GENERAL MOTORS 43

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoids
Shift solenoid and PCS operation is controlled by the TEHCM (TCM). The TCM regulates
the feed voltage to the solenoids. The TCM then regulates feed voltage and current to
the solenoids. The shift solenoid is an On/Off design (N.C.) with the TCM controlling the
power for the solenoid as well as the ground. The pressure control solenoids are PWM
controlled. The TCM is over current and overtemp protected.
Motorola refers to the PWM solenoid’s by their state, NL or NH. Normally High (N.H.) is
used to describe a solenoid that allows pressure to travel to the clutch when the solenoid
is turned off. Normally Low (N.L.) is used to describe a solenoid that prevents pressure
from getting to a clutch when the solenoid is turned off.
The solenoids are protected by the filter plate. The filter plate is housed between the
valve body and the control solenoid valve assembly (TEHCM) and must be replace any-
time the valve body or control solenoid valve assembly (TEHCM) is replaced or unbolted
from each other. The Filter plate is serviced with the control solenoid valve assembly
(TEHCM) but it can also be ordered separately.

© 2008 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

 44 GENERAL MOTORS

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoid Cleaning Process
An automated process is available that aids in cleaning debris from the solenoid assem-
bly. Your scan tool will instruct the TCM (TEHCM) to cycle the solenoids while the sys-
tem is pressurized to clean the solenoids. The transmission does not need to be disas-
sembled to perform the cleaning process.
Simply follow the instructions on the scan tool to activate the cleaning program. This
process should be completed prior to attempting to diagnose the transmission with the
DT-48616 tools as described below. If the cleaning process is unsuccessful then you
should diagnose the concern with DT-48616
Diagnostics
Like other GM transmissions, diagnosis is designed around the use of a quality scan
tool. With the 6T40/6T45 this could not be more true as the need to access scan data is
critical. Unlike other GM transmissions you have become accustomed to working with
over the years, the 6T40/6T45 internal electrical components are not hard wired to the
rest of the vehicle via the transmission harness. This means that the diagnostic process
has changed considerably. Diagnosis is divided into 2 categories, scan diagnostics and
test plate/air check diagnostics.
Solenoid and valve body diagnosis requires the following tools:
• A quality scan tool capable of communicating and commanding the TCM and its sole-
noids.
• Tool number DT 48616 Solenoid test plate and jumper harness DT48616-10
Remove the Control Solenoid Valve Assembly from the transmission. Install tool DT
48616 onto the Control Solenoid Valve Assembly (5Nm 44 Lb In). Apply regulated shop
air (90-100 psi) to the tool. Connect the scan tool to the Control Solenoid Valve Assem-
bly using cable DT48616-10.
Command the solenoid ON/OFF air pressure should be present on the gauge and then it
should exhaust as the solenoid is cycled. If the solenoid or valve are malfunctioning the
gauge pressure will not change as you cycle the solenoid. If a malfunction is determined
to be present, replace the complete Control Solenoid Valve Assembly.
If the solenoid checked OK, install the gauge on another solenoid port and command
that solenoid ON/OFF with the scan to repeat the process.

© 2008 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

 GENERAL MOTORS 45

6T40 (RPO MH8,MHB)

6T45 (RPO MH7,MHC)
Solenoid Cleaning Process (continued)

NOTE: If the solenoid is malfunctioning the gauge pressure will not change as you
cycle the solenoid. If a malfunction is determined to be present, replace the com-
plete Control Solenoid Valve Assembly (TEHCM)

NOTE: The TCM (TEHCM) will normally cycle several of the solenoids ON/OFF to
help keep the solenoids and the valves free of debris. Therefore this cleaning func-
tion (Dither) may cause the gauge to flicker when the TCM is cleaning the solenoid
you are testing.
Do not operated the solenoids for longer than 2 minutes or damage may occur.

© 2008 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.