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Automatic Transmission, 4L60-E/4L65-E (Troubleshooting): Maintenance Chevrolet SSR I

Automatic Trans 2 illustrations ~1085 words

Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure

  1. Start the engine and operate the vehicle for 15 minutes or until the transmission fluid reaches an operating temperature of 82-93°C (180-200°F).
  2. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  3. With your foot on the brake, move the shift lever through each gear range. Pause for about 3 seconds in each range, ending in PARK.
  4. Apply the parking brake and let the engine idle for 3 minutes.
  5. Remove the transmission fluid level indicator. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator. Give the indicator a full twist in order to close.
  6. Wait 3 seconds and remove the indicator.
  7. Read both sides of the indicator. The fluid must be within the hot cross-hatched area using the lowest level reading.
StepActionYesNo
1Check the fluid color. Is the fluid red in color?Go to Step 5Go to Step 2
2Is the fluid a non-transparent pink in color?Go to Step 14Go to Step 3
3IMPORTANT: Fluid may turn a dark brown in color from normal use. This does not always indicate an oxidation or a contamination issue. Is the fluid a light brown in color?Go to Step 5Go to Step 4
4Is the fluid black in color and or have a "burnt" smell?Go to Step 14Go to Step 5
5Does the fluid appear as a solid "liquid" and not "foamy" or full of bubbles on level indicator?Go to Step 6Go to Step 6
6Check the fluid level. Proper level should be in middle of the "X" pattern, on level indicator. Is the level OK?Go to Step 19Go to Step 7
7Is the fluid level high on indicator?Go to Step 12Go to Step 8
8Is the fluid level low on indicator?Go to Step 9Go to Step 4
9Check for any external leak or leaks. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis . Did you find an external leak or leaks?Go to Step 10Go to Step 11
10Correct leak or leaks as needed. Are any leak or leaks still present?Go to Step 9Go to Step 11
11Add fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is the level OK?Go to Step 19Go to Step 6
12Drain fluid until level is in middle of "X" pattern on the level indicator. Is level OK?Go to Step 19Go to Step 6
13Replace oil cooler and flush lines. Is the replacement complete?Go to Step 15
14IMPORTANT: A small amount of "friction" material in pan bottom is a "normal" condition, but large pieces and or metal particles will require complete transmission overhaul. Drain fluid and remove oil pan to inspect.Is there sign or signs of internal component damage noted in bottom of transmission oil pan?Go to Step 16Go to Step 13
15Replace the filter and fluid. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement . Is the replacement complete?Go to Step 6
16Flush oil cooler and lines. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J 45096) or Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test (J 35944-A) . Is the Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flushing and Flow Test complete?Go to Step 17
17Overhaul the transmission. Is the Transmission Overhaul Procedure complete?Go to Step 18
18Add new fluid. Is the procedure complete?Go to Step 6
19Check the fluid level and correct as necessary. Is the fluid level satisfactory?Go to Step 20
20If equipped, reset the oil life monitor to 100 percent. Are all of the reset procedures complete?System OKGo to Step 1
IMPORTANT
Fluid may turn a dark brown in color from normal use. This does not always indicate an oxidation or a contamination issue.
IMPORTANT
A small amount of "friction" material in pan bottom is a "normal" condition, but large pieces and or metal particles will require complete transmission overhaul.

Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure

Scheme 116

Scheme 116: Line Pressure Check Procedure

Tools Required

J 21867 Pressure Gage

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Inspect the transmission for the proper fluid levels. Refer to «Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure»(ref-187857-S28294990692005090100000) .
  4. Use the scan tool to inspect for any active or stored diagnostic trouble codes.
  5. Inspect the manual linkage at the transmission for proper function.
  6. Turn the engine OFF.
  7. Remove the pressure plug.
  8. Install the J 21867 .
  9. Access the Scan Tool Output Control for the PC Solenoid.
  10. Start the engine.
  11. Begin commanding PC Solenoid at 1.0 amp and lower the amperage in one-tenth increments (0.01) until maximum line pressure is achieved.
  12. Allow the pressure to stabilize between increments.
  13. Compare your pressure readings to the Line Pressure table. Refer to «Line Pressure»(ref-187837-S20275076452005090100000) .
  14. If the pressure readings vary greatly from the line pressure table, refer to «Oil Pressure High or Low»(ref-187857-S34254914752005090100000) .
  15. Turn the engine OFF.
  16. Remove the J 21867 .
  17. Install the pressure plug. Tighten: Tighten the pressure plug to 8-14 N.m (6-10 lb ft).

