Bulletin No.

: 21-NA-169
Service Bulletin Date: December, 2021

TECHNICAL
Subject: Diagnostic Tip for DTCs Set at a Low Mileage for 9T45/50/60 Automatic Transmissions

Attention: This bulletin only applies to vehicles with less than 19,000 km (12,000 miles) on the
odometer.

Model Year: VIN: Transmission:

Brand: Model: Engine: (9T45, 9T50 or
from to from to 9T60
Automatic)
Encore GX 2020 2022 M3F
Buick Envision 2020 2022 M3T, M3H
Regal 2020 2020 M3D, M3T
XT4 M3H
Cadillac XT5 2020 2022 M3G
XT6 M3G
Blazer 2020 2022 — — — M3D, M3T
Equinox 2020 2020 M3D
Chevrolet
Malibu 2020 2022 M3E
Trailblazer 2021 2022 M3F
Acadia M3H, M3G
GMC 2020 2022
Terrain M3H, M3U
Holden Equinox 2020 2020 M3D

Involved Region or Country North America, Middle East, Europe, Australia/New Zealand
The purpose of this bulletin is to aid the service technician in diagnosing 9T45/50/60
automatic transmissions with low mileage and DTCs current or history related to the
Condition
control solenoids and valves. Follow the Service Procedure steps below to determine
repair strategy.
Important: For vehicles equipped with 9T65 transmissions (RPO M3V or M3W), do not
follow this bulletin and refer to Service Bulletin # 20-NA-136.
Please refer to these service publications for resolutions to customer comments prior to
proceeding with this bulletin:
⇒ 18-NA-359: Information on Flashing D in PRNDL and/or Transmission Slip/
Flare on 1-2 Upshift with Zero to Very Light Throttle Input
⇒ 21-NA-038: Humming Noise Heard Coming From Front End of Vehicle When
Driving at Highway Speeds (Blazer)
Information ⇒ 19-NA-023: High Pitch Whine Noise Heard at 32-56 km/h (20-35 mph) in Any
Gear Under Light to Moderate Acceleration (Equinox, Terrain)
⇒ 20-NA-165: Flutter or Boom Noise at 1200 RPM- Service Calibration
(Trailblazer, Encore GX)
⇒ PIT5778A: Vibration Or Boom At 1300 RPM (Equinox, Terrain)
⇒ PIP5697B – DTC P0747 Setting At Engine Start-Up When The Transmission
Is In Park
⇒ 21-NA-118: Vibration Type Noise Heard at Highway Speeds or with Engine
Speed at 1,300-1,500 RPM (XT5, XT6, Blazer, Acadia)
Copyright 2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2 December, 2021 Bulletin No.: 21-NA-169

Service Procedure
Step One - DTCs
Check all Modules for DTCs. Records of all DTCs,
Current or History, and Module Located In/On Repair
Order.
Step Two - Fluid Level and Condition Check
Note: Ensure the transmission has enough fluid in it to
safely start the vehicle without damaging the
transmission. With the vehicle off and the transmission
fluid temperature at approximately 20–25°C (68–77°F),
there must be at least enough fluid to drain out of the
fluid level hole. This will ensure that there is enough
fluid in the sump to fill the components once the vehicle
is started.
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever
through each gear range, pausing for about 3
seconds in each range. Then move the shift lever
5840393
back to PARK (P).
3. Allow the engine to idle 500–800 rpm for at least 3 9. If fluid level is correct, then check condition of the
minutes to allow any fluid foaming to dissipate and fluid:
the fluid level to stabilize. • The fluid should be red or brown.
4. Release the brake pedal. • The fluid should be transparent so that objects
5. Keep the engine running and observe the or writing can be seen through it. Sample #1 is
transmission fluid temperature (TFT) using the an example of acceptable fluid. Sample #2 is an
Driver Information Center (DIC) or a scan tool. example of very dark fluid. Sample #3 is an
Caution: The transmission fluid level must be checked example of black fluid.
when the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) is at 85– • In addition to checking the fluid color and
95°C (185–203°F). If the TFT is not at this temperature, transparency, the fluid should be checked for an
operate the vehicle or allow the fluid to cool as odor of burnt fluid. If the fluid is very dark, black,
required. Setting the fluid level with a TFT outside this or has a burnt odor it would indicate clutch
temperature will result in either an under or over-filled damage has occurred internally in the
transmission. TFT 95°C under-filled, TFT 85°C transmission and it would need to be removed
over-filled. An under-filled transmission will cause from the vehicle and investigated.
premature component wear or damage. An over-filled • Fluid that is cloudy or milky or appears to be
transmission will cause fluid to discharge out the vent contaminated with water indicates engine
tube, fluid foaming, or pump cavitation. coolant or water contamination. Refer to the last
6. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be version of Service Bulletin 08-07-30-035 for
level, with the engine running and the shift lever in testing and, if confirmed, find the source of the
the PARK range. coolant/water and repair. Then follow service
7. While the vehicle is idling, remove the oil level set manual instructions “engine coolant/water in
plug (1). Allow any fluid to drain: transmission” to repair the transmission.
• If the fluid is flowing as a steady stream, wait • Inspect the fluid for excessive metal particles or
until the fluid begins to drip. other debris:
• If no fluid comes out, add fluid until fluid – A small amount of “friction” material is a
drips out. “normal” condition.
8. Record fluid level; overfilled, under-filled, correct – A small amount of “metal” from the
on repair order and how much was needed to fill or manufacturing process is a “normal”
came out: condition. This is observed as fine silver
streaks floating in the fluid.
• If fluid is overfilled, set correct level and retest.
– If large pieces and/or metal pieces are noted
• If fluid is under-filled, inspect for external leaks.
in the fluid, or the fluid when rubbed between
Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis in SI.
fingers feels gritty/sandy, it would indicate
hardware damage has occurred internally in
the transmission and it would need to be
removed from the vehicle and investigated.
• Inspect for external leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak
Diagnosis in SI.
– If fluid level and condition are OK, proceed to
next step.
Bulletin No.: 21-NA-169 December, 2021 Page 3

