Feedback on the pilot program for replacing the 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission (RPO M3V, M3W) (Fig. 6) instead of making internal repairs that is currently taking place at all GM dealerships has shown a reduction in repeat repairs for transmission replacements as well as increased quality control for returned transmission inspections.
Fig. 6
The program, which applies to 2018-2021 Enclave, Traverse; 2019-2021 Blazer; 2020-2021 Acadia, XT5, and XT6 models, is designed to reduce the number of days needed to complete vehicle repairs by favoring transmission replacement over internal repairs. After diagnosis of an internal fault, technicians are directed to replace the transmission assembly (following the necessary guidelines).
The pilot program will continue to run until June 30, 2021 and applies to vehicles sold in the U.S. with less than 18,000 miles and less than 18 months from date of delivery (DOD). At the end of the program, further evaluations will be made regarding how to improve transmission performance and enhance the service repair and/or replacement process.
Transmission assemblies replaced during the program are requested by the Warranty Parts Center for engineering analysis. Early results of the program have seen the root causes of several concerns determined during teardown inspections of the returned transmissions. These root causes may not have been possible to identify if the assemblies had been disassembled for repairs at the dealership.
Transmission Diagnosis
To determine a repair strategy on a 9T65 transmission – repair or replacement, first review several previously released bulletins covering 9T65 transmission operating and performance conditions. For a complete list of the bulletins as well as other Service Information documents to review, refer to Bulletin #20-NA-136. The bulletin also outlines the necessary steps to take to diagnose 9T65 transmission concerns.
If diagnosis determines internal components are the root cause or if parts are needed to complete repairs internal to the transmission, the transmission assembly should be replaced and not repaired. The repair order for the transmission replacement should include the condition, cause, and correction information as well as details on any DTCs, transmission fluid level, and fluid pressure testing.
Transmission Repairs Allowed
Certain repairs can still be made to the transmission, including:
- Replacement of external seals, including axle, valve body cover, and torque converter seals
- Replacement of transmission oil cooler, lines and accumulator
- Replacement of external mounts
- Replacement of external sensors, plugs, and caps
- Replacement of external transmission controls, including lever, cables, knobs, and module
- Replacement of torque converter assembly
Refer to Bulletin #20-NA-136 for additional information about transmission diagnosis and guidelines for the transmission replacement program.
– Thanks to Mark Kevnick
I’ve seen cracked 2-9 clutch housings, failed/busted 4th gear clutch bearings, sticking valves in valve body(mostly 2-9 clutch regulator valve), failed/sticking clutch solenoids. The stuck valves and or solenoids do seem to cause clutch distress/burning in the ones i have built.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE FAILURES , WE HAVE SEEN LOW MILAGE UNITS WITH INTERNAL FAILURES?
WHEN I CHECKED TEST RESULTS FOR THE RETURNED TRANSMISSIONS , IT SAID [ RETURNED TO SUPPLER ]