W-Body 4T60-E Transmission Problems

3.1 Liter V6 4spd Auto 4T60E


I have a 93 Grand Prix with a 4T60-E and I just changed the transmission fluid and filter and after doing so I made sure the filter gasket and filter were properly fitted and put the pan back on and topped the fluid off at the proper level. Since doing this the transmission does not want to fully go into gear when the car is cold. But, after it has had a chance to warm up for a few minutes it goes right into gear. When driving the transmission shifts through all the gears smoothly. It does not slam into gear when going to any gear from park or from one gear to another such as drive to reverse and reverse to drive. If I pull the shifter down into 1st when it’s doing this it jumps right into gear. I have a feeling this is not a clutch problem because it operates normally when it’s been running a couple of minutes, possibly a pump problem or a loose line/component where the filter is located?? Maybe I bumped something that could be causing this. Any input on this matter would be great!!

When you check the transmission oil level (engine idling, transmission hot) does the fluid appear to have foam or bubble in it?

What oil did you use to refill? Make sure the oil is rated for Dexron III service.

Did the filter tube install with any difficulty, or did it slip into position very easily?

When you check the transmission oil level (engine idling, transmission hot) does the fluid appear to have foam or bubble in it?

What oil did you use to refill? Make sure the oil is rated for Dexron III service.

Did the filter tube install with any difficulty, or did it slip into position very easily?
There are no bubbles on the dip stick. I used Mag 1 Dexron 3 fluid. I had to tap the filter tube gasket with a mallet till it was flush with the transmission and then when I installed the filter I had to use the palm of my hand to get the filter up into place so it didn't go in with ease. I already replaced the filter again incase I might have cracked something and it still has the same problem.

I was more concerned with the filter/pickup tube being loose, and allowing air to be drawn into the pump. The tight fit of the filter and lack of foam or bubbles in the fluid would seem to indicate that those are not problems. Your fluid selections should be correct, too.

There is a vacuum modulator on the front of the transmission. Make sure the vacuum line is securely attached to that, and that the line has full manifold vacuum when the engine is running (no cracks, splits, cuts, ect.).

I was more concerned with the filter/pickup tube being loose, and allowing air to be drawn into the pump. The tight fit of the filter and lack of foam or bubbles in the fluid would seem to indicate that those are not problems. Your fluid selections should be correct, too.

There is a vacuum modulator on the front of the transmission. Make sure the vacuum line is securely attached to that, and that the line has full manifold vacuum when the engine is running (no cracks, splits, cuts, ect.).
I just went and checked that and yes there is vacum and no there a no leaks.... What could it be?? The car is warm now since I've already drove it this morning and its operating as it should. But once its cold again after sitting 5 hours or more its going to do it all over again.

kielu84,

I noticed you have a similar post at Pontiac Grand Prix. Please follow AF rules for posting. We do not normally allow any multiple threads concerning the same issue across different forums.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=656832

I will allow this thread to remain open since since other AF members have replied at both forums. But in the future threads of this nature may be closed.

Send a PM to Troy1 who is our Pontiac Grand Prix/GM Tranny Advisor. He has professional tech level experience with the 4T60E and 4T65E autotransaxles.

Ok thanks. In the future I won't do that, I was just trying to better my odds of getting an answer! Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

I had the same problem with my transmission. I had to rev it up to get it going in the morning and cold mornings took longer. I ended up replacing it (well Amoco did) due to the pump seizing up and just breaking the pump shaft. It was ugly and the pump was destroyed. I saw the remains myself. A rebuild before the kind of damage I had may be worth the while. However I am far from a tranny expert, just a tranny victim.

I'm not worried about it really. My girlfriend drives it I bought her the car to get her through the winter. I have a list of vehicles to get me through, mainly all Pontiac. I'll just get some Lucas oil additive because I think the problem is the pump is warn and has lost its prime. The old fluid in the trans was thicker allowing for more pressure in the lines now that I've changed the fluid and had the trans flushed it's not flowing with as much pressure due to the newer thiner transmission fluid. I'm not an expert but I've asked some local transmission shops and a close personal friend of mine who is a mechanic in engine and transmission rebuilding and thats what he thinks.

OK so after 9 total posts in this thread, and the resultant advice, we are "not worried about it", you could have taken that direction and saved people a lot of time and thought here. This thread is done! Look back at your concerns and the advice and this is your final thought?

My guess is the neck of the filter cracked and is sucking air when it's cold....shouldn't take that much force to seat. Did you make sure the old o-ring came out before fitting the new filter? Double ringing will make them suck air too...

OK so after 9 total posts in this thread, and the resultant advice, we are "not worried about it", you could have taken that direction and saved people a lot of time and thought here. This thread is done! Look back at your concerns and the advice and this is your final thought?

Good move Shep. Not to mention another 9 helpful reply posts at Pontiac Grand Prix and one deleted thread at Buick Regal.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=656832

I'll get the last word. No further posts in this thread which includes Moderators.