Cadillac CTS Transmission Problems & Cost | 5L40E

Introduced for the 2003 model year, the Cadillac CTS was the very first car to wear the now famous “Art & Science” design language. Over the years, a number of engines and manual transmissions have been offered. The available automatic transmissions include the 5-speed, 6-speed and 8-speed gearboxes listed below. Although Cadillac CTS transmission problems don’t happen often, they can still occur. Some let’s find out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Cadillac CTS Transmission Models

Cadillac CTS: 5L40E Transmission
Cadillac CTS: 6L45E Transmission
Cadillac CTS: 6L50E Transmission
Cadillac CTS: 6L90E Transmission
Cadillac CTS: 8L45E Transmission.
Cadillac CTS: Aisin TL-80SN Transmission

Cadillac CTS Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Cadillac CTS Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Cadillac CTS transmission problems?

Cadillac CTS Transmission Recalls

None Found

Cadillac CTS Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 02-07-30-026 – Transmission shudder during hard acceleration – Cadillac CTS 5L40E

Problem – During hard acceleration, it is not uncommon for the transmission to shudder/shake after launch. This is caused by insufficient clearance between the driveshaft attaching bolts and the transmission output shaft flange.
Solution – Install a revised transmission output shaft flange.

TSB 07-07-30-032B – Ignition key sticks, shifter binds, “shift to park” message displayed, dead battery – 5L40 Transmission | 5L50 Transmission | 6L50 Transmission | 6L80 Transmission
2007 – 2008 Cadillac SRX – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS-V – 2008 Cadillac CTS
Problem – Owners may notice that the shifter seems to bind when shifting into gear or park. The ignition key may stick or be difficult to remove (SRX only). A “shift to park” message may be constantly displayed in the driver information display screen, resulting in a dead battery.
Solution – These transmission problems may be caused by out of adjustment shift linkage, a slow Brake Transmission Shift Interlock mechanism, or a Park Confirmation microswitch that is not closed.

TSB 07-07-30-032B – Ignition key sticks, shifter binds, “shift to park” message displayed, dead battery – 5L40 Transmission | 5L50 Transmission | 6L50 Transmission | 6L80 Transmission
2007 – 2008 Cadillac SRX – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS-V – 2008 Cadillac CTS
Problem – Owners may notice that the shifter seems to bind when shifting into gear or park. The ignition key may stick or be difficult to remove (SRX only). A “shift to park” message may be constantly displayed in the driver information display screen, resulting in a dead battery.
Solution – These transmission problems may be caused by out of adjustment shift linkage, a slow Brake Transmission Shift Interlock mechanism, or a Park Confirmation microswitch that is not closed.

TSB 07-07-30-032B – Ignition key sticks, shifter binds, “shift to park” message displayed, dead battery – 5L40 Transmission | 5L50 Transmission | 6L50 Transmission | 6L80 Transmission
2007 – 2008 Cadillac SRX – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS – 2007 – 2008 Cadillac STS-V – 2008 Cadillac CTS
Problem – Owners may notice that the shifter seems to bind when shifting into gear or park. The ignition key may stick or be difficult to remove (SRX only). A “shift to park” message may be constantly displayed in the driver information display screen, resulting in a dead battery.
Solution – These transmission problems may be caused by out of adjustment shift linkage, a slow Brake Transmission Shift Interlock mechanism, or a Park Confirmation microswitch that is not closed.

TSB PI488C – No forward or reverse and/or slipping – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2010 – 2014 Cadillac CTS-V – 2010 – 2014 Cadillac Escalade (all models) – 2010 – 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Camaro – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Corvette – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Express – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Silverado – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Suburban – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2011 – 2014 Chevrolet Caprice PPV – 2014 Chevrolet SS – 2010 – 2014 GMC Savanna – 2010 – 2014 GMC Sierra – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon XL – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – Trucks equipped with the 6-speed 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may experience no forward or reverse engagement, or slipping between the gears.
Solution – This problem could be caused by a cracked or split transmission filter. If this is the case, the transmission pump should be disassembled and inspected for possible damage. Inspect for any of the following conditions: – scored pump rotor or pump vanes – scored pump cover or pump rotor pocket – cracked pump slide.

The transmission should also be evaluated for any possible distress to the clutches. GM’s testing and analysis found that split or damaged filters may be caused by a damaged transmission pump. This can send a high pressure fluid spike down the filter neck on a cold start, resulting in the filter body cracking or the filter seam splitting. The filter is not defective and this is not a filter quality issue. Important: Do not replace the filter without inspecting the pump. Failure to inspect the pump and clutches could lead to a repeat of this condition.

