What transmission does the Buick GL6 use?
3 Answers
The transmission brand of the Buick GL6 is SAIC-GM. SAIC General Motors Co., Ltd., established on June 12, 1997, is a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and General Motors Company. It has four major production bases in Pudong Jinqiao, Yantai Dongyue, Shenyang Beisheng, and Wuhan, comprising four vehicle assembly plants and two powertrain plants, making it one of the key enterprises in China's automotive industry. The Buick GL6 is equipped with the General Motors third-generation GF6 transmission. Compared to the second-generation GF6, the third-generation GF6 primarily features improvements such as support for start-stop functionality, the addition of an accumulator for start-stop systems, and the adoption of a new offset dual-action vane pump design, aluminum alloy one-way clutch, as well as optimizations to the transmission housing and hydraulic pressure control system, further enhancing fuel economy. When using the Buick GL6's transmission in daily driving, the following points should be noted: Do not delay changing the transmission oil for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles come with maintenance-free transmission oil, 'maintenance-free' does not mean it never needs to be changed. Prolonged failure to change the transmission oil can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause the transmission to overheat and may result in a noticeable jolt when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Some drivers, aiming for smoother operation, may shift into reverse gears before the vehicle has fully stopped, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and, over time, lead to gear grinding and other malfunctions. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). When facing steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or experience premature upshifting, resulting in insufficient power for climbing. In such cases, using manual mode to lock in lower gears or switching to sport mode can help protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, it should be transported using a flatbed tow truck with the vehicle in Neutral (N) and placed onto the tow platform. Using a tow rope or directly towing the vehicle is not recommended.
I heard from a friend who drives a Buick GL6, and I've also researched it myself. Its transmission is a 6-speed automatic, paired with a 1.3T engine. This setup feels quite smooth to drive, with minimal gear-shifting hesitation in city traffic, making it suitable for family MPV needs. However, it can be a bit slow to start at times, requiring a bit more throttle for quicker response. Maintenance-wise, it's important to change the transmission fluid regularly, approximately every 60,000 kilometers, otherwise, minor issues might arise, and repairs can be quite costly. Overall, this powertrain combination is quite practical and fuel-efficient, averaging around 7 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving conditions. Remember to test-drive it to feel the acceleration performance, which can help make a better purchasing decision.
Our family drives a Buick GL6 with a 1.3T engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. After driving it for over two years, we find it quite satisfactory. The gear shifts are smooth, making it hassle-free when picking up and dropping off the kids at school. On the highway, it shifts promptly when overtaking without noticeable lag, and in the city, frequent starts are jerk-free. The comfortable seats and quiet transmission make it ideal for family trips. However, there's a slight vibration during cold starts in winter, which improves after the engine warms up. Regular maintenance includes timely oil changes and electrical system checks to prevent faults and extend its lifespan. For those considering this car, I recommend test-driving it in real road conditions to see if the handling suits you, as transmission reliability affects long-term ownership costs.
