PAINT FLAKES IN TRANS. FLUID CORRODED FILL TUBES

TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS: SUBJECT: ------------------------- ------- 1988 THM 125C EVIDENCE OF PAINT FLAKES AND/OR 1988 THM 440-T4 CORRODED FILL TUBES AND FLUID LEVEL INDICATORS

TRANSMISSION MODELS: VEHICLE APPLICATIONS: ------------------- -------------------- THM 125C: BHC, BJC 1988 A,C,E,H AND N CARS THM 440-T4: BJH, BKH,BTH BRH,BYH,CFH,CMH,CWH,CXH,FBH FCH,FJH,FSH

Bulletin Covers:

Black paint flakes may be found in the transaxle fluid, bottom pan, fluid level indicator and filter assembly as the result of paint peeling from inside the transaxle fill tube. After the paint peels the unprotected areas of the fill tubes can corrode (interior and exterior), leaving corrosion on the fluid level indicator and the fill tube.

The fill tube paints used on the interior and exterior of the tube may not withstand temperatures over 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Transaxle durability should not be affected in vehicles equipped with these fill tubes, but paint flakes can cause filter clogging over a period of time.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE:

The suspect fill tubes may be found in the following vehicles produced between S.O.P. 1988 and October 17, 1987 (Julian Date 289):

A and H cars - THM 440-T4 and 3.8L Engine C and E cars - THM 440-T4 and 3800 Engine N cars - THM 125C and 3.0L Engine

SERVICE ACTION:

If vehicles are found with flaking paint fill tubes they should be changed along with Transaxle Fluid, Filter, Fill Tube and Fluid Level Indicator.

Use Labour Code T5180 (Labour Hours .9).

SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:

Refer to the On-Car Section of your Service Manual whenever service of the Fluid Level Indicator and Fill Tube is necessary.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.