The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size near luxury sedan that GM has been making since 2005. It is one of the most popular premium cars in both North America and China. Over the last three generations, quite a few different Buick LaCrosse transmissions have been used. These include the 4T65E, the 6T45, 6T70, and 6T75E. The latest generation was introduced in 2017, and uses either an 8-speed AF50-8, or a new 9T60 transmission. For the most part, these are fairly reliable gearboxes. However, Buick Lacrosse transmission problems can still occur. So let’s take a closer look at some of the causes and real world cost estimates for some of the most common LaCrosse transmission repairs.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Buick Lacrosse Transmission Models
Buick Lacrosse: 4T65E Transmission
Buick Lacrosse: 6T40 Transmission
Buick Lacrosse: 6T70 Transmission
Buick Lacrosse: 6T75E Transmission
Buick Lacrosse: AF50-8 Transmission
Buick Lacrosse: 9T60 Transmission
Buick Lacrosse 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 Buick Lacrosse Transmission Cost:
Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
---|---|
4T65E | 1935 |
6T40 / 6T45 | 2432 |
6T75E / 6T70 | 2432 |
What are the DTC codes related to Buick Lacrosse transmission problems?
Trouble Code | Description |
---|---|
P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
P0722 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
P0756 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
P0776 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off |
P0796 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck off |
P0816 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Park/Neutral with Drive Ratio |
P0816 | Downshift Switch Circuit |
P0826 | Up and Down Shift Switch Circuit |
P0842 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low |
P0850 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit |
P0851 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit Low |
P0852 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit High |
P0961 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance |
P0962 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
P0963 | Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
P0965 | Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Range/Performance |
P0966 | Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
P0967 | Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
P0969 | Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit Range/Performance |
P0970 | Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit Low |
P0971 | Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit High |
P0973 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
P0974 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit High |
P0976 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
P1860 | TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical |
P1887 | Torque Converter Clutch Release Switch |
P2714 | Pressure Control Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off |
P2723 | Pressure Control Solenoid E Stuck Off |
Buick Lacrosse Transmission Recalls
2013 Buick LaCrosse Recall – 13V097000
Summary – On certain models of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse, the transmission may inadvertently shift into ‘Sport Mode’, reducing any engine braking effect.
Consequence – As a result of losing engine braking, the vehicle may not slow as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy – To fix this problem, GM released a software update for the transmission control module/TCM, and will install it free of charge. Owners can contact Buick at 1-866-694-6546. Or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236
Buick Lacrosse Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 06-07-30-023 – 4T65E transmission 1-2 Shift Shudder
Problem – Shuddering or shaking may be felt during the 1-2 shift, under light acceleration at speeds below 25 mph.
Solution – To correct this common 4T65E transmission problem, the entire second clutch assembly will need to be replaced.
TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.
TSB PI4075 – 6T75 transmission overheating
2010 – 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Problem – The 6T75 transmission could experience an overtemperature situation, even if it’s not warranted by the driving conditions. This issue will be accompanied by a warning message in the drivers information center (if so equipped) and one or both of the following DTC’s: P0218 and/or P0634.
Solution – If a mechanical issue is not determined to be at fault, then it’s possible that the problem is caused by too much transmission fluid, dirty transmission fluid or restrictions in the transmission cooler circuit. Click the above link to learn more about this TSB.
TSB 13120A – Torque converter clutch sticking – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
Problem – The torque converter clutch solenoid can stick due to debris in the transmission. When the vehicle is at the end of a coast-down, as the vehicle is coming to a stop, a stuck solenoid will fail to release the torque converter clutch. This keeps the engine directly connected to the driven wheels. As the vehicle stops, the engine speed will be pulled down below normal idle speed and the engine may stall. The vehicle can be immediately restarted and driven.
Solution – The valve control solenoid should be replaced, and the transmission control module will have to be reprogrammed in order to correct the problem.
PI0376A – Flare or slipping on the shift from 2nd or 6th gear – Buick LaCrosse 6T40
Problem – When this common LaCrosse transmission problem occurs, the driver may experience slipping and/or a sudden flare/surge when the transmission shifts into or out of 2nd/6th gear.
Solution – This problem is often caused by debris blocking the opening on the channel plate and spacer plate that provides oil to the 2-6 clutch regulator valve. To correct the issue, the channel plate, spacer plate and valve body will have to be cleaned.
Common Problems with the Buick Lacrosse Transmission
Axle seal leak – Buick LaCrosse 6T40E
Problem – A transmission fluid leak on the driver side, is often traced back to the driver side axle seal.
Solution – This issue stems from a failure prone drivers side axle bushing, which often fails to poor material quality and lubrication. An upgraded bearing will have to be installed.
