Automatic Transaxle Servicing: Maintenance Oldsmobile Cutlass VI

SERVICE INTERVALS

Note. Driver Information Display CHANGE TRANS FLUID message may be displayed on some models. If CHANGE TRANS FLUID message is displayed, see DRAINING & REFILLING procedure. To reset message, press and hold OFF and REAR DEFOG buttons until TRANS FLUID RESET appears in Information Center (5-20 seconds).

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 greater than 90°F (32°C) or delivery service), fluid and filter should be changed every 50,000 miles.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

Note. The 4T40-E transmission is not equipped with a dipstick.

Scheme 9

1. Fluid level must be checked with transmission fluid at normal operating temperature. To obtain proper temperature, do the following: Idle vehicle for 3-5 minutes. Shift into each gear position, holding in each position for 3 seconds.
2. Place gear selector in "P" position. Leave engine running. Raise and support vehicle. Place oil drain pan below oil check plug. Oil check plug is located in center of transaxle above pan rail, on torque converter side. (Scheme 9) Remove oil check plug.
3. Oil level should be level with bottom of oil check plug hole. If fluid does not drain from hole, add appropriate fluid until fluid starts to pour from hole. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-61368-S08331794462001100200000). Tighten oil check plug to 124 INCH lbs. (14.0 N.m).

RECOMMENDED FLUID

Use only Dexron-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

DRAINING & REFILLING

Note. If oil pan bolts are equipped with conical washers, DO NOT reuse bolts if conical washers have become reversed. (Scheme 10)

Scheme 10

1. Raise and support vehicle. Place appropriate size drain pan under transmission oil pan. Remove transmission oil pan front and side bolts only. Loosen rear bolts about 4 turns each.
2. Using screwdriver, carefully pry pan loose. Allow fluid to drain. Remove remaining bolts and oil pan. Discard old pan gasket. Remove filter and "O" ring or sleeve-type seal. Remove any remaining gasket material on transmission case.
3. Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen (if metal) with solvent, 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.
4. Install filter assembly into pick-up tube recess. Install oil pan using NEW gasket and tighten oil pan bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-61368-S10290801492001100200000) . Add required amount of fluid to transmission through filler tube or fill hole.
5. Start engine with gearshift lever in Park and parking brake applied. Check fluid level. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL»(ref-61368-S02540018042001100200000) . Add appropriate fluid as necessary. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-61368-S08331794462001100200000) . DO NOT overfill.