Step Three - Line Pressure Check scan tool to monitor Transmission ISS,
achieving 0 rpm can be used to check delay in
Warning: Keep the brakes applied at all times in
these cases.
order to prevent unexpected vehicle motion.
Personal injury may result if the vehicle moves Note: Harsh engagement may be caused by any of the
unexpectedly. following conditions:
Note: You may need to remove or disconnect • High engine idle speed – Compare engine idle
components in order to gain access to the transmission speed to desired idle speed.
line pressure test hole plug. • A default condition caused by certain DTCs that
result in maximum line pressure to prevent
1. Remove the line pressure test hole plug. Refer to
clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure Test Hole
Plug Replacement in SI. • Incomplete adapting or incorrect adapting –
Repeat maneuver multiple times to see if shift
2. Install the GE-21867 Pressure Gauge.
quality improves. If it does not and no DTCs
3. Start the engine. were set, then refer to SI document “Harsh
4. Verify the Transmission Fluid Pressure = Greater Garage Shift”.
than 345 kPa (50 psi). Note: Delayed engagement may be caused by any of
• If pressure is below 50 psi, record on the repair the following conditions:
order and follow SI document for Fluid Pressure
• Low idle speed – Compare engine idle speed to
High or Low.
desired idle speed.
• If above 50 psi, proceed to next step.
• Low fluid level.
5. Turn the engine OFF.
• Cold transmission fluid temperature (TFT) –
6. Remove the GE-21867 Pressure Gauge. Use the scan tool to determine TFT.
7. Install and tighten line pressure test hole plug. • Selector linkage – Inspect and adjust as
Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure necessary.
Test Hole Plug Replacement in SI.
• Incomplete adapting or incorrect adapting –
Step Four - Perform Road Test Repeat maneuver multiple times to see if delay
improves. If it does not and no DTCs were set,
Perform step 1-4 first in order to ensure the electronic then refer to SI document “Harsh Garage Shift”.
transmission components are functioning properly. If
these components are not checked, a simple electrical 6. Check Upshifts – The TCM calculates the upshift
condition could be misdiagnosed. points based primarily on 2 inputs: throttle position
and vehicle speed. When the TCM determines that
1. Connect the scan tool. conditions are met for a shift to occur, the TCM
2. Ensure the gear selector is in PARK and set the commands the shift by varying current to the
parking brake. appropriate PC solenoids to control oncoming and
3. Start the engine. off going clutch pressures.
4. Verify that the following scan tool data can be ⇒ Monitor the following scan tool parameters:
obtained and is functioning properly. • Calc. Throttle Position
⇒ Refer to Control Module References for typical • Vehicle Speed
data values. Data that is questionable may • Engine Speed
indicate a concern.
• Transmission ISS
5. Check the garage shifts:
• Transmission OSS
⇒ Apply the brake pedal and ensure the parking • Command Gear
brake is set.
• TCC PC Sol. Pressure Cmd.
⇒ Move the gear selector through the following
ranges: • TCC Slip Speed
• PARK to REVERSE • TFP Switch 1
• REVERSE to NEUTRAL • TFP Switch 2
• NEUTRAL to DRIVE • TFP Switch 3
• DRIVE to REVERSE • TFP Switch 4
• REVERSE to DRIVE • PC Sol. 2 Pressure Cmd.
• PC Sol. 3 Pressure Cmd.
⇒ Pause 2 to 3 seconds in each gear position.
• PC Sol. 4 Pressure Cmd.
⇒ Verify the gear engagements are immediate
(less than 2 seconds to complete if transmission • PC Sol. 5 Pressure Cmd.
fluid temperature is above 20°C (68°F) and not • Shift Solenoid 1 and 2
harsh. Note that these shifts may be almost 1. Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position.
imperceptible in some applications. Using the
2. Accelerate the vehicle using a steady throttle
position between 15 and 20 percent. Hold the
throttle steady.
Page 4 December, 2021 Bulletin No.: 21-NA-169

