GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle and support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the transmission bottom pan in order to catch the fluid.
  3. Important: Removing the bottom pan on the HYDRAMATIC 4T80-E only partially drains the transaxle fluid. The side cover and the torque converter hold the remaining fluid. To drain fluid from the side cover, remove the drain plug in the case after bottom pan removal. There is no need to drain the torque converter during most service procedures.

  4. Loosen the bottom pan bolts. Drain any fluid in the pan.

  5. Object Number: 97463  Size: SH
  6. Remove the bottom pan bolts, the pan, and the seal.
  7. Inspect the bottom pan for dents or nicks on the sealing surface. If damaged, replace.
  8. Important: The bottom pan seal is not reusable. Replace with a new seal after removing the bottom pan for any service.

  9. For proper sealing, clean and dry the bottom pan and the case sealing surfaces. In order to maintain proper bolt torque, the bolts and tapped holes in the case must be clean and dry.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 97463  Size: SH
  1. Install the bottom pan, new seal, and bolts. Finger-tighten the bolts.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 15495  Size: SH
  3. Tighten the pan bolts 3 times to the proper specification, in the sequence shown.
  4. Tighten

    1. 1st Time: Tighten the pan bolts to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
    2. 2nd Time: Tighten the pan bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).
    3. 3rd Time: Tighten the pan bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Add DEXRON-III transmission fluid as required. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filter Replacement .
  7. If there was a complete fluid change, reset the transmission oil life indicator.