TCC Solenoid Circuit DTC – 2006-2007 Buick LaCrosse 4T65E
Problem – Diagnostic trouble codes (P0742, P2761, P2764) relating to the torque convertor clutch, may be caused by an incorrectly routed internal wiring harness that can short itself out over time.
Solution – To solve this problem, reposition the tan colored TCC solenoid so that it does not come in contact with the metal wiring harness retaining clip.
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?
Many people assume that because there are still able to drive their car, a transmission repair can wait. But that’s hardly the case. Most Buick LaCrosse transmission problems start out small, but wind up being extremely expensive because other components wound up breaking or wearing out while the car was still being driven.
How often does a Buick Lacrosse transmission need to be replaced?
Proper maintenance can extend the life of almost any transmission. However, inherent design flaws can cut the service life considerably. The average lifespan of a Buick LaCrosse transmission tends to be between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission on the other hand, can sometimes last a lot longer.
How are Buick Lacrosse transmission issues diagnosed?
In order to properly determine what is causing your 6T40 transmission problems / 6T70 transmission problems / 6T75 transmission problems, a mechanic will need to connect a code reader to the OBDII port and pull the diagnostic trouble codes. They will then need to perform a visual inspection to determine the cause of the problem.
How is a Buick Lacrosse transmission replaced?
Since the Buick LaCrosse is primarily a front wheel drive vehicle, the engine will have to be unbolted in order to remove the transmission. Installation is simply a reverse of the removal process. However, the PCM/ECU will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Buick Lacrosse 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 Buick Lacrosse transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Buick Lacrosse Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Buick Lacrosse Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Buick Lacrosse Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Buick Lacrosse Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Buick Lacrosse 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!
No 3rd or 4th. Code c0700
My car won’t move in neutral are my wheels locked
Slowing down to12mph the transmission has a hard clunk
I have a 2015 Buick la cross with appt 77000 miles. I am disable to drive since 2023 due to stroke have my family drive off and on. My yellows trans light is on when I check it in park position yesterday what does that mean
2013 Buick lacrosse 150,000 miles.
Just started coming up with transmission hot idle engine. Let it sit for a few minutes and it goes away
,2013 Buick lacrosse jumps into reverse gear and jumps twice car will start to move only after the second jump/jerk. Does the same thing but not has hard into drive. Sometimes slips into od then it smooths out and does fine until you stop then it downshifts hard
2014 lacrosse will drive but not go into reverse Top of transmission oil still nothing any help would greatly be appreciated thank you
I have 2014 lacrosse just had remanufactured tranny installed but has a terrible whine in park 1and 2and 3rd
No forward gears . Car has 42k original 07 BUICK LACROSSE.
2008 buick lacrosse with only 107k on it. I’ll go to start the car. Turn the key and let it warm up a bit but when I go into drive or reverse i can feel in the gas peddle nothing and the car itself will act as if it’s in neutral. I’ll put it back in park shut it off and it’ll be fine like nothing happened when i start it back up except for a few times we’re I did have to shut of the car twice. And as of recently when it shifts gears the car kinda jerks the car. Any suggestions?
sometimes afther stopping at a light or what ever on take off my car starts slipping some times hard” and sometime It dont.however I just brought this car a year ago. mabe It needs a trans fluld change, but I would like to see if I could get it fix.I belive its a 4T65E, 2008 buick lacrosse cxl 3.8 L26 motor
2008 Buick LaCrosse clx 130k miles, Transmission slips when taking off and when driving it drops down in lower gears at times. No light codes on dash
On the highway there is at times a hard downshift. Then the car will stall or in traffic at a light stall when warm. Or tge stall might happen at a low speed no load on the motor.
when i make a left hand turn and rhe weight of the vehicle is on the passenger side its like the transmission seperates from the engine until i get on a straight away. and tge fluid level is good. what could it be?
There is a light shudder between 1 and second gear. Has been like that when I purchased the car with 60 k miles and it now has 104000k. Has not gotten any worse. 2007 lacross.3.8 liter.
2010 buick lacrosse with 43000 miles. Sometimes not shifting into gear and grinds. Have to shut off car and restart. Repair shop says need new transmission parts and cost will be $1800. In my case they said it was not the mileage but the age of the car (12 year old parts). They said it is common with this buick. Have you heard of this?
2014 lacrosse shutters at low speed and a little 45-50 mph we thought it was fuel injector or water in the fuel. I took it a while ago to a transmission specialist he drove it hard and said the transmission was good but didn’t drive it at low speed.
Front transmission seal needs replaced on 2007 automatic Buick lacrosse. I pulled into my driveway and all the transmission fluid started pouring out. I just wanted to get an estimate of what it will cost to fix.
Front transmission seal needs replaced
My 07 Buick LaCrosse slips at takeoff the transmission fluid smells burnt
.Low speed shuddering