3. As the transmission upshifts, there should be a ⇒ Release the throttle and apply the brakes.
noticeable shift feel or engine speed change within ⇒ Verify that the downshifts occur as commanded
1 to 2 seconds of the commanded gear change. by monitoring gear ratio, which should change
The PC solenoid pressure command should after commanded gear changes.
change to “YES” for the oncoming clutch and the
PC solenoid pressure command should change to ⇒ Note any harsh, soft or delayed shifts or
“NO” for the off going clutch. slipping. Note any noise or vibration.
4. Note any harsh, soft or delayed shifts or slipping. 9. Reverse:
Note any noise or vibration. ⇒ With the vehicle stopped, move the gear
5. The torque converter clutch (TCC) feel may not be selector to REVERSE.
noticeable. In many applications the TCC will apply ⇒ Slowly accelerate the vehicle to a 10-15 percent
after the 1-2 shift and TCC events will not be easily throttle position.
detected using engine speed. Monitor TCC PC
solenoid pressure command while driving and ⇒ Verify that there is no noticeable slip, noise or
check TCC slip speed when the pressure vibration.
command indicates that the TCC is commanded to 10. Road Test Results:
apply. ⇒ Diagnostic TIP: If completion of the above tests
6. When the TCC applies, slip speed should be are inconclusive to isolate if the transmission
controlled to below 100 RPM when the shifting concern(s) are internal transmission or
transmission is not shifting and the throttle is held input/command, can use the control function
steady. If the TCC slip exceeds this value for more feature in GDS2 to command all shifts. If when
than 6 seconds after the TCC PC Sol. Pressure using GDS2 to command shifts and
Command indicates that the TCC is transmission shifts into each range
commanded on: commanded, the concern is generally an input/
• Check for DTCs. command concern, and not an internal
transmission concern. If ranges are not
• Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis in SI. completed when using GDS2 to command, then
Note: This transmission is equipped with an generally the concern is an internal
electronically controlled capacity clutch (ECCC), which transmission concern and not an input/
allows operation of the clutch without fully locking to the command concern.
torque converter cover. The clutch maintains a small
amount of slippage, approximately 20 RPM, in 2nd, 3rd, ⇒ If noise or vibration concern is noted, follow
4th, 5th, and 6th gears, depending on the vehicle Noise and Vibration Analysis in SI using
application. ECCC was developed to reduce the Chassis Ears and PICO scope in diagnosis.
possibility of noise, vibration or chuggle caused by TCC ⇒ If upshifts and downshifts are harsh, soft,
apply. Full lockup is available at highway speeds on delayed, or slip, follow SI diagnosis for
some applications. condition.
7. Part Throttle Step-in Downshifts: Step Five - DTC
⇒ Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position. If any of the following DTCs are current or reset during
⇒ Accelerate the vehicle at light throttle (5-10 the road test, record on the repair order and follow the
percent) until 3rd gear is just achieved. instructions below for that DTC.
⇒ Quickly increase throttle angle until • P0796 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 3
commanded gear indicates that a downshift to Stuck Off
2nd gear is commanded. • P0797 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 3
⇒ Verify that the transmission downshifts within 2 Stuck On
seconds of the throttle movement • P2723 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 5
Stuck Off
⇒ Repeat steps 2 to 4 at higher speed to achieve
4th gear and then step in to command a 4th • P2724 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 5
gear to 3rd gear downshift. Stuck On
⇒ Repeat steps 2 to 4 at higher speed to achieve If any of the above first group of DTCs are current or
5th gear and then step in to command a 5th to reset on the road test, the transmission must be
4th gear downshift. removed from the vehicle and inspected for damage to
the clutch plates. If hot spots or other evidence of a
⇒ Repeat steps 2 to 4 at higher speed to achieve slipping clutch, then follow SI procedure for
6th gear and then step in to command a 6th replacement of the affected clutch plates and replace
gear to 5th gear downshift. both the solenoid body and valve body.
⇒ Note any harsh, soft or delayed shifts or • P0746 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 1
slipping. Note any noise or vibration. Stuck Off
8. Coasting Downshifts: • P0747 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 1
⇒ Place the gear selector in the DRIVE position. Stuck On
⇒ Accelerate the vehicle to 6th gear with the TCC • P2731 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6
applied. Performance
Bulletin No.: 21-NA-169 December, 2021 Page 5

