4L60-E/4L65-E/4L70-E Automatic Transmission/Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder, Water in Transmission (Repair Transmission and Seal Cowl Area)

This bulletin is being revised to add additional model years, the 4L70-E transmission and clarify usage of Labor Operation B9758. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-07-30-017A (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).

Some customers may comment on a shudder condition at approximately 64-80 km/h (40-50 mph) when the TCC engages.

This condition may be caused by water in the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Water may enter the transmission by dripping from the cowl area onto the handle of the transmission fluid level indicator.

Indications of water in the ATF may include:

Important: For vehicles suspected of having a leaking transmission oil cooler that would cause contamination of the transmission fluid with coolant, the following check should be performed before deciding to replace the radiator.

Two steps are required to repair the vehicle. First, repair the transmission and second, seal the cowl area to prevent repeat water contamination of the ATF. This bulletin is focused on repairing the second step.

Transmission Repair

Important: If water or coolant is found in the transmission, the following steps must be performed:

1. Remove the transmission. Refer to the appropriate SI procedure.
2. Disassemble and inspect the transmission. Refer to Unit Repair Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E or 4L70-E.

Important: If water or coolant is found in the transmission, the following components MUST be replaced.

Seal the Cowl

1. Open the hood and install fender covers.



2. Remove both air inlet grille caps by pulling up on the caps.
3. Loosen the sheet metal screws, one on each end of the air inlet grille panel.



4. Remove the four attaching clips running along the edges of the center air inlet grille panel.
5. Measure and cut a piece of 7/64 inch hose, P/N 14033569 or equivalent, 1.27 meters (50 inch) long.
6. With an appropriate sharp cutting tool, cut down the center of the hose, splitting the hose into a C shape, allowing the hose to be installed over the cowl seam.
7. Apply a thin layer of Weather-strip Adhesive, P/N 12345097 (in Canada use 10953479) or equivalent, into the center of the cut hose.
8. Lift up on the air inlet grille panel in order to expose the cowl area metal edge.



9. Place the 7/64 inch hose over the cowl metal edge between the two inner fender brace bolts. Make sure that the hose is long enough to be retained by the two most outer air inlet retaining clips.
10. Push back, towards the windshield, on the air inlet grille and install the four retaining clips.
11. Push back, towards the windshield, on the air inlet grille and tighten the end screws.

Tighten
Tighten the sheet metal screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

12. Install the two air inlet grille end caps.
13. Close the hood.
14. Place the vehicle in an area that a water test can be performed.
15. Turn OFF the vehicle.
16. Open the hood.
17. Place a shop rag over the top of the transmission dipstick.
18. Close the hood.
19. Spray and/or run water over the windshield and cowl area for three minutes.
20. Open the hood.
21. Inspect the shop rag for signs of water leaking on top of the transmission dipstick area.

•	If NO water is present, close the hood and NO additional repairs are required.

•	If water IS present, repeat steps 1-20.

Important: 

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: