Draining (Transmission)
Note. A small amount of clutch material in the bottom of the transmission oil pan is a normal condition and is consistent with normal transmission wear. The bottom of the oil pan is equipped with a magnet that will collect minute metal filings. However, if large amounts of clutch material, metal shavings or other foreign matter are present, transmission disassembly and inspection is indicated.
- Remove the fluid level indicator. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle. Remove the front propeller shaft. Remove the 4 nuts and the 4 bolts from the front differential pinion flange (4WD models).
- Separate the pinion flange yoke from the front differential pinion flange (4WD models). Position and support the transfer case to the front differential propeller shaft away from the transmission oil pan. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the transmission drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug in order to allow the transmission oil pan to drain. Remove the 14 transmission oil pan bolts from the transmission oil pan. Remove the transmission oil pan and the gasket from the transmission.
- Remove the solenoid harness. Remove the following items from the valve body: 6 bolts (1). Fluid filter screen (2). Fluid filter gasket. Fluid filter spacer. Fluid filter spacer gasket. (Scheme 28)
- Clean the fluid filter screen with solvent and air dry. Clean the transmission oil pan with solvent and air dry. Clean the oil pan magnets with solvent and air dry.
- Clean the transmission oil pan. Clean the fluid filter screen gasket mating surfaces Inspect the fluid filter screen for tears or other damage. Replace as necessary.
Refilling (Transmission)
- Install a new fluid filter screen gasket and fluid filter screen (2) to the valve body. (Scheme 28) Secure the fluid filter screen (2) to the valve body with the 6 bolts (1). Tighten the fluid filter screen bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-138344-S41140421742002040800000).
- Install the solenoid harness. Ensure the filler tube is properly connected when installing the transmission pan. Install the new transmission oil pan gasket and the transmission oil pan to the transmission. Tighten the 14 transmission oil pan bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-138344-S41140421742002040800000).
- Install the transmission drain plug (1) into the transmission pan and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-138344-S41140421742002040800000). Install the pinion flange yoke at the front differential pinion flange (4WD models). Install the propeller shaft into the vehicle.
- Refill the transmission as necessary through the filler tube with vehicle on a level surface. Fill with appropriate fluid to proper level. See «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS»(ref-138344-S18771389982002040800000) and «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL & CONDITION»(ref-138344-S14269755672002040800000).
- Install the fluid level indicator into the fluid filler tube. Apply the parking brake and block the vehicle wheels.
- With the selector lever in the PARK position, start the engine. Run the engine at idle speed. DO NOT race the engine.
- Move the selector lever through each range and return the selector lever to the PARK position. While the engine is running at idle, remove the fluid level indicator from the filler tube and wipe the indicator off.
- Reinsert the fluid level indicator into the filler tube making sure it is seated in its original position.
- Remove the indicator and check the fluid level. The level should be between the FULL HOT and the LOW HOT marks. If the level is below the LOW HOT mark, add fluid to bring the level to the FULL HOT mark.
- Bringing the fluid level from the LOW HOT mark to the FULL HOT mark requires 0.3 qts. (.3L) of fluid. Conduct a road test and recheck the transmission level.
Scheme 28
Draining & Refilling (Transfer Case)
Remove fill and drain plugs from transfer case. After fluid has drained, reinstall drain plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Fill transfer case with appropriate fluid to proper level. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and CHECKING FLUID LEVEL & CONDITION . Install transfer case fill plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
OIL COOLER FLUSHING
| CAUTION | Flushing Solution (J-35944-22) is environmentally safe, yet powerful enough to cut through transmission fluid to dislodge any contaminants from the cooler. The safety precautions on the label regarding potential skin and eye irritations associated with prolonged exposure are typical precautions that apply to many similar cleaning solutions. It should be noted that according to General Motors, use of other non-approved fluids for cooler flushing can have an adverse reaction to the seals inside the transmission. |
| CAUTION | Do not use solutions that contain alcohol or glycol. Use of solutions that contain alcohol or glycol may damage flushing equipment, oil cooler components and/or transmission components. |
Note. GM studies indicate that plugged or restricted transmission oil coolers and pipes cause insufficient transmission lubrication and elevated operating temperatures which can lead to premature transmission wear-out. Many cases could have been prevented by following published procedures for transmission oil cooler flushing and flow checking. This procedure includes flushing and flow checking the auxiliary oil cooler, if equipped. GM requires that oil cooler flushing and flow checking be performed whenever a transmission is removed from the vehicle for service within warranty, including: Goodwin, SWAT, major overhaul, torque converter replacement and oil pump replacement.
Initial Flush
- Turn the transmission oil cooler and line flusher water supply valve (1) to the ON position and allow water to flow through the oil cooler and pipes for 10 seconds to remove any remaining transmission fluid. (Scheme 29) 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.
- Turn the transmission oil cooler and line flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position and clip the discharge hose (5) onto an appropriate container with a lid, to avoid splashback. (Scheme 30) Turn the transmission oil cooler and line flusher water supply valve (1) to the ON position and depress the trigger (8) to mix cooler flushing solution into the water flow. see scheme 3 Use the clip provided on the handle to hold the trigger (8) down. The discharge will foam vigorously when the solution is introduced into the water stream.
- Flush the oil cooler and pipes with water and solution for 2 minutes. During this flush, attach the shop air supply of 120 psi to the flushing system feed air valve (2) located on the transmission oil cooler and line flusher for 3-5 seconds at the end of every 15-20 second interval to create a surging action.
- Release the trigger (8) and turn the transmission oil cooler and line flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position.
Scheme 29
Scheme 30
Back Flush
- Disconnect both hoses from the oil cooler pipes and then connect them to the opposite oil cooler pipe. This will allow the oil cooler and pipes to be back flushed. Repeat steps 2 and 3 of the INITIAL FLUSH procedure. Release the trigger (8) of the transmission oil cooler and line flusher and allow water only to rinse the oil cooler and pipes for one minute.
- Turn the transmission oil cooler and line flusher water supply valve (1) to the OFF position and turn OFF the water supply at the faucet. see scheme 4 Attach the shop air supply to the flushing system feed air valve (2) on the transmission oil cooler and line flusher, and blow out the water from the oil cooler and pipes. Continue until no water comes out of the discharge hose (5).