IDENTIFICATION
The manufacturer has developed a system to functionally describe its transmissions and transaxles. The designations indicate number of speeds, type, series and major features. (Scheme 152) Also see appropriate table below.
| Manufacturer & Model | Body | Transaxle(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buick | |||
| LeSabre | "H" | 4T60-E | |
| Park Avenue | "C" | 4T60-E | |
| Regal | "W" | 4T60-E | |
| Riviera | "G" | 4T60-E | |
| Chevrolet | |||
| Beretta | "L" | 3T40 & 4T60-E | |
| Corsica | "L" | 3T40 & 4T60-E | |
| Lumina | "W" | 4T60-E | |
| Monte Carlo | "W" | 4T60-E | |
| Oldsmobile | |||
| Cutlass Supreme | "W" | 4T60-E | |
| Eighty Eight | "H" | 4T60-E | |
| Ninety Eight | "C" | 4T60-E | |
| Pontiac | |||
| Bonneville | "H" | 4T60-E | |
| Grand Prix | "W" | 3T40 & 4T60-E | |
FWD AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE APPLICATIONS
Scheme 152
SERVICE INTERVALS
Check transmission fluid level at every engine oil change. Transmission fluid should not be changed under normal operating conditions. Under continuous extreme operating conditions (trailer towing, heavy city traffic with ambient temperature more than 90°F (32°C) or delivery service), fluid and filter should be changed every 50,000 miles.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
- Start engine. Operate vehicle for at least 15 minutes or until operating temperature is reached. With engine at curb idle and vehicle on level ground, move gear selector lever through all ranges, ending in Park.
- Remove transmission dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert into filler tube. Remove dipstick again, and inspect fluid level. Fluid level should be between ADD 1 PT. OR .5L mark and FULL HOT mark on dipstick.
| CAUTION | If vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time at high speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or if vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be made until vehicle has been parked and ATF is allowed to cool about 30 minutes. |
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use only Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
FLUID CAPACITIES
| Application | Drain & Refill Qts. (L) (2) | Overhaul Qts. (L) |
|---|---|---|
| 3T40 | 4.0 (3.8) | 7.0 (6.6) |
| 4T60-E | 7.4 (7.0) | 10.0 (9.5) |
| (1) Fluid capacities listed are approximate. Always fill to the FULL mark. (2) Drain and refill capacity does not include the torque converter. | ||
| (1) |
| (2) |
FLUID CAPACITIES (1)
DRAINING & REFILLING
Note. If oil pan bolts are equipped with conical washers, DO NOT re-use bolts if conical washers have become reversed. (Scheme 153)
Scheme 153
- Raise vehicle, and place large drain pan under transmission oil pan. Remove transmission oil pan front and side bolts only. Loosen rear bolts about 4 turns each.
- Carefully pry pan loose using screwdriver. Allow fluid to drain. Remove remaining bolts, and remove oil pan. Discard old pan gasket. Remove filter and "O" ring or sleeve-type seal. Remove any remaining gasket material on transmission case.
- Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen (if metal) with solvent, and then dry using compressed air. Replace paper filter (if equipped). Install NEW "O" ring on pick-up tube or NEW sleeve into pick-up tube recess. Lubricate with clean oil before installation.
- Install filter assembly into pick-up tube recess. Install oil pan using NEW gasket, and tighten pan bolts to specification. See «OIL PAN BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/buick/lesabre/vii-1992-1999/remont/automatic-trans/#servicing-at) . Add required amount of fluid to transmission through filler tube.
- Start engine with gear selector lever in Park and parking brake applied. Engage transmission in each gear, ending in Park. Check fluid level with engine warm. Add fluid if necessary. DO NOT overfill.
| Transmission | INCH Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|
| 3T40 | 124 (14) |
| 4T60-E | 150 (17) |
OIL PAN BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
THROTTLE VALVE (T.V.) CABLE (3T40 ONLY)
- Turn ignition off. Press and hold metal readjust tab on cable adjuster at cable support bracket on engine. (Scheme 154) Pull cable housing away from throttle lever until housing stops and is completely against adjuster. Release readjust tab.
- Manually rotate throttle lever to its full throttle position. Ensure slider moves (ratchets) toward lever when lever is rotated to its full throttle position. Check cable for sticking and binding.
Scheme 154
SHIFT CABLE (FWD)
| WARNING | Adjust shift cable so engine will start in Park or Neutral only. Misadjusted shift linkage could cause clutch and/or band failure in transmission. |
Note. Most FWD vehicles are equipped with a self-adjusting shift cable.
Place gear selector lever in Neutral. Lift or press lock button on cable adjuster at transaxle mounting bracket. (Scheme 155) Place transaxle lever in Neutral detent. Push down or release lock button.
Scheme 155
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
Note. Adjust switch so engine will start in Park or Neutral only.
- Neutral safety switches come in one of 2 different types. (Scheme 156) Ensure shift cable is adjusted. To adjust switch, place gear selector lever in Neutral.
- Place transaxle lever in Neutral detent. Loosen switch attaching screws. Rotate switch on shifter assembly to align adjustment hole with carrier tang hole.
- Insert a.094" (2.4 mm) wire gauge about 5/8" into switch holes. Tighten attaching screws. Remove wire gauge. New switches may have a plastic pin installed in hole. Plastic pin is designed to shear off during shift lever operation.
Scheme 156
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH BRAKE SWITCH
Ensure torque converter clutch brake switch is adjusted to prevent vehicle from stalling at idle due to clutch remaining applied. Ensure brake pedal is fully released. Adjust switch until switch plunger just touches brake pedal lever.
See also:
• OIL PAN BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS