Impala four-cylinder (2014 to 2019)
Common applications. Your VIN confirms the exact version before we build.
Signs yours is failing
- No reverse, along with no 3rd and 5th
- Harsh or banging 1-2 shift
- Shudder at light throttle
- Slipping or flaring between gears
- Delayed engagement from park
Weak spots we fix
- 3-5-R clutch wave plate cracking, which takes out 3rd, 5th and reverse
- Valve body and internal control module (TEHCM) faults
- Torque converter shudder at higher mileage
What's in the rebuild
- New clutches, steels, wave plates, seals and gaskets
- Updated 3-5-R clutch parts to address the wave plate failure
- Worn or damaged hard parts replaced after teardown
- Torque converter matched to your engine
- New filter and fresh fluid
- Written warranty
About the 6T40 and 6T45
The 6T40 and 6T45 are GM's 6-speed transaxles for smaller front-wheel drive and AWD vehicles. They share a basic design, and the 6T45 is the stronger version used where more torque or weight is involved, such as the 2.4L Equinox and Terrain. The 6T40 went into the Cruze, Malibu, Sonic, Trax, Encore, Verano and four-cylinder Impala, among others. The transmission control module is built into the valve body assembly inside the case, so the controls and the gears are one package.
Why the 6T40 fails
The 3-5-R wave plate is the best-known weak point. The original part could crack, and when it does the unit loses 3rd, 5th and reverse, often after a stretch of harsh shifting. GM released an updated part and repair guidance, but many vehicles on the road still have the original. Torque converter shudder and valve body pressure problems also show up at higher mileage. Many of these cars never get a fluid change, and worn fluid and heat make every one of these problems worse.
Rebuild, used or reman for a 6T40
Used 6T40s and 6T45s are easy to find. The problem is that many still carry the original wave plate, and a unit that shifts fine today can lose reverse a few months later. A reman is built to a general spec. We start with your VIN, then rebuild the unit in our Plantation shop with updated 3-5-R parts, new soft parts, a torque converter matched to your engine and replacement of any worn hard parts. For a daily-driver Cruze or Equinox, that means you are not buying back the weak point you are replacing.
How it works
01
Send your VIN
We confirm the right unit and your final price.
02
Pay online
Secure Stripe link. Refundable core deposit.
03
We build it
Rebuilt in our Plantation shop. Usually 4 to 6 weeks.
04
Ship or pick up
Free pickup, or freight with tracking.
6T40 / 6T45 questions
Do I need a 6T40 or a 6T45?
It depends on the vehicle and engine. The 2.4L Equinox and Terrain use the 6T45, while the Cruze 1.4L turbo, Encore and Trax use the 6T40. Your VIN tells us exactly which you need.
Are FWD and AWD versions different?
AWD models such as some Equinox, Terrain, Encore and Trax send power to a transfer unit that drives the rear wheels. Details on the transaxle can differ, so we build to your VIN.
Will my car need programming after the swap?
The control module lives inside this transaxle, so it is a fair question. Some units need a relearn or programming after install; we'll tell you if yours does.
How do I get the rebuilt unit?
Order and pay online, and we VIN-check it before the build starts in Plantation. Then pick it up at 631 S State Rd 7 or have it shipped by freight. A refundable core deposit applies.
How long does it take?
Units are built to order. Most are ready about 4 to 6 weeks after payment. Need it sooner? Call us, we can often work something out.
What is the core deposit?
A refundable deposit added at payment. Send your old transmission back to the shop and we refund it to your card once it's checked in.