02 GAGT, Tranny has whining noise

When the tranny worms up, and driving at slow speeds, you can hear a whining noise from the tranny. When I shift it into 1st or 2nd, it doesn't seem to make the noise. When it's in 3rd or D, the whine changes with the speed. Once going fast enough you don't really notice it. I noticed it because we have to move and we were driving around looking for houses with the music off or low and that's when I heard it. It's getting louder. Is it just the filter and oil that needs changed. I read about a year ago on how to check the level, but I don't remember exactly where the check plug is. I wish it just had a dipstick to check it. I just went over 50,000 miles. I'm guessing it's time to change the oil. But I wondering if that's all that the noise is or not.

Heres the link to check ATF level on the 4T40/45E tranny:

http://www.quality-trans.com/faq/faq8.htm#41

Thank you for that link. Just what I needed to figure out how to check it.
Any idea about the noise? Is it just that it needs the fluid and filter changed?
Thanks again.

Thank you for that link. Just what I needed to figure out how to check it.
Any idea about the noise? Is it just that it needs the fluid and filter changed?
Thanks again.

I'd do a pan drop service. Change the screen filter and put in new quality Dextron-III ATF like Castrol and then see whether the noise is still there. Normally when you get a whining sound with no noticeable mechanical problems like clunking yet the shifting is good it indicates that high line pressure has been commanded therefore you get whining. If it persists then you might consider getting it scanned with a trans. capable scanner and see if any DTC error codes are stored such as P1811. This code will trigger high line pressure but not a SES/CEL light. A flaky pressure control solenoid (PCS) in the valve body can cause whining.

I believe I have read that it's normal for the tranny to feel like it slips when you are stopped and start to go? Does this sound correct? I read that to take care of this was to shift to 1st when taking off (for racing). I guess to prevent this (when not racing), seems to just take off slower. Dose this sound normal? I tend to have a bit of a lead foot and take off quickly most of the time. I hate that feeling when it feels like it slips when I take off. But isn't it when it's in 1 & 2 that it has a higher line pressure? It doesn’t seem to make the noise in 1 & 2. Just in 3 & D. I'll check into changing the filter and fluid.
Thank You.

Pump bearings fail in 4T40E/45E they make a awful whining sound. Is it louder on the drivers side?

it sounds like it is. I suppose that means I need to take it to the tranny shop for job?

Heres the link to check ATF level on the 4T40/45E tranny:

http://www.quality-trans.com/faq/faq8.htm#41

Now that it's in the air and the filter is changed and the fluid it drained, this picture on the link does not look like my tranny. There is a small plug next to the cooling lines. (other side from what the diagram shows) Other than that, I don't see the plug where it shows it.

Now that it's in the air and the filter is changed and the fluid it drained, this picture on the link does not look like my tranny. There is a small plug next to the cooling lines. (other side from what the diagram shows) Other than that, I don't see the plug where it shows it.

The pic in the link is the 4T40E which is similar to the 4T45E. Check your SPID label located on the back of the spare tire cover. On the first or second line of data you should see the RPO code MN5. This is a 4T45E. The plug is easy to miss. It is located on the passenger side of the transaxle housing extension. From underneath it is located adjacent to the oil pan drain plug to the rear. I have a '02 Alero GL2 with the 4T45E tranny and I can assure the plug is in that location. The Grand Am and Alero use the same tranny.

I see. I found it. From the diagram, I was looking on the wrong side of the shaft. The diagram confused me. I'll go fill it now and check it. But if it's the pump bearing like Troy1 says, I may need to take to the shop. Thanks again for the info.

I see. I found it. From the diagram, I was looking on the wrong side of the shaft. The diagram confused me. I'll go fill it now and check it. But if it's the pump bearing like Troy1 says, I may need to take to the shop. Thanks again for the info.


On the possible pump issue it is best to see what Troy has to say. He is a tranny tech and pretty good on GM transmissions. Good luck!

Pump bearings fail in 4T40E/45E they make a awful whining sound. Is it louder on the drivers side?

While the car was in the air and I was letting the tranny warm up, I put it in gear and I heard the noise. I got under the car and it sounded like it was more in the middle of the tranny. It seems to shift better since I changed the filter and fluid. I put the Castrol in it. I don't know if it shifts better just because the fluid and filter were changed, or if it's because of the Castrol? It doesn't seem to have that slipping feeling when I am stopped and take off. Maybe just a little, but not like it was before. While it was in the air, I could tell that it does do it in 2nd also. Just not 1st. And without the road noise, I can hear it easier @ the higher speeds. The computer doesn't like it when I do that (the service engine soon light and everything else comes on).

On the possible pump issue it is best to see what Troy has to say. He is a tranny tech and pretty good on GM transmissions. Good luck!

So I would like to here from Troy again. If you’re out there, what do you think of what I posted above about the noise again? Any idea how much it might cost to get it fixed? Is it something I could do rather than take it to a shop? Would I need any special tools? It's been a while since my automatic transmission and transaxle class when I was in the Air Force. That was years ago, and I don't have the special tools. I'm guessing the pump bearings may be easy and not too expensive? Problem is, my backup car has problems. Should have paid for the extended warranty.

Is it me and my computer or has this site ben slow lately?

So I would like to here from Troy again. If you’re out there, what do you think of what I posted above about the noise again? Any idea how much it might cost to get it fixed? Is it something I could do rather than take it to a shop? Would I need any special tools? It's been a while since my automatic transmission and transaxle class when I was in the Air Force. That was years ago, and I don't have the special tools. I'm guessing the pump bearings may be easy and not too expensive? Problem is, my backup car has problems. Should have paid for the extended warranty.

Is it me and my computer or has this site ben slow lately?

A lot of people are having problems. The AF Admin staff is working on it. Hopefully the problem gets resolved soon.

You can try sending Troy1 a PM email.

Wow, that was fast. I hit the refresh botton and in about 3 seconds it was done. I guess they fixed it. I'll send Troy a message. Thanks.

what did the fluid look like when you dropped the pan? 4T40E don't seem to have a major bearing problems like the 4T65E. The pump bearing when it goes makes a mess of the pump sometimes if its gone to far. Have you gotten it stuck or had the fluid flushed lately? Some people when they flush them dont get them full.

The fluid didn't look too bad. It was lightly brown. The magnet had the fine metalic dust on it about 1/8" thick. Didn't notice any larger metal flakes.