Chevy Equinox Transmission Problems & Cost | 6T70 / 6T45 / AW55-50SN

Although the Camaro and Corvette are two of Chevrolet’s most iconic models, it’s high volume compact crossovers like the Chevy Equinox that actually pay the bills. It’s not designed to break any new ground, but an Equinox will provide you and your family with very convenient way to traverse the planet. And while they tend to be very reliable, Chevy Equinox transmission problems do still happen. So 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?

Chevy Equinox Transmission Models

Chevy Equinox: 6T70 Transmission
Chevy Equinox: 6T45 Transmission
Chevy Equinox: 6T40 Transmission
Chevy Equinox: 9T50 Transmission
Chevy Equinox: AW55-50SN Transmission

Chevy Equinox 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 6T70 Transmission:

Replacement 6T40 Transmission:

Replacement AW55-50SN Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Equinox transmission problems?

Chevy Equinox Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Equinox Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PI4075 – 6T75 transmission overheating
2008 – 2012 Chevy Equinox
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 09-04-21-004B – Fluid leaking from the transmission or transfer case
2010 – 2012 Chevy Equinox
Problem – A fluid leak is possible from either the transmission case to transfer case interface, or the transfer case left hand weep hole.
Solution – For a leak coming from the transfer case to transmission case interface, a new transfer case O ring seal will be needed. For a leak coming from the transfer case left side weep hole, a new transfer case input shaft seal and transfer case O ring seal will be needed. To learn more about this TSB, click the link above.

TSB PI0324F – No forward, no reverse, engine will not crank, engine will not start – 6T30 Transmission | 6T40 Transmission | 6T45 Transmission | 6T50 Transmission
2011-2014 Buick LaCrosse – 2011-2014 Buick Regal – 2012-2014 Buick Verano – 2013-2014 Buick Encore – 2011-2013 Chevrolet Malibu – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Equinox – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Orlando – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco – 2013-2014 Chevrolet Trax – 2011-2014 GMC Terrain
Problem – Some of the symptoms of this problem include; the transmission will not engage, the engine cranks but will not start, transmission fluid leaks, unusually harsh shifts, transmission slipping, certain transmission gears will not engage. These diagnostic trouble codes may also be present; P0776, P0796, P2714, P2723.
Solution – These problems may be caused by low line pressure due to a damaged transmission pump.

PI0376A – Flare or slipping on the shift from 2nd or 6th gear – Chevrolet Equinox 6T40
Problem – When this common Equinox 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.

TSB 07-07-30-014 – Check Engine Light with P0711 DTC – Chevrolet Equinox – AF33
Problem – Due to a software glitch in the TCM, it’s possible to have a Check Engine Light with a P0711 diagnostic trouble code.
Solution – Reprogram the TCM.

Common Problems with the Chevy Equinox Transmission

Input/Output Speed Sensor Issues – Chevrolet Equinox 6T70
Problem – When repairing a failed input speed sensor or output speed sensor, steering system damage could occur.
Solution – To avoid damage to the clock springs, the splined steering knuckle must be prevented from falling out of the steering rack when dropping the subframe to access the valve body.

Axle seal leak – Chevrolet Equinox 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.

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?

Most of the time, Chevy Equinox transmission problems start off as minor inconveniences. A gear will slip, it’ll take a little longer to change gears, or there may be a weird noise when you put the vehicle into gear. Most of these symptoms can be easily dismissed and ignored, but you may be setting yourself up for a much bigger repair bill if you do. So do yourself a favor and get your transmission seen about as soon as possible.

How often does a Chevy Equinox transmission need to be replaced?

Driving style and the way you take care of it, has a lot to do with how long your Chevrolet Equinox transmission will last. But OE design flaws also have a lot to do with it too. The average we’ve seen is 130,000-180,000 miles for the stock gearbox. However a remanufactured 6T45E / 6T70E / AW55-50SN transmission can often last for a lot longer.

How are Chevy Equinox transmission issues diagnosed?

Thanks to computers, diagnosing Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems is a fairly straightforward process. The first thing a technician will do is retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes from the ECU. This information can help point them in the right direction, that way they’ll know where to look when performing a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Chevy Equinox transmission replaced?

Because the Equinox is primarily FWD, removing the old transmission may require the engine and/or front subframe to be partially removed. Installing the new gearbox is obviously a reverse of the removal process. But once it is in place, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Chevy Equinox 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 Chevy Equinox transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Equinox Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Equinox Transmission

The simplest solution to your Chevy Equinox transmission problems would be to buy a used 6T45E / used 6T70E / used AW55-50SN transmission from a local junkyard. However, it may very well have the same problems that you’re trying to fix now. And the 30-90 day warranty may not cover labor charges to fix that shiny used transmission.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Equinox Transmission

To avoid the uncertainty of buying a used Chevy Equinox transmission, you could opt for a rebuilt 6T45E / rebuilt 6T70E / rebuilt AW55-50SN transmission. But if the mechanic uses an OE master rebuild kit, most of the problems associated with factory design flaws will eventually return. And the warranty they give you may only be honored by that shop. So if you have transmission problems while you’re traveling, you’ll be paying for the repairs yourself.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Equinox Transmission

To get the most reliable solution for your Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems, you’re going need to consider investing in a remanufactured 6T45E / remanufactured 6T70E / remanufactured AW55-50SN transmission. If they’re done correctly (i.e. good quality components, modifications to correct design flaws, dyno testing etc.), you can get a lot more miles out of it. And you may be able to get a nationwide warranty too.

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 Chevy Equinox 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!