Cadillac CTS Used Transmissions

The CTS ran three generations on two platforms and the transmission changed with each. First-generation cars use the 5L40E five-speed or an Aisin six-speed manual; the second generation moved to the 6L50 and the third to the 8L45 and 8L90 eight-speeds. The V-series cars are separate parts throughout — a CTS-V took a 6L80, a T-56 or a TR-6060 depending on the year, and none of those will fit a standard car.

Cadillac CTS Used Transmissions — transmission options by generation

How to pick the right one

Generation, engine and drivetrain, then say whether the car is a V. The 5L40E to 6L50 change at 2008 and the 6L50 to 8L45 change at 2016 are both absolute — nothing crosses either line. Within one generation, the rear-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the same unit carry different output housings and are not interchangeable, and on the Alpha cars the 8L45 behind the 2.0 turbo and the 8L90 behind the 3.6 are different transmissions despite both being eight-speeds. If the car is a CTS-V, tell us the year: the 2004–2007 took a T-56, the 2009–2013 a 6L90 or TR-6060, and the 2016–2019 an 8L90.

What usually fails on these transmissions

The 5L40E is the one that brings first-generation CTS cars in, and it is usually the 3-5 reverse clutch and the pressure control solenoid rather than a wrecked gear train — the car loses reverse or flares on an upshift before anything else. The 6L50 is a reasonable unit and what we see most is the torque converter and a wave plate failure on harder-driven cars. On the 8L45 and 8L90, the complaint is shift quality rather than failure, and GM issued a revised fluid and recalibration, so a harsh-shifting car may need a reflash and a fluid change first. Every unit here is pressure tested.

What ships with every unit

• Pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded, and the fluid condition inspected and reported.
• Fitment matched — send us the model year, engine, drivetrain and the RPO option code or ID tag and we confirm the part before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every transmission, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, crated on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Replacing the engine at the same time: see our Cadillac used engines. Full terms are in the transmission warranty policy, and the complete catalogue is at used transmissions.

Cadillac CTS used transmissions - frequently asked questions

Which transmissions did the Cadillac CTS use?

Across 2003 to 2019 the Cadillac CTS was built with 5L40E, Aisin AY6, T-56, 6L50, 6L90 / TR-6060, 6L45 / 6L50, 8L45 / 8L90 and 8L90. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the transmission designation and option code that identifies it.

How do I identify the right transmission for my Cadillac CTS?

Four things decide it: model year, engine, drivetrain, and the option or RPO code. That code is the one most people do not have to hand and the one that settles it - on a GM vehicle it is on the glovebox or door-jamb sticker, on a Chrysler it is on the build sheet, and on a Ford it is on a tag on the case. Send us the VIN and the code and we confirm the unit before anything ships.

Will a transmission from a different year fit my Cadillac CTS?

Generation, engine and drivetrain, then say whether the car is a V. The 5L40E to 6L50 change at 2008 and the 6L50 to 8L45 change at 2016 are both absolute — nothing crosses either line.

What usually fails on these transmissions?

The 5L40E is the one that brings first-generation CTS cars in, and it is usually the 3-5 reverse clutch and the pressure control solenoid rather than a wrecked gear train — the car loses reverse or flares on an upshift before anything else. The 6L50 is a reasonable unit and what we see most is the torque converter and a wave plate failure on harder-driven cars.

What comes with a used Cadillac CTS transmission?

Every transmission is pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded and the test sheet ships in the box. The unit is matched to your VIN and option code before the order goes out, carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.