The pilot replacement program (U.S.) for the 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission (RPO M3V, M3W) (Fig. 16) on 2018-2021 Enclave, Traverse; 2019-2021 Blazer; and 2020-2021 Acadia, XT5, and XT6 models, which began in July 2020, will be ending soon.
The program 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). All of the program details are covered in the latest version of Bulletin #20-NA-136.
Fig. 16
The program applies only to vehicles sold in the U.S. with less than 18,000 miles and less than 18 months from date of delivery (DOD). Feedback during the program for replacing the 9T65 transmission instead of making internal repairs has shown a reduction in repeat repairs for transmission replacements as well as increased quality control for returned transmission inspections. Transmission assemblies replaced during the program are requested by the Warranty Parts Center for engineering analysis.
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 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 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.
Look for more details soon about the results of the program as well as new transmission repair information once the pilot program has been completed.
– Thanks to Mark Kevnick
