The Hydra-Matic 6T80 (production code MHM) is a six-speed automatic transmission produced by General Motors for use in front-wheel-drive vehicles with a transverse powertrain orientation. Developed in-house by General Motors, the Hydra-Matic 6T80 is part of the 6TXX family of transmissions that succeeded the 5TXX family. The 6T80 is the most capable and robust transmission of the 6TXX series, including the GM’s 6T75, 6T70, 6T50, 6T45, 6T40, and 6T30 gearboxes.
The Hydra-Matic 6T80 (MHM) is part of GM’s family of technically advanced, fuel-saving six-speed automatics designed to optimize efficiency while delivering exceptional smoothness and performance. This high-capacity version is used exclusively with the Cadillac XTS Twin-Turbo, which is rated at 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 lb.-ft. of torque (500 Nm).
A wide overall ratio spread of 6.04:1 allows a steep first gear, as well as a “tall” overdrive top gear for low-rpm highway cruising. Acceleration and fuel economy are maximized, while engine noise is reduced during cruising. Because of the wide ratio spread, first gear is a very high ratio, which provides brisk acceleration from a stop. Sixth, however, is an overdrive ratio, which keeps the engine revolutions as low as possible for highway cruising, reducing engine friction losses and improving fuel economy.
On-Axis Design
Instead of “folding” the transmission around the end of a transversely mounted engine, the 6T80 contains all of the gearing in line with the crankshaft centerline of the engine. This translates to a shorter overall vehicle length, more interior room and lower powertrain height.
Clutch-To-Clutch Shift Operations
Three planetary gearsets are used with three stationary clutches and two rotating clutches, which save space compared to freewheeling designs. Freewheeling mechanisms allow perfect timing between shifts, but require more space components. The electronic controls of the clutch-to-clutch concept in the 6T80 deliver the same accurate shift timing.
Gears change from second to sixth gear ratios with a precise clutch-to-clutch action, where the clutch is engaged in one gear at exactly the same time it is released in another. The first-to-second upshift is a freewheeling action, where the second gear clutch engages while the first gear one-way clutch spins freely. This allows a greater degree of smoothness at lower vehicle speeds.
Adaptive Shift Controls
Adaptive shift controls include automatic grade braking, which commands the transmission to remain in a lower gear if the vehicle is decelerating or coasting on a downgrade. This takes advantage of engine braking to prevent unwanted acceleration and reduces the need to brake during a hill descent. The control module receives input that monitors brake pedal usage, vehicle acceleration, throttle position, and whether a trailer is connected to the vehicle.
Compact Dimensions
State-of-the-art dimensions enable spacious packaging and enhance potential safety design opportunities. In addition, styling opportunities for lower hood lines are also enabled by the compact dimensions of the 6T80.
Space-Saving Hyper-Elliptical Torque Converter
The 246 mm torque converter in the 6T80 uses a 258-mm single-plate lock-up clutch and features a “hyper-elliptical” oval cross-section shape. This reduces the thickness of the torque converter, reducing the space it needs and keeping the overall width of the engine and transmission as narrow as possible, for packaging advantages. The single-plate lock-up clutch uses GM’s electronically controlled capacity clutch (ECCC) technology to help dampen engine vibrations and ensure smooth operation.
Vane-Type Variable-Capacity Pump
A chain-driven, off-axis fluid pump provides hydraulic pressure for the shift events and lubrication. The pump features vanes that can vary its output, optimizing the amount of energy the pump needs to operate.
Ground And Honed Gears
To minimize gear noise as well as vibration, the transmissions’ helical gears are ground and honed to ensure exact dimensions and tolerances. With closer tolerances, the gears are less prone to characteristic whining or humming, and the transmissions operate with exceptional quietness.
Maintenance
The 6T80 is filled for life with DEXRON®-VI premium fluid, which does not require changing under normal use. It was developed for a more consistent viscosity profile, a consistent shift performance in extreme conditions and less degradation over time.
Transmission Control Module
A 32-bit transmission control module (TCM) monitors transmission performance and compensates for normal wear in components such as clutch plates, so that performance remains consistent for the life of the transmission. The control module also “tests” components to optimize their interaction. The TCM is mounted inside the transmission, where temperatures remain mostly constant compared to an external-mounted module.
TECHM
The 6T80’s transmission electronic hydraulic control module TECHm contains basic software and algorithms shared among all Hydra-Matic six-speed variants, including RWD, FWD and AWD. Located inside the transmission, the module reduces manufacturing complexity and requires only vehicle-specification calibration to the core program. TECHM also enables manual shift control and grade logic.
Type: | Six speed all-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch |
Engine range: | 3.6L |
Maximum engine torque | 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) |
Maximum gearbox torque (all gears): | 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) |
Gear Ratios | |
First: | 4.484 |
Second | 2.872 |
Third: | 1.842 |
Fourth: | 1.414 |
Fifth: | 1.000 |
Sixth: | 0.742 |
Reverse: | 2.882 |
Final Drive Ratio: | 3.160 |
Maximum Input Speed | |
Rev: | 5000 rpm |
1-2: | 7000 rpm |
2-3: | 7000 rpm |
3-4: | 7000 rpm |
4-5: | 7000 rpm |
5-6: | 7000 rpm |
Maximum validated gross vehicle weight: | 2930 kg (6460 lbs) |
Shifter Positions: | P, R, N, D, M, (DSC+/-) & L (MU/MD) |
Case material: | Die cast aluminum |
Shift pattern: | 6 Variable Flow Solenoids |
Shift quality: | 6 Variable Flow Solenoids |
Torque converter clutch: | Variable Flow Solenoid |
Converter size: | 246 mm (diameter of torque converter turbine) |
Fluid type: | DEXRON VI; 9986153; Spec: GMN10060 |
Transmission weight (wet): | 104.4 – 104.7 kg (320.16 – 230.82 lbs) |
Fluid capacity (approximate): | 9.0L (9.5 qt) |
Bottom pan removal: | No |
Pressure taps available: | Line Pressure |
Transfer design: | Three-axis design |
Assembly sites: | Warren, Michigan |
Vehicle | Engine |
---|---|
Cadillac XTS VSport | 3.6L V6 LF3 Twin Turbo |