GMC Acadia Transmission Problems

Designed to be a more fuel efficient alternative to the traditional full size SUV, the GMC Acadia was introduced for the 2007 model year, and rode on the new FWD Lambda platform. All-wheel drive and a selection of V6 engines were available, making it a viable option for people that wanted fullsize capability and reasonable fuel economy. To that end, first gen versions of this upscale 3 row crossover were fitted with the 6 speed 6T75 transmission. Let’s look at some of the most common GMC Acadia transmission problems.

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?

GMC Acadia Transmission Models

GMC Acadia: 6T75E Transmission
GMC Acadia: 9T65 Transmission (2018-Up)

GMC Acadia Diagnostic Trouble Codes | DTC

GMC Acadia Recalls

2014 GMC Acadia Recall 14V092000 / 14048

Summary – According to the recall, the GMC Acadia transmission shift lever may become detached from the transmission shift cable adjuster. If this happens, the transmission shifter won’t work properly, and the gear indicator won’t be able to display the gear that’s actually selected.
Consequence – Should the shifter become detached while the truck is being driven, the driver won’t be able to select Park, even though the shifter is in the correct position. This can lead to an unintended rollaway, resulting in serious property damage and/or injury.
Remedy – This recall began on April 10, 2014, and GMC dealers were instructed to inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. Owners can contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782, referring to recall # 14048. Or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

2009 GMC Acadia Recall 09V073000 / 09041

Summary – On some 2009 models, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may come loose, causing the gear indicator to display the wrong gear.
Consequence – If this problem occurs, the driver could remove the ignition key and exit the vehicle thinking the transmission is in Park, even though it isn’t. This can lead to a rollaway, which can cause injury and/or property damage. A lesser consequence would be the inability to start the vehicle because the transmission is not in Park.
Remedy – This recall began on March 24, 2009, and GMC dealers were instructed to inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjustment clips, free of charge. Owners can contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782, referring to recall # 09041. Or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

GMC Acadia Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 07-07-30-019 – Check engine light on with poor vehicle performance – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2008 Buick Enclave – 2007 GMC Acadia – 2007 Pontiac G6 – 2007 Saturn Aura – 2007 Saturn Outlook
Problem – Drivers may experience poor engine/transmission performance, along with the following transmission diagnostic trouble codes: P0716, P0717, P0722, P0723, P0751, P0756, P0776, P0796, P2714, P2723
Solution – These transmission problems may be caused by a failed speed sensor.

TSB 09-07-30-012B – 2008-2009 GMC Acadia  
Problem – Owners may experience a Check Engine/SES light along with no reverse and/or a slip / flare or harsh shifts in 3rd and/or 5th gear. This condition may be caused by a broken 3-5-R clutch wave plate, allowing the apply piston to over- stroke, causing the piston to leak and causing loss of gear application. This normally will not occur before approximately 32,000 km (20,000 mi). Debris generated by the condition can affect the operation of the speed sensors and other clutches.
Solution – A new 35R clutch wave plate will need to be installed.

PIP4627A – 35R clutch wave plate broken – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2007 – 2009 Saturn Aura – 2007 – 2009 Saturn Outlook – 2008 – 2009 Saturn Vue – 2007 – 2009 GMC Acadia – 2007 – 2009 Pontiac G5 – 2008 – 2009 Pontiac Torrent – 2008 – 2009 Buick Enclave – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Equinox – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Malibu – 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Problem – On vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission, drivers may experience no reverse, slipping, and/or harsh shifting between 3rd-5th gears. They may also have diagnostic trouble codes P0776 and P0842. This condition is typically caused by a broken 35R clutch wave plate.
Solution – During the repair/rebuild process, the wave plate must be installed properly (with the rounded edge of the internal splines facing the 35R piston), in order to prevent premature failure.

TSB 13120A – Torque converter clutch sticking – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2013 Buick Enclave – 2013 Cadillac SRX – 2013 Cadillac XTS – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu – 2013 Chevrolet Traverse – 2013 GMC Acadia – 2013 GMC Terrain
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.

2009 Acadia – TSB PIP4668
Problem: Symptoms associated with this service bulletin include:

1. Hesitation when accelerating during a right hand turn around 15 mph.
   2. Hesitation/delay/harsh shift around 40 mph during 5-3-2 shift.
   3. Low speed hesitation during a 2-3 shift on light acceleration after launch.
   4. Cruise control busyness around 50 mph and/or poor shift feel.
   5 .Delayed up-shift after a forced throttle downshift after returning to normal throttle.
   6. Nonlinear deceleration feel and/or tachometer swing on 5-4 coast-down shift as a result of entering and exiting Decel Fuel Cut Off (DFCO)

Solution: The transmission control module will have to be reprogrammed in order to correct these problems.

Common Problems with the GMC Acadia Transmission

Related to DTC P0741 – 2008-2010 GMC Acadia  
Problem – If after rebuilding a 6T75E, the TCC remains stuck in the ‘off’ position, the problem may be due to using the incorrect control valve channel upper plate.
Solution – Install a revised control valve channel upper plate with slot (GM part #24226373).

Input/Output Speed Sensor Issues – 6T70E Transmission
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.

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

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?

How to Diagnose & Fix

1. Check the OBD Codes
2. Check the fluid level
3. Test transmission pressure
4. Drop the transmission pan
5. Repair, replace or rebuild

What to Read Next

• 10 Common Transmission Problems
• What is Limp Mode?
• How to Change Transmission Fluid

Related Forum Discussions

• GMC Acadia Transmission Replacement

Over to You

What Problem Does Your Acadia 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!