Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2015-2016 Chevrolet Cruze

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Check your RPO Codes: Locate the Service Parts Identification sticker (usually found in your trunk under the spare tire cover or inside the glove box). Verify you have option code MH8 (identifies the 6T40 6-speed automatic) and option code FXH (identifies the 3.53 final drive ratio).
• Verify your engine size: Open your hood or check your emissions sticker to confirm you have the 1.4L Turbo engine (engine code LUV or LUJ). If you have the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, this transmission will not fit your car.
• Check the Transmission Tag: Look at the barcode label or stamped code on the top/front of your transmission case. It must display the code 5CTW, HMD, or X23F.
• Verify your VIN: Confirm that the 4th digit of your VIN is P (which designates the Cruze Limited/old body style for the 2016 model year) or that your vehicle is a 2015-2016 model matching our closed application list.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Engine support bar/fixture
• Subframe jack/stands/transmission jack
• Professional J2534 programming tool or GM MDI scan tool
• Fluid transfer pump

Budget for these consumables at install:

• GM DEXRON VI (6) automatic transmission fluid (approx. 5 to 8 quarts for service/used unit refill; 7.4 to 9.5 quarts for dry overhaul)
• Front pump/torque converter fluid seal (GM Part 24266675 or equivalent)
• Left and right CV axle shaft seals
• High-quality RTV sealant (no traditional bottom pan gasket exists)
• Transmission cooler-line flush

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: VIN-specific programming (GM Service Programming System / SPS) and a Transmission Adaptive Values Learn (Service Fast Learn)

The integrated TEHCM (TCM) must be programmed with your vehicle's unique VIN. If you do not program it, the vehicle's security system will prevent the engine from starting, or the transmission will remain locked in a neutral/limp state. After programming, a professional scan tool must be used to perform the 'Fast Learn' process to calibrate the clutch pressures. Alternatively, you can swap your original, working TEHCM into this replacement transmission to avoid the VIN flash, but you still must perform the scan-tool Adaptive Values Learn after the swap.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating (Critical): When installing the torque converter onto the transmission input shaft, you must ensure it is fully seated into the front fluid pump. You should feel and hear it click/clunk into place three distinct times as you rotate it. If it is not fully seated, bolting the transmission to the engine block will crush and crack the internal pump rotor, destroying the transmission immediately upon startup.
• Fluid Level Check Procedure: This transmission does not have a dipstick. To check the fluid level, the vehicle must be level and running at idle. The transmission fluid must be warmed up to its operating temperature (between 185°F and 203°F). You must remove the fluid level check plug located on the side of the transmission case. Fluid should just barely trickle out of the hole. If no fluid comes out, add DEXRON VI through the top fill cap until it begins to trickle out of the check plug.
• Cooler Line Flushing: Always flush the transmission cooler and lines. Debris from a previous transmission failure gets trapped in the cooler and will wash directly into the replacement unit, causing immediate valve body or solenoid failure.
• The Internal Filter Trap: You cannot change the fluid filter on a 6T40 by simply removing a pan. The filter is located deep inside the transmission case. Attempting to change it requires splitting the case halves apart, which risks damaging the pump, seals, and internal clearances. Leave the filter alone unless you are doing a full rebuild.
• Skipping the Relearn: If you skip the 'Transmission Adaptive Values Learn' procedure, the transmission will shift harshly, bang into gear, or slip. The computer must learn the new clutch clearances.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Skipping the Programming Step: Installing this unit without programming the integrated TEHCM to your vehicle's VIN will result in a no-start condition or immediate limp mode.
• Ordering the Wrong Engine Variant: Ordering this transmission for a Cruze with the 1.8L engine (which uses the 6T30). While both are 6-speed automatics, the 1.8L version has a completely different bellhousing bolt pattern and internal gear ratios and will not bolt up or function.
• Incorrect Fluid Level Checks: Checking the fluid level while the engine is off or when the transmission is cold. This leads to severe underfilling, which will burn up the clutch packs within a few miles.
• Forcing the Bellhousing Bolts: Forcing the engine and transmission together using the bellhousing bolts when the torque converter is not fully seated. If there is a gap between the engine and transmission, do not tighten the bolts to pull them together; verify the converter is fully seated first.
• Damaging the TEHCM during a Swap: If you choose to swap your original TEHCM to avoid programming, be extremely careful. The pressure switch films and solenoid contacts on the valve body are delicate and easily torn.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: