The GMC Acadia has been in production for over 12 years now. The first generation was a full size SUV and ran from 2007-2016. The second generation of the Acadia has been in production for a few years now. that’s long enough for there to be quite a few older models with transmission problems.
There are two main sections to this article. There’s:
Attention: This service update involves vehicles in dealer inventory only and will expire October 31, 2021. Make Model Model Year From To RPO Description Chevrolet Malibu 2020 2020 UHS 8' Diagonal Multi-Color Driver GMC Acadia Information Center This service update should be performed on vehicles in dealer inventory only. The automaker has made an software update available to them at no cost. The Android Auto system is available on 2016 Sierra, Yukon, and Canyon models with the 8-inch IntelliLink system. This upgrade can be performed by taking your vehicle to a GMC dealer, and it is in addition to other features already installed. General Motors has recently released a new over-the-air (OTA) software update for a total of 14 different 2020 models sold under the brands it currently owns, including Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet.
The Acadia specific section deals with recalls and TSB’s (Technical Service Bulletins). The general problem section deals with common Acadia problems with an emphasis on the 6T75 and 6T70’s (these are the transmissions they come with) most common areas of weakness.
Sometimes a bad shifter will lead to a GMC Acadia Backup Camera Not Working.
What transmission is my Acadia?
The transmissions used in all Acadia’s have been:
- 2007-2016: 6T75
- 2017-Present: 6T70
The 6T75 and 6T70 were both transversely mounted 6 speed automatic transmissions. Like all modern GM transmissions, they are controlled by electronic means. They don’t have an E on the end like other GM automatics because they never really existed in a time when transmissions weren’t controlled this way.
These transmissions are the product of a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Some of the earlier models did have some inherent weakness that would cause them to fail prematurely. There’s more on that below.
Acadia Transmission Recalls+ Technical Service Bulletins
There have been a few transmission recalls on the GMC Acadia. They are listed below. Both of them involve the shift linkage coming out of adjustment. This leads to potential roll away situations. The affected years are 2014 and 2009.
Technical service bulletins (TSB’s) are an acknowledgment of a common problem by the manufacturer. They are sent out to all of the authorized dealers for the vehicle and are a great source of knowledge when trying to troubleshoot an Acadia’s transmission.
2014 Acadia: Recall 14V092000
The Acadia was recalled for an issue with the transmission shift cable adjuster well… getting out of adjustment. The dealer is required to inspect and replace when appropriate the shift cable adjuster on all 2014 models.
If left unchecked, eventually the shifter indicator will no longer be accurate. Eventually, the transmission may even lose the ability to go into park at all. But, the gear selector will still slide into the park position, which makes the 2014 Acadia a roll away hazard.
The General Motors recall number for this problem is 14048. Go ahead and give your GM dealer a call and see if this has been performed on your particular Acadia. With the VIN number and that recall number, you’ll be able to schedule the free repair.
2013 Acadia: TSB 13120A
Some 2013 Acadia’s may have a problem with the torque converter staying locked. When the vehicle comes to a stop this causes the engine to die, much like rolling to a stop in a manual transmission vehicle would. When the torque converter is locked, there is a true 1:1 connection between the motor and the rest of the driveline. This means that the torque converter can’t slip, which in turn means that the engine cannot idle at all.
This is a problem with the TCM, which is the computer that controls the transmission. You’ll need to have it re-flashed. Your local GM dealer can do that for you.
2009 Acadia: Recall 09V073000
This is another one year only recall. It is for an issue similar to the one listed above. In this one, the 2009 Acadia shift adjustment cable may get loose. Once it gets loose the shift indicator may show that it is in park when it’s in one of the moving gears or in reverse. This means that any 2009 Acadia that has not had this recall performed is a potential roll away risk.
Being that the 2009 Acadia is about a 10 year old vehicle, this recall may very well have already been performed on your particular vehicle. It’s still worth giving GM a call and seeing if it has been performed.
The recall number is 09041. You can give GM that number and you VIN and they’ll be able to tell if it has come in for that recall or not. In the meantime, you would be wise to set the parking brake when you park. It’s better for the transmission to do that anyway.
2009 Acadia: TSB PIP4668
This is one of the stranger TSB’s on this list. That’s because it covers a wide range of symptoms. The reason why it is such an eclectic list is because the problems are caused by the TCM and not any physical part going bad. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to take your Acadia into the dealer and have the computer re-flashed.
- Poor shift feel
- Hesitation when turning right (not left)
- Hesitation during the 2-3 shift, but only under light throttle
- Nonlinear deceleration/tachometer swing on 5-4 down shift and coast
- Cruise control “busyness”
Basically, if you have a 2009 Acadia, and the transmission is acting like it is possessed, go ahead and bring it in to have it re-flashed.
2007 Acadia: TSB 09-07-30-012B
This Technical Service Bulletin covers a wide range of problem that are caused by a faulty 3-5-R clutch wave plate. The problems associated with this plate going bad include:
Gmc Acadia Software Update
- No Reverse
- Harsh shifts in 3’rd and 5’th gear
- Slipping transmission in-between shifts
When this plate goes bad, it allows the piston to leak and not properly apply the gears. And since this plate covers 3’rd, 5’th, and reverse only those gears are affected. You’ll also get a service engine soon light for this particular issue.
