Gearbox GM 6L50

Gearbox GM 6L50
Type
6-speed automatic
Drive
RWD / AWD
Torque
up to 450 Nm
Engine size
up to 4.6 L
Oil capacity
9.7 LDexron VI
Lifespan
~250 000 km

The General Motors 6L50 (MYB) 6-speed automatic transmission has been produced in the US since 2006 and is installed in the popular Chevrolet Trailblazer SUVs and Colorado and Canyon pickup trucks. The Punch Powerglide 6L50 automatic transmission is based on this transmission.

Specifications

Type automatic transmission
Number of gears 6
Type of drive rear / all wheel
Engine volume, l up to 4.6
Torque output, Nm up to 450
Recommended oil Dexron VI
Oil capacity, liter 9.7
Partial replacement, liter 6.0
Maintenance every 60 000 km
Gearbox lifespan, km ~250 000 km
Weight, kg 89

Gear ratios GM 6L50

Using the 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer with a 3.6-liter engine as an example:

Main 3.42
1st 4.065
2nd 2.371
3rd 1.551
4th 1.157
5th 0.853
6th 0.674
Reverse 3.200

Using

The transmission was installed on:

  • Cadillac CTS II (GMX322) in 2007 – 2015;
  • Cadillac SRX I (GMT265) in 2006 – 2010;
  • Cadillac STS I (GMX295) in 2007 – 2011;
  • Cadillac XLR I (GMX215) in 2006 – 2009;
  • Chevrolet Camaro 5 (GMX521) in 2009 – 2015;
  • Chevrolet Colorado 2 (GMT31XX) in 2011 – …;
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer 2 (GMT31XX) in 2011 – …;
  • GMC Canyon 2 (GMT31XX) in 2014 – 2022.

Disadvantages of the GM 6L50 gearbox

  • The weak point of all transmissions in this series is the torque converter and its hub;
  • In active owners, the torque converter clutch wears out quickly and clogs the mechatronics;
  • Then, due to a drop in pressure, the clutches burn out and even their drums burst;
  • Driving at high speeds significantly reduces the service life of the petal-type oil pump;
  • The control unit is sensitive to high temperatures and often fails when the transmission overheats.

Frequently asked questions about the GM 6L50

What type of transmission is the GM 6L50?

The GM 6L50 is a 6-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive cars.

How much torque can the GM 6L50 handle?

The GM 6L50 is designed for torque up to 450 Nm and engines up to 4.6 liters.

How much oil does the GM 6L50 take and which one?

The GM 6L50 takes 9.7 liters of oil (6.0 liters for a partial change). Recommended oil: Dexron VI.

How often should the GM 6L50 be serviced?

Recommended service interval: every 60 000 km.

How long does the GM 6L50 last?

With proper maintenance, the GM 6L50 typically lasts about 250 000 km.

How much does the GM 6L50 weigh?

The GM 6L50 weighs about 89 kg.

What are the gear ratios of the GM 6L50?

Using the 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer with a 3.6-liter engine as an example: final drive 3.42, 1st 4.065, 2nd 2.371, 3rd 1.551, 4th 1.157, 5th 0.853, 6th 0.674, reverse 3.200.

What cars was the GM 6L50 installed on?

Cadillac CTS II (GMX322) in 2007 - 2015; Cadillac SRX I (GMT265) in 2006 - 2010; Cadillac STS I (GMX295) in 2007 - 2011; Cadillac XLR I (GMX215) in 2006 - 2009; Chevrolet Camaro 5 (GMX521) in 2009 - 2015; Chevrolet Colorado 2 (GMT31XX) in 2011 - and 2 more (see the full list above).

What are the common problems of the GM 6L50?

The weak point of all transmissions in this series is the torque converter and its hub. In active owners, the torque converter clutch wears out quickly and clogs the mechatronics. All known problems.

El Guardiola
Author
El Guardiola

Doctor of Technical Sciences, former engineer at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee (10 years of experience), holder of certificates and patents for inventions, author of a training manual for employees of the Volkswagen Group of America.
I consider the automotive transmission to be one of the most ingenious mechanisms in a car and I want to provide information about gearboxes to a wide range of car owners.

The most complete catalog of car transmissions: specifications, gear ratios, oil capacity, typical problems and lifespan of automatic, CVT, DCT and manual gearboxes.

Scroll to Top