Pontiac G5 Transmission Problems & Cost | 4T45E | 6T70

The Pontiac G5 was equipped with the 4T45E transmission and 6T70 transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Pontiac G5 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure 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?

Pontiac G5 Transmission Models

Pontiac G5: 4T45E Transmission
Pontiac G5: 6T70 Transmission

Pontiac G5 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 Pontiac G5 Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Pontiac G5 transmission problems?

Pontiac G5 Transmission Recalls

Recall 09V073000 / 09041 Transmission shift cable clip failure
2009 Buick Enclave, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, 2009 GMC Acadia, 2009 Pontiac G5, 2009 Pontiac G6, 2009 Saturn Aura, 2009 Saturn Outlook

Summary –
On 276,729 2009 GM vehicles, 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 Chevrolet dealers were instructed to inspect and if necessary, replace the shift adjustment cable clip. Concerned owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236

Pontiac G5 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 99-07-30-031 – No third or fourth gear – 4T40E Transmission & 4T45E Transmission
1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier – 1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Malibu – 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass – 1999 – 2000 Oldsmobile Alero – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Grand Am – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Problem – Drivers may experience the complete loss of third and fourth gears
Solution – Replace direct clutch piston assembly

TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness

TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector

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.

Common Pontiac G5 Transmission Problems

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

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Pontiac G5 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Pontiac G5 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Pontiac G5 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Pontiac G5 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Pontiac G5 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Pontiac G5 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Pontiac G5 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Pontiac G5 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Pontiac G5 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 Pontiac G5 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Pontiac G5 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Pontiac G5 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 Pontiac G5 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 Pontiac G5 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.

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 Pontiac G5 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!