GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36850 Transmission Assembling Lubricant (Transjelâ„¢)

Removal Procedure

Caution: When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the check/fill plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.


    Object Number: 71451  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
  3. Clean any dirt from around the transmission check/fill plug.
  4. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug and allow the fluid to drain.

  5. Object Number: 71457  Size: SH
  6. Support the transmission oil pan.
  7. Remove the transmission oil pan bolts.
  8. Loosely reinstall the fluid check/fill plug.
  9. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet or pry gently in order to loosen the pan.
  10. Remove the transmission oil pan.
  11. Drain the remaining fluid from the oil pan.

  12. Object Number: 71458  Size: SH

    Important: Note the position of the filter before removal to aid in installation.

  13. Grasp firmly while pulling down with a twisting motion in order to remove the filter.

  14. Object Number: 71459  Size: SH
  15. Remove the filter seal.
  16. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump; if necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.

  17. Discard the seal.
  18. Inspect the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
  19. Inspect the transmission fluid filter.
  20. Pry the metal crimping away from the top of the filter and pull apart.

    The filter may contain evidence for root cause diagnosis:

    • Clutch material
    • Bronze slivers indicating bushing wear
    • Steel particles

    Important: Remove ALL traces of old gasket material from the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces.

  21. Clean the oil pan gasket mating surfaces, on both the transmission case and the transmission oil pan, with solvent and air dry.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 71460  Size: SH
  1. Coat the new filter seal with a small amount of J 36850 or equivalent.
  2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case.
  3. Gently tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.


    Object Number: 71458  Size: SH
  4. Install the new oil filter into position as noted during removal.

  5. Object Number: 71464  Size: SH
  6. Inspect the oil pan bolts and washers to determine if the conical washers are reversed.
  7. • Reuse the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are NOT reversed (1).
    • Replace the oil pan bolts and washers if the conical washers are reversed (2).

    Object Number: 71457  Size: SH
  8. Install the new oil pan gasket to the oil pan sealing surface.
  9. Position the oil pan to the transmission case and support the oil pan.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the oil pan bolts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission oil pan bolts alternately and evenly to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


    Object Number: 71451  Size: SH
  13. Remove the transmission fluid check/fill plug.
  14. Fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III automatic transmission fluid through the check/fill plug hole until fluid begins to pour out, then install the check/fill plug hand-tight.
  15. Complete filling the transmission with fluid to the proper level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
  16. Tighten the transmission fluid check/fill plug.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission fluid check/fill plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft)

  18. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.