The 6L50 (and similar 6L45) is a 6-speed longitudinally-mounted automatic transmission produced by General Motors. It is very similar in design to the larger 6L80/6L90, and is produced at GM Powertrain plants in Toledo, Ohio; Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico; and by the independent Punch Powerglide company in Strasbourg, France. This transmission features clutch to clutch shifting, eliminating the bands used on older transmission designs. The 6L50 debuted for the 2007 model year on the V8-powered versions of the Cadillac STS sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover, and replaces the 5L40-E and 5L50 in GM's lineup. The 6L45 version is used in certain BMW vehicles and the Cadillac ATS, as part of either rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains.
| 6L45 · 6L50 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2006–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | 6-Speed Longitudinal Automatic Transmission |
| Related | GM 6L80 Transmission |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | 4L60-E · 4L65-E 5L40-E · 5L50 |
| Successor | 8L45 Transmission |
The 6L50 is adaptable to rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications. The 6L45 can accommodate engines with up to 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) of torque and vehicles with a GVWR up to 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg).
Maximum engine power: 315 bhp (235 kW)
Maximum engine torque: 332 lbf (1,480 N)m)
Maximum gearbox torque: 480 lbf (2,100 N)m)
First: 4.060
Second: 2.370
Third: 1.550
Fourth: 1.160
Fifth: 0.850
Sixth: 0.670 Reverse: 3.200
Maximum shift speed: 7000 rpm
Maximum Validated Weight (GVW): 6,613 pounds (3,000 kg) Maximum Validated Weight (GCVW): 12,505 pounds (5,672 kg)
7-position quadrant: P, R, N, D, X, X, X (X = available calibratable range position)
Case material: Die cast aluminum
Shift pattern: (2) Three-way on/off solenoids
Shift quality: Five variable bleed solenoid
Torque converter clutch: Variable Bleed Solenoid ECCC
Converter size: 240 mm, 258 mm
Fluid type: DEXRON VI
Fluid capacity with 258 & 300 mm converter: 9.1 kg
Available Control Features
Multiple Shift Patterns (Selectable)
Driver Shift Control (Tap Up / Tap Down)
Enhanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS)
Selectable Tow / Haul Mode
Engine Torque Management On All Shifts
Altitude and Temperature Compensation
Adaptive Shift Time
Neutral Idle
Reverse Lockout
Automatic Grade Braking
Additional Features
OBDII / EOBD
Integral Electro/Hydraulic Controls Module (Tehcm)
Control Interface Protocol – GMLAN
The transmission control module (TCM) is built into the solenoid pack/housing.
Assembly sites: GMPT Strasbourg, France; GMPT Toledo, Ohio, USA; GMPT Silao, Mexico
| Gear Teeth
and Ratios |
Planetary Gearset: Teeth
Lepelletier Gear Mechanism |
Count | Total | Avg. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravigneaux | Simple | ||||||
| Type | Sun 1.1
Ring 1.1 |
Sun 1.2
Ring 1.2 |
Sun 2
Ring 2 |
Brakes
Clutches |
Ratio
Span |
Gear
Step | |
| Gear | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R |
| 6L50 | 37
47 |
47
97 |
49
89 |
2
3 |
6.0346 | 1.4326 | |
| Ratio | 4.0650 | 2.3712 | 1.5506 | 1.1567 | 0.8532 | 0.6736 | - 3.2001 |
| 6L80 | 35
46 |
46
92 |
50
94 |
2
3 |
6.0401 | 1.4329 | |
| Ratio | 4.0267 | 2.3635 | 1.5319 | 1.1522 | 0.8521 | 0.6667 | - 3.0638 |
| ZF | 31
38 |
38
85 |
37
71 |
2
3 |
6.0354 | 1.4327 | |
| Ratio | 4.1708 | 2.3397 | 1.5211 | 1.1428 | 0.8672 | 0.6911 | - 3.4025 |