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6L50 MYB and AWD MX7 Automatic Transmission/Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder, Harsh TCC Apply or Release, Water in Transmission (Repair Transmission and Rework Trans Mount and Relocate Vent Hose)

Subject:6L50 MYB and AWD MX7 Automatic Transmission/Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder, Harsh TCC Apply or Release, Water in Transmission (Repair Transmission and Rework Trans Mount and Relocate Vent Hose)

Models:2007 Cadillac STS AWD, SRX AWD
with Northstar® 4.6L V8 Engine (VIN A -- RPO LH2) and
6L50 HYDRA-MATIC® Automatic Transmission (RPOs MYB, MX7)



Condition

Some customers may comment on a shudder condition at approximately 64-80 km/h (40-50 mph) when the TCC engages. They may also comment on a harsh TCC apply or release at approximately 32-48 km/h (20-30 mph).

Cause

This condition may be caused by water in the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Water may enter the transmission through the vent hose mounted at the rear transmission mount .

Indications of water in the ATF may include:

    • Visible water in the oil pan.
    • A milky white substance inside the pan area.
    • Spacer plate gaskets that appear to be glued to the valve body or case.
    • Rust on internal transmission iron/steel components.

Important: For vehicles suspected of having a leaking transmission oil cooler that would cause contamination of the transmission fluid with coolant, the following check should be performed before deciding to replace the radiator.

    • Remove the surge tank cap and examine the coolant for signs of contamination with transmission fluid (the coolant will have a milky, not clear appearance).
    • If the coolant has a normal, clear appearance, the radiator should not be replaced.
    • The cooler can also be tested by following the Coolant System Leak Test procedure in SI. Do NOT replace a radiator without verifying that the transmission oil cooler is leaking.

Correction

First, repair the transmission and second, rework the transmission mount and relocate the vent hose in order to prevent repeat water contamination of the ATF.

Transmission Repair

  1. Remove the transmission. Refer to the appropriate SI procedure.
  2. Disassemble and inspect the transmission. Refer to Unit Repair Automatic Transmission - 6L50.
  3. Important : If water or coolant is found in the transmission, the following components MUST be replaced.

    • Replace all of the rubber type seals.
    • Replace all of the composition-faced clutch plate assemblies.
    • Replace all of the nylon parts (Thrust Washers).
    • Replace the torque converter.
    • Thoroughly clean and rebuild the transmission, using new gaskets and oil filter.
    • Flush and flow check the transmission oil cooler using the J 45096. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-07-30-052D or newer - Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flush and Flow Test Essential Tool J 45096 TransFlow .

Rework Trans Mount and Relocate Vent Hose

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

  2. Object Number: 1968852  Size: SH
  3. Remove the transmission vent hose from both retainers (1).
  4. Remove both retainers from the front of the transmission mount assembly and save.

  5. Object Number: 1968903  Size: SH
  6. Drill two new 6.35 mm (0.25 in) holes in the back side of the transmission mount assembly (1).

  7. Object Number: 1968900  Size: SH
  8. From the edge of the transmission mount assembly, measure (3) 82 mm (3¼ in). From the bottom of the trans mount assembly measure (2) 21 mm (¾ in). Mark with a white paint pen or equivalent. The distance between both holes should be (1) 74 mm (3 in).

  9. Object Number: 1968891  Size: SH
  10. With a straight edge or equivalent against the front edge of the transmission mount assembly (2), measure 143 mm (5.5 in). Using the same straight edge along the bottom of the trans mount assembly (1), measure out 64 mm (2.5 in). Mark with a white paint pen or equivalent.

  11. Object Number: 1968904  Size: SH
  12. Clean out the holes and coat with Anti-Corrosion Compound GM Part Number 12378399 (in Canada use P/N 10953457) (1).
  13. Install both transmission vent hose retainers in the new holes drilled into the back side of the transmission mount assembly.

  14. Object Number: 1968902  Size: SH
  15. Route the transmission vent hose over the transmission mount assembly and attach the vent hose to the retainers (3).
  16. • When routing the vent hose over the transmission mount assembly, make sure that the hose is kept clear of the drive shaft and heat shield (2).
    • The bottom retainer holding the vent hose should be 10 mm (0.39 in) from the end of the vent hose to the edge of the retainer (1).
  17. Lower the vehicle.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

12378399

Anti-Corrosion Compound (U.S.)

10953457

Anti-Corrosion Compound (Canada)

Warranty Information

Important: 

   • DO NOT submit a transmission repair (labor and parts) under Labor Operation K9513.
   • Use the appropriate transmission repair labor operation in conjunction with K9513.
   • Labor operation K9513 is to be only used to reroute the vent hose.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use only:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

K9513*

Rework Rear Transmission Mount Assembly and Reroute Transmission Vent Hose

0.3 hr

* This is a unique labor operation number for bulletin use only. The number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.