TSB 09-07-30-004J – Slips in Reverse or Third, Delayed Reverse or Drive Engagement, DTC P0776, P2715, P2723, Harsh 2-3 Shifts – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2006-2009 Cadillac STS-V – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR-V – 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT – 2006-2009 Chevrolet Corvette – 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali – 2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2008-2009 HUMMER H2 – 2008-2009 Pontiac G8
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may slip when Reverse is selected or have no/delayed reverse engagement, harsh shifts from 2-3 / 4-5 or slips while in fifth, and slipping acceleration when passing. Possible DTCs include P0776, P2715 or P2723.
Solution – This transmission problem may be caused by a cracked 1-2-3-4 / 3-5-R clutch housing.

PIP5437B – Harsh shifts – 8L45 Transmission | 8L90 Transmission
2016 – 2017 Cadillac ATS – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT5 – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT6 – 2015 – 2017 Cadillac Escalade – 2016 – 2017 Chevrolet Camaro – 2017 Chevrolet Colorado – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette – 2017 Chevrolet Express – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado – 2017 GMC Canyon – 2017 GMC Savana – 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra – 2015 – 2017 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – One of the more common 8L transmission problems is excessively hard or abrupt gear changes.
Solution – The TCM may need to be recalibrated with the latest control software. It could also be caused by one or more of the clutch fill times not being learned by the TCM. In which case, the Service Fast Learn (SFL) procedure will have to be performed. Should the problems persist, the valve body will need to be replaced.

Common Problems with the Cadillac CTS Transmission

No forward or reverse engagement with grinding noise on initial start-up – Cadillac CTS 6L45 / Cadillac CTS 6L50

Problem – All wheel drive equipped cars with transfer case model BW44-77, can experience a grinding noise and no forward or reverse gear engagement on initial take off. This is caused by rust damage to the transmission output shaft and transfer case input shaft, due to a lack of lubrication.
Solution – Install new transfer case input shaft and updated transmission output shaft, which has a special O-ring to trap lubricant in the splined area.

Solenoid DTC’s – Cadillac CTS 6L90

Problem – A number of diagnostic trouble codes, including P0776, P0796, P2714 and P2723, can be caused by a pressure leak at the end of the clutch regulating valve.
Solution – The bore plug will have to be replaced with updated versions, or modified to accept an O-ring kit.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Cadillac CTS transmission problems often start out small, and don’t normally affect drivability. However, if you ignore a transmission issue, no matter how small, it can easily grow into a much more expensive problem that could completely debilitate the vehicle.

How often does a Cadillac CTS transmission need to be replaced?

If properly maintained, a Cadillac CTS transmission can last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. However if you ever have to replace it, a good quality remanufactured transmission can last for considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws are corrected.

How are Cadillac CTS transmission issues diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing Cadillac CTS transmission problems is to connect a diagnostic computer to the car’s OBDII port. This will allow the technician to read all of the stored error codes, which will help to narrow down the problem. After that, a visual inspection can be performed to verify the diagnosis.

How is a Cadillac CTS transmission replaced?

After disconnecting the electrical components, the CTS transmission can be unbolted from the driveshaft and the engine. After the new gearbox is installed, the ECU / PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission.

Recommendations for Cadillac CTS transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Cadillac CTS transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Cadillac CTS Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Cadillac CTS Transmission

Perhaps the quickest way to solve all of your Cadillac CTS transmission problems would be to simply go down to the local salvage yard and pick up a used 5L40E / used 6L45 / used 6L50 / used 6L90 / used 8L45 / used Aisin TL-80SN. There are relatively inexpensive, and most of all come with a 30-90 day warranty. But the issue here however, is that you don’t know the actual condition of the internal parts. And if any of them are worn out and give you trouble, that junkyard warranty may not cover the labor charges to install another transmission.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Cadillac CTS Transmission

Another solution would be to get a rebuilt 5L40E / rebuilt 6L45 / rebuilt 6L50 / rebuilt 6L90 / rebuilt 8L45 / rebuilt Aisin TL-80SN. To do this, a mechanic will typically take your existing gearbox and install a number of factory spec Cadillac CTS transmission parts. However, taking the transmission back to its original form means that all of the problems associated with the factory design flaws will eventually return. And the warranty that they gave you, might only be honored at that shop.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Cadillac CTS Transmission

If you want to find a permanent, long-lasting solution to all of your Cadillac CTS transmission problems, then a remanufactured 5L40E / remanufactured 6L45 / remanufactured 6L50 / remanufactured 6L90 / remanufactured 8L45 / remanufactured Aisin TL-80SN might be your best option. Many of these have been upgraded to fix common problems with the transmission design, so they may last longer than the original. Plus, you may also be able to get a nationwide warranty that will cover you if you travel.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Cadillac CTS Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!