Troubleshooting Common GMC Acadia Transmission Problems
There have been a few Acadia transmission recalls over the years, and quite a few Technical Service Bulletins. The TSB’s and recalls are a great way to figure out what transmission problems that the GMC Acadia might be having. That’s because they are the problems that are so prevalent that the manufacturer needed to make the information public. That’s always the best place to start your diagnosis.
If you have looked through the bulletins listed above and still haven’t quite found what you were looking for, we’ll cover some of the most common 4T70 + 4T75 transmission problems right here.
Overheating
How To Update Gps In Gmc Acadia
The 6T70 is know to overheat. This is typically caused by a faulty circuit, and not an actual problem with the radiator/cooling system.
Slipping Gears
There are TSB’s listed above that do cover slipping gears, but other issues can still cause slipping. All transmissions wear out eventually. The Acadia transmissions are no different. The problem is usually caused by a bad planetary gear or a bad solenoid.
No Reverse
This happens quite a bit and is caused by a bad solenoid.
Transmission Won’t Shift
Often the transmissions in the Acadia will stop shifting. This is caused by a bad torque converter or brake switch.
Conclusion
Most of the common problems that occur with the GMC Acadia’s transmission are related to electronics and how they are controlled. The one nice thing about that is the dealer can fix it by hooking in a laptop a lot of the time. Good luck with your particular Acadia!
Back to the news page
09.03.2019
TPMS DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION – GMC Acadia 2007-2020
After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.
The GMC Acadia is manufactured with a direct TPMS system, which means TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).
When a sensor is replaced in one or more tires, one or more wheels are replaced or tires are rotated in a GMC Acadia, a manual (stationary) or OBD TPMS relearn is recommended to transfer new and/or existing TPMS sensor ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU.
Type of TPMS system:
- Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel
- All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the GMC Acadia can be found in the VT56 in “Service TPMS”.
Type of TPMS frequency:
- 315 MHz for years 2007-2016 (first half of production year)
- 433 MHz for years 2016-2020 (second half of production year)
Type of Relearn procedures:
- Manual (stationary) relearn
- Bonus OBD relearn procedure coverage as an option on the VT56, requires OBD module
Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset
- VT56 TPMS Diagnostic tool, step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool.
Bonus coverage, OBD relearn procedure:
Available for years 2008-2020
- Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
- Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear tires
- Apply OBD module to the DLC
- Turn ignition ON
- Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer sensor data to the ECU
- Disconnect OBD module from DLC
- Turn ignition OFF, then start the engine
Manual relearn procedure:
- Turn ignition ON
- Press and hold the lock and unlock button on the key fob until the horn sounds
- Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
- Horn chirps once
- Repeat for RF, RR, LR tires
- Turn ignition OFF
Troubleshooting tips
Tip 1:
The owner’s manual on the GMC Acadia states, “There are two minutes to match the first tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer, the matching process stops and must be restarted.”
If the horn chirps twice before all steps have been performed or sensors have been activated, the relearn procedure most likely has failed and the ID’s did not transfer correctly, which means the procedure has to start over again.
The solution? For most GMC vehicles, the bonus OBD relearn procedure is available for the ATEQ VT56, thanks to patented Sync-ID technology. This advanced feature allows the user to perform an OBD relearn to turn the light off, with minimal to no driving time required to turn the light off, saving the technician time and the customer labor costs. It takes two minutes or less to perform an OBD relearn procedure on a GMC Acadia, and requires just one relearn procedure to memorize for various vehicle Makes.
Tip 2:
Lowering the driver’s side window may help complete the process for larger GMC vehicles
Tip 3:
GMC recommends rotating tires every 7,500 miles (12 000 kilometers). Tire rotation helps with even wear for all tires and is important for balanced handling on the road, which can extend the life of tires and save money in the long-run. When tires are rotated, GMC recommends resetting the TPMS system by performing a TPMS relearn to transfer the new location of the TPMS sensors to the vehicle’s ECU.
It is also recommended to do a TPMS reset after a wheel or sensor replacement.
Tip 4:
The GMC Acadia was manufactured with 315 MHz TPMS sensors from 2007 through the first half of the production year. From the second half of the production year, the GMC Acadia is manufactured with 433 MHz TPMS sensors. Be sure to check the tool in the CHECK TPMS icon on the VT56, VT46, VT36 or VT31 tools to see which sensor frequency you are working with before replacing a TPMS sensor.
TPMS DTC code information
Use the VT56 to retrieve GMC TPMS DTC codes by selecting the “Service” icon. After selecting the Make, Model, and Year, select the DTC code icon. Use the OBDII module to retrieve the GMC DTC TPMS information to diagnose and service the TPMS issues determined.
Related News
June 2019 Software Update – ATEQ VT56, VT36 (Americas)
The June 2019 software update includes new OE covera...
TPMS DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION – Ford Edge 2007-2019
TPMS relearn procedure and other TPMS diagnostic sys...
AftermarketNews – 5 minute chat with Sheila Stevens, Marketing
The editorial staff at AftermarketNews selected Shei...