The Cadillac DTS officially replaced the Cadillac DeVille in 2006 as the brand’s flagship model. This was mostly just a name change, as this big Caddy still offered full-size luxury, with Northstar V8 power. Under that powerful engine was the beefed up 4T80E transmission, which was designed to handle all of the torque that aluminum V8 put out. Although Cadillac DTS transmission problems are rare, they do still happen. So let’s find out when you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Cadillac DTS Transmission Models
Cadillac DTS: 4T80E Transmission
Cadillac DTS 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#.
What are the DTC codes related to Cadillac DTS 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 |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0718 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
Cadillac DTS Transmission Recalls
None Found
Cadillac DTS Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 08-07-30-009 – 4T80E transmission leak and slipping
Problem – One of the most common 4T80E transmission problems includes an ATF leak and slipping. Many times these two problems are related.
Solution – This problem is often caused by worn third clutch housing bushings, which can allow excessive transmission fluid build up at the axle seal. This condition can cause both the leak and the slipping. To correct it, a new third clutch housing with revised bushings will have to be installed.
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.
Common Problems with the Cadillac DTS Transmission
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?
Although many Cadillac DTS transmission problems won’t keep you from being able to drive the car, it’s still not a good idea. The 4T80E transmission is a heavy duty gearbox, and if something inside of it is broken, you can bet that it’s a major problem. And continuing to drive the car could make things a lot worse/more expensive to fix.
How often does a Cadillac DTS transmission need to be replaced?
If properly maintained, a Cadillac DTS 4T80E transmission can easily last for 130,000-180,000 miles. However, a good quality remanufactured 4T80E can last even longer.
How are Cadillac DTS transmission issues diagnosed?
The first step to figuring out what’s wrong with your Cadillac DTS 4T80E transmission, is to hook up a scan tool and pull the diagnostic trouble codes. Then the technician can perform a visual inspection to determine how to fix the problems.
How is a Cadillac DTS transmission replaced?
Replacing a Cadillac DTS 4T80 is fairly complicated, and typically requires the engine, transmission and front subframe to be removed. After separating the engine and transmission, the replacement 4T80E can be attached to the motor, and the whole assembly reinstalled in the car. There may be other methods of doing this, but that is the most accepted practice. However, the ECU/PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission.
Recommendations for Cadillac DTS 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 DTS transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Cadillac DTS Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Cadillac DTS Transmission
Buying a used Cadillac DTS 4T80E from the local salvage yard might seem like the most economical solution at first. But with no way to verify the condition of the internal components, you may literally be buying someone else’s transmission problems. And that junkyard warranty may not cover labor charges if something goes wrong with the first used 4T80E.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Cadillac DTS Transmission
Next up the ladder of logic, would be a rebuilt 4T80E transmission. In this scenario, a mechanic would take your existing gearbox and install a bunch of factory spec Cadillac transmission parts. When you compare this with a used Cadillac transmission, it does seem like the better choice. However returning the transmission back to stock will cause all of the original factory design flaws to return in the future. And that rebuilt transmission warranty is usually only good at the shop that built the transmission. So if you have transmission problem what your out of town, that warranty will do you absolutely no good.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Cadillac DTS Transmission
The most viable solution to all of your Cadillac DTS transmission problems, is to get a remanufactured 4T80E transmission from a reputable supplier. They use are often upgraded beyond OE specs to extend their service life. And many will come with a nationwide warranty, that will provide you with coverage no matter where you travel.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Cadillac DTS 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!
My 07 dts is leaking a lot of transmission fluid and sometimes it doesn’t want to go when I come to stop and it starts smelling like transmission oil being burned, nobody can find the leak I think it comes from the middle where the engine and tranny meet
My Cadillac DTS 2007 does not shift out of the first gear until it hits 40 miles an hour after that it won’t do it again until I start to drive it each morning any ideas
First off,my 07 Cadillac DTS started to give me problems starting. I have had a shop look at it a couple times and they actually said that they would just get rid of it if they were me cuz the cost to diagnose the problem would be as much as having the transmission replacement, but also said that they thought it was a wire connection issue. If it doesn’t want to turn over, I have to stand with one leg in and one out of my car, hold onto the car and rock it back and forth while in park, when it starts to go forward,I can get it to turn over all the way… and it seems I have to make sure I have at least a half tank of gas and it’s not too cold outside!? Last, it has been having a awful smell and my engine light is reading the oil pressure is too low to turn off the engine. I looked under it and it looks like I have a leak. Does anyone know or think that I have ruined my transmission!? PLEASE HELP
OMG THEY told me the same thing just get rid of it…LOL and I ma like it’s my baby of 7 years so really not sure what to do.
i was selling my car and the buyer took on a test drive and the transmission slipped 3 times but never before has this happended. i have been driving it for year and half and it has never done this . it always shift great and i am driving it still and it still hasn’t done it. i have an 09 DTS
2006 DTS, I turn engine on put in park drives perfectly when I sop I can not get it in reverse or park. I have to turn engine off to place in park. Reverse does work immediately after starting car.
06 dts c0de 0900 where is the clutch actuator located at
I have a 2007 DTS and it’s stuck in second gear and it’s blowing a fuse under the hood
2009 Cadillac DTS with 281,162k
P0897 – trans was serviced but they found a little more metal than just a dusting in the pan.
Am I due for a replacement? The car also gave me P0420, and needs a catalytic converter.
I know this code isn’t relevant to the trans, but the diagnostic picked up both at the same time. Any thoughts?
I have a 2007 Cadillac DTS and the cold and shows p2176 throttle actuator control
system idle position not learned
It just won’t shift
When I drive it it is fine until it has to shift from 3rd to 4th. But everything else is perfect.
Rebuilt transmission
150miles
Won’t start keeps burning out the fuel fuse. I have a Cadillac DTS 2008
You need a new to Fuse box under the rear seat 300 Dollars
I was at the red light and it wouldn’t go forwards or backwards and I found a long bolt on the ground, when I hit the gas it won’t move and fluid come out when I press the gas. I have a 2006 dts Cadillac
AC problems vent change
My 2002 develle smokes from under dash then trainmission stops working
Need a transmission for my 2008 DTS
Will go in reverse
Well I parked my Cadillac.put n park.started it later it wouldn’t go into gear.the linkage seems to be fine
There is a 12 dollar plastic part inside the transmission housing that can cause you not to be able to put it in gear…happened to us while in a bay getting new tires. What a mess.
How did you resolve the problem?
Darrell, my 2006 dts has a code p2764. Anyone had this code and if so what is the fix
08 dts check engine light came on says I need to change fluid car has 114.000 po700 code given