• P2732 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 If any of the above fourth group of DTCs are current or
Stuck Off reset on the road test and the transmission fluid is red,
• P2733 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 6 translucent, and doesn’t have a burnt odor, then only
Stuck On replace the valve body. If the transmission fluid is very
dark or black, not translucent, and has a burnt odor,
• P2820 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 9 then in addition to replacing the valve body, the
Stuck Off transmission should be removed from the vehicle and
• P2821 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 9 inspected for damage to the clutch plates. If found,
Stuck On follow SI procedure to replace them.
• P18AA Transmission Range Control Valve 1 • P18A8 Transmission Park Control Solenoid
Position Switch Circuit Stuck On Actuator Stuck Off
• P18AB Transmission Range Control Valve 1 • P18E7 Transmission Park Valve Position Sensor
Position Switch Circuit Stuck Off 1 Performance
• P18AC Transmission Range Control Valve 2 • P18E8 Transmission Park Valve Position Sensor
Position Switch Circuit Stuck On 2 Performance
• P18AD Transmission Range Control Valve 2 • P27EC Transmission Range Control Valve 1
Position Switch Circuit Stuck Off Position Switch Performance
• P18AE Transmission Range Control Enable Valve • P27F0 Transmission Range Control Valve 2
Stuck Off Position Switch Performance
If any of the above second group of DTCs are current or Note: If P18A8 is set, then also replace the Park Inhibit
reset on the road test and the transmission fluid is red, Solenoid Actuator along with the solenoid body and
translucent, and doesn’t have a burnt odor, then only valve body.
replace both the solenoid body and valve body. If the
transmission fluid is very dark or black, not translucent, If any of the above fifth group of DTCs are current or
and has a burnt odor, then in addition to replacing the reset on the road test and the transmission fluid is red,
solenoid body and valve body, the transmission should translucent, and doesn’t have a burnt odor, then check
be removed from the vehicle and inspected for damage vehicle battery health and state of charge per SI
to the clutch plates, if found follow SI procedure to instructions, also check battery, TCM, and
replace them. Transmission ground for voltage loss. If battery and
grounds do not show problem and DTC is current, then
• P0741 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) System replace both the solenoid body and valve body. If the
Stuck Off transmission fluid is very dark or black, not translucent,
• P0776 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 2 and has a burnt odor, then in addition to replacing the
Stuck Off solenoid body and valve body, the transmission should
• P0777 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 2 be removed from the vehicle and inspected for damage
Stuck On to the clutch plates. If damage is found, follow SI
• P2817 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 8 procedure to replace the clutch plates.
Stuck Off If there are no current DTCs or they were/are only in
• P2818 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 8 history and are not able to be reproduced, perform the
Stuck On Transmission Service Fast Learn Procedure in SI and if
no DTCs reset, return the vehicle to the customer.
If any of the above third group of DTCs are current or
reset on the road test and the transmission fluid is red, Symptoms other than listed above should be diagnosed
translucent, and doesn’t have a burnt odor, then only using SI procedures and repaired as necessary.
replace the solenoid body. If the transmission fluid is Parts Information
very dark or black, not translucent, and has a burnt
odor, then in addition to replacing the solenoid body, No parts are required for this repair.
the transmission should be removed from the vehicle
and inspected for damage to the clutch plates, if found
follow SI procedure to replace them.
• P2714 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4
Stuck Off
• P2715 Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4
Stuck On
• P187D Transmission Park Valve Stuck On
• P187E Transmission Park Valve Stuck Off
Page 6 December, 2021 Bulletin No.: 21-NA-169

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Emission coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information.

Labor Description Labor Time

Operation
Perform Fluid Level Check 1.5 hrs
and Evaluate Condition, Oil
8486018*
Pressure Checks and
Service Fast Learn
Control Valve Body Use
8463690**
Replacement Published
Labor
Control Valve Solenoid Body Operation
8463700 Replacement Time
*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only. This
operation is only used if no other transmission components
are replaced. Can only be used if the vehicle is below 19,
000 km (12,000 miles) on the odometer.
**If valve body and solenoid body are replaced at the same
time, use this Labor Operation.
Note: If transmission is removed from vehicle and internally
inspected for clutch or hardware failure, use the appropriate
valve body or solenoid body Labor Operation for the DTC
and include the clutch or hardware inspection and repair
time as straight time to the labor operation.

Version 3
Released July 20, 2021
September 28, 2021 – Added the 2022 Model Year, updated information under both
Notes in step 5 under Step Four - Perform Road Test and updated information under Step
Modified 5 - DTC.
November 29, 2021 – Added Holden Equinox model, Europe, Australia/New Zealand to
Involved Region or Country section and updated the service publication reference in last
arrow under Information.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your TECHNICIAN
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the CERTIFICATION
information.