Gearbox GM 6T40

Gearbox GM 6T40
Type
6-speed automatic
Drive
FWD / AWD
Torque
up to 240 Nm
Engine size
up to 2.5 L
Oil capacity
8.2 LDEXRON VI
Lifespan
~250 000 km

The General Motors 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission has been assembled at the company’s plants since 2007 and is installed in front-wheel drive models designated MH8 and all-wheel drive models designated MHB. There is also a hybrid version, the MHH, and a Gen 3 modification designated MNH.

Specifications

Type automatic transmission
Number of gears 6
Type of drive front / all wheel
Engine volume, l up to 2.5
Torque output, Nm up to 240
Recommended oil DEXRON VI
Oil capacity, liter 8.2
Partial replacement, liter 5.0
Maintenance every 60 000 km
Gearbox lifespan, km ~250 000 km
Weight, kg 82

In 2007, General Motors introduced a full line of automatic transmissions for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles with transverse powertrains. The 6T40 transmission is considered the mid-range model and is compatible with engines up to 240 Nm of torque. A separate version of this automatic transmission, designated MHH, is available for the eAssist hybrid powertrain.

Gear ratios GM 6T40

Using the 2015 Chevrolet Orlando with a 1.8-liter engine as an example:

Main 4.28
1st 4.584
2nd 2.964
3rd 1.912
4th 1.446
5th 1.000
6th 0.746
Reverse 2.943

Using

The transmission was installed on:

  • Buick LaCrosse 2 (GMX353) in 2012 – 2016; LaCrosse 3 (P2XX) in 2016 – 2019;
  • Buick Encore 1 (GMT165) in 2012 – 2022;
  • Buick Regal 5 (GMX350) in 2012 – 2017;
  • Buick Verano 1 (D1SB) in 2010 – 2016;
  • Chevrolet Captiva 1 (C140) in 2011 – 2018;
  • Chevrolet Cruze 1 (J300) in 2008 – 2016;
  • Chevrolet Epica 1 (V250) in 2008 – 2014;
  • Chevrolet Equinox 3 (D2XX) in 2017 – …;
  • Chevrolet Malibu 7 (GMX386) in 2007 – 2012; Malibu 8 (V300) in 2011 – 2016; Malibu 9 (V400) in 2015 – 2018;
  • Chevrolet Impala 10 (GMX352) in 2013 – 2019;
  • Chevrolet Orlando 1 (J309) in 2010 – 2018;
  • Chevrolet Sonic 1 (T300) in 2011 – 2020;
  • Chevrolet Trax 1 (U200) in 2013 – 2022; Trax 2 (9BQC) in 2023 – …;
  • Daewoo Tosca 1 (V250) in 2008 – 2011;
  • Opel Astra J (P10) in 2009 – 2018;
  • Opel Antara A (L07) in 2010 – 2015;
  • Opel Insignia B (Z18) in 2017 – 2020;
  • Opel Mokka A (J13) in 2012 – 2019;
  • Opel Zafira C (P12) in 2011 – 2019;
  • Pontiac G6 1 (GMX381) in 2008 – 2010;
  • Saturn Aura 1 (GMX354) in 2008 – 2009.

Disadvantages of the GM 6T40 gearbox

  • The most common problem with this automatic transmission is the weak spring disc of the 3-5-R drum. It simply breaks, then breaks its locking mechanism, and debris scatters throughout the system. Despite numerous upgrades to the transmission design, such failures still occur.
  • Also worth noting is the rather aggressive settings of the transmission control unit, which causes the torque converter lockup clutch to wear out very quickly. The solenoids in this transmission do not tolerate dirty lubricant and often fail before 80,000 km.
  • Weaknesses of this automatic transmission also include the limited life of the sliding bushings, rapid contamination of the speed sensors, and an insufficient standard cooling system. The differential is not particularly reliable, and in the first transmissions, its bolts would even come loose.

Frequently asked questions about the GM 6T40

What type of transmission is the GM 6T40?

The GM 6T40 is a 6-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel and all-wheel drive cars.

How much torque can the GM 6T40 handle?

The GM 6T40 is designed for torque up to 240 Nm and engines up to 2.5 liters.

How much oil does the GM 6T40 take and which one?

The GM 6T40 takes 8.2 liters of oil (5.0 liters for a partial change). Recommended oil: DEXRON VI.

How often should the GM 6T40 be serviced?

Recommended service interval: every 60 000 km.

How long does the GM 6T40 last?

With proper maintenance, the GM 6T40 typically lasts about 250 000 km.

How much does the GM 6T40 weigh?

The GM 6T40 weighs about 82 kg.

What are the gear ratios of the GM 6T40?

Using the 2015 Chevrolet Orlando with a 1.8-liter engine as an example: final drive 4.28, 1st 4.584, 2nd 2.964, 3rd 1.912, 4th 1.446, 5th 1.000, 6th 0.746, reverse 2.943.

What cars was the GM 6T40 installed on?

Buick LaCrosse 2 (GMX353) in 2012 - 2016; LaCrosse 3 (P2XX) in 2016 - 2019; Buick Encore 1 (GMT165) in 2012 - 2022; Buick Regal 5 (GMX350) in 2012 - 2017; Buick Verano 1 (D1SB) in 2010 - 2016; Chevrolet Captiva 1 (C140) in 2011 - 2018; Chevrolet Cruze 1 (J300) in 2008 - 2016 and 15 more (see the full list above).

What are the common problems of the GM 6T40?

The most common problem with this automatic transmission is the weak spring disc of the 3-5-R drum. It simply breaks, then breaks its locking mechanism, and debris scatters throughout the system. Despite numerous upgrades to the transmission design, such failures still occur. Also worth noting is the rather aggressive settings of the transmission control unit, which causes the torque converter lockup clutch to wear out very quickly. The solenoids in this transmission do not tolerate dirty lubricant and often fail before 80,000 km. 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.

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