Possible Points of Fluid Leaks

Transmission Oil Pan

  1. Incorrectly tightened oil pan bolts
  2. Improperly installed or damaged oil pan gasket
  3. Damaged oil pan or mounting face
  4. Incorrect oil pan gasket

Case Leak

  1. Damaged or missing fill tube seal
  2. Mislocated fill tube bracket
  3. Damaged vehicle speed sensor seal
  4. Damaged manual shaft seal
  5. Loose or damaged oil cooler connector fittings
  6. Worn or damaged propeller shaft oil seal
  7. Loose line pressure pipe plug
  8. Porous casting warped torque converter housing

Leak at the Torque Converter End

  1. Converter leak in the weld area
  2. Converter seal lip cut. Check the converter hub for damage
  3. Converter seal bushing moved forward and damaged
  4. Converter seal garter spring missing from the seal
  5. Porous casting of the transmission case or the oil pump

Leak at the Vent Pipe or the Fluid Fill Tube

  1. Overfilled system
  2. Water or coolant in the fluid. The fluid will appear milky
  3. Transmission case porous
  4. Incorrect fluid level indicator
  5. Plugged vent
  6. Drain-back holes plugged
  7. Mispositioned oil pump to case gasket, if equipped

Scheme 117

Scheme 117
CalloutComponent Name
1Wiring Harness Pass-Through Connector O-ring Seal
2Transmission Vent Assembly
3Converter Housing to Case Joint (Pump to Case Oil Seal)
4Line Pressure Plug
5Case Extension to Case Seal
6Manual Shaft Seal
7Case Extension Oil Seal Assembly
8Torque Converter Assembly
9Pump to Case Oil Seal
10Pump Oil Seal Assembly
11Internal Transmission Speed Sensor to Case O-ring Seal - Some Models
122-4 Servo Cover O-ring Seal
13Oil Fill Tube Seal
14Oil Cooler Pipe Connectors
15Transmission Case
16Transmission Oil Pan Gasket

Cooler Flow Check and Flushing Steps

  1. Machine Set-up
  2. Determine Minimum Flow Rate
  3. Back Flush
  4. Forward Flush
  5. Flow Test
  6. Code Recording Procedure
  7. Clean-up

Back Flush Procedure

  1. Connect the J 45096 adapters (1) to the vehicle's transmission oil cooler supply and return lines at the transmission, may require J 35944-200 .
  2. Connect the black supply hose (1) to the return line, top connector of the transmission, and the clear waste hose (2) to the feed line, bottom connector of the transmission, to the vehicle cooler lines. This is the reverse flow-backflush direction.
  3. Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position. Allow the machine to operate for 30 seconds.
  4. Turn the main function switch to the IDLE position and allow the supply vessel pressure to dissipate.

Forward Flush

  1. Disconnect the supply and waste hoses from the vehicle cooler lines. Reverse the supply and waste hoses to provide a normal flow direction.
  2. Turn the main function switch to the FLUSH position and allow the machine to operate for 30 seconds.

Back Flush

  1. Inspect the transmission oil cooler pipes for kinks or damage. Repair as necessary.
  2. Connect the J 35944-A to the oil cooler feed bottom connector. Use the J 35944-200 , if required.
  3. Clip the discharge hose (2) onto the oil drain container.
  4. Attach the J 35944-A to the undercarriage of the vehicle with the hook provided and connect the flushing system feed supply hose (1) from the J 35944-A to the top connector oil cooler return pipe. Use the J 35944-200 , if required.
  5. Turn the J 35944-A water supply valve (3) to the ON position and allow water to flow through the oil cooler and pipes for 10 seconds to remove any remaining transmission fluid. If water does not flow through the oil cooler and pipes, the cause of the blockage must be diagnosed and the plugged component must be repaired or replaced. Continue with the cooler flushing and flow check procedure once the blockage is corrected.
  6. Turn the J 35944-A water supply valve (3) to the OFF position and clip the discharge hose onto a 19 liter (5 gallon) pail with a lid, to avoid splashback.
  7. Turn the J 35944-A water supply valve (3) to the ON position and depress the trigger (1) to mix cooler flushing solution into the water flow. Use the clip provided on the handle to hold the trigger (1) down. The discharge will foam vigorously when the solution is introduced into the water stream.
  8. Flush the oil cooler and pipes with water and solution for 2 minutes. During this flush, attach the shop air supply 825 kPa (120 psi) to the flushing system feed air valve (2) located on the J 35944-A , for 3-5 seconds at the end of every 15-20 second interval to create a surging action.
  9. Release the trigger (1) and turn the J 35944-A water supply valve (3) to the OFF position.
  1. Disconnect both hoses (1 and 2) from the oil cooler pipes and connect them to the opposite oil cooler pipe. This will allow the oil cooler and pipes to be flushed in the normal flow direction.
  2. Repeat Step 6 and 7 of the Back Flush.
  3. Release the trigger (1) of the J 35944-A and allow water only to rinse the oil cooler and pipes for 1 minute.
  4. Turn the J 35944-A water supply valve (3) to the OFF position and turn OFF the water supply at the faucet.
  5. Attach the shop air supply to the flushing system feed air valve (2) on the J 35944-A and blow out the water from the oil cooler and pipes. Continue, until no water comes out of the discharge hose.

Whine Noise Varying with RPM or Fluid Pressure

ChecksAction
DEFINITION: In all ranges, a whine which may be sensitive to RPM load, or which ceases when the TCC engages, or which is sensitive to the oil pressure
Torque Converter (1)Verify that the noise is internal to the torque converter by placing your left foot on the brake with the gear or selector in Drive. Momentarily stall the engine. Torque Converter noise increases under load.
Oil Pump SystemVerify that the noise is internal to the oil pump during a preliminary oil pressure check. An increase in line pressure will vary an oil pump noise.

Whine Noise Varying With RPM Or Fluid Pressure