GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36850 Transmission Assembly Lubricant

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the transaxle fluid pan.
  4. Allow the transaxle to cool, if necessary. Remove the transaxle drain plug (2) from the transaxle fluid pan.
  5. Drain the transaxle fluid.


    Object Number: 242982  Size: SH
  6. Remove the following components from the transaxle:
  7. • The 18 bolts
    • The fluid pan
    • The fluid pan gasket

    Object Number: 179559  Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the direct clutch (2) and the second brake solenoid (1) electrical connectors from the direct clutch and second brake solenoids.

  9. Object Number: 179560  Size: SH
  10. Remove the forward clutch accumulator and the second brake fluid pipes (1,2) from the lower valve body.
  11. Remove the throttle valve (TV) cable from the throttle valve cam.

  12. Object Number: 179561  Size: SH
  13. Remove the 6 bolts (2) and the fluid filter screen from the lower valve body (1).
  14. Remove 11 bolts and the valve body from the transaxle.

  15. Object Number: 179562  Size: SH
  16. Cover the accumulator bores with a cloth.
  17. Slowly apply low pressure compressed air into the fluid pressure package in order to remove the forward clutch (1) and the second brake (2) accumulators from the transaxle case.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Torque sequence and specification is very important to valve body operation. If bolts are tightened at random, valve bores may become distorted and inhibit valve operation. Make sure all parts are thoroughly cleaned and free of damage prior to installation.

    Notice: When installing valve body to case, make sure accumulators and springs are in their correct positions and all valve body bolts are installed according to length and position. All bolts should be hand-tightened only. Do not use air powered tools when installing the valve body.

  1. Apply J 36850 to the forward clutch and the second brake accumulator seals.
  2. Install the forward clutch and the second brake accumulators in their respective case bores.

  3. Object Number: 179568  Size: SH

    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.

  4. Install the valve body assembly to the transaxle case aligning the manual valve (2) with the shift lever pin (1). Secure the assembly with 2 valve body reamer bolts (4,5) and with 9 valve body bolts (6,7,8).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the 11 bolts in a diagonal pattern as shown in the figure to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  6. Install the fluid filter screen to the lower valve body (1). Secure with 6 bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the fluid filter screen bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  8. Install the TV cable to the throttle valve cam.
  9. Install the forward clutch accumulator and the second brake fluid pipes (1,2) into the lower valve body making sure the pipes are securely seated.

  10. Object Number: 179559  Size: SH
  11. Install the direct clutch (2) and the second brake solenoid (1) electrical connectors.
  12. Install the new fluid pan gasket, the fluid pan to the transaxle. Secure the items with 18 bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle fluid pan bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

  14. Apply GM P/N 12346004, or the equivalent, to the threaded portion of the transaxle drain plug.

  15. Object Number: 242982  Size: SH
  16. Install the transaxle drain plug (2) into the transaxle fluid pan (1).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  18. Remove the drain pan.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Connect the negative (-) battery cable.
  21. Refill the transaxle as necessary. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .