GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J-36850 Transjel Lubricant

Removal Procedure

Caution: Do NOT use any type of grease to retain parts during the assembly of this unit. Using greases other than the recommended assembly lube changes the transaxle fluid characteristics. Using greases other than the recommended assembly lube causes undesirable shift conditions and/or filter clogging. Use TRANSJEL™ J 36850 or equivalent during the assembly of this unit.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Place a drain pan under the transaxle bottom oil pan.
  3. Remove the oil pan bolts from the front.
  4. Remove the oil pan bolts from the sides.
  5. Loosen the oil pan rear bolts approximately 4 turns.
  6. Caution: Ensure care is taken NOT to damage the mating surfaces of the oil pan and of the case or oil leaks may occur.

  7. Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the oil pan or use a flat-bladed tool in order to pry the oil pan loose.
  8. Allow the fluid to drain.
  9. Remove the remaining oil pan bolts.

  10. Object Number: 164804  Size: SH
  11. Remove the oil pan (24).
  12. Remove the oil pan gasket (25).
  13. Inspect the oil pan and the filter screen for the following foreign material:
  14. • Inspect for metal particles.
    • Inspect for clutch facing material.
    • Inspect for rubber particles.
    • Inspect for engine coolant.
  15. Determine the source of the contamination if foreign material is evident.
  16. Correct the source of the contamination.

  17. Object Number: 164780  Size: SH
  18. Inspect the oil pan flange for distortion (1).
  19. Straighten the oil pan flange (1) if distorted.

  20. Object Number: 164805  Size: SH
  21. Inspect the washers on the bolts when service requires the removal of the bottom oil pan.

  22. Object Number: 164806  Size: SH
  23. Install a new bolt and washer assembly if the washer is inverted.

  24. Object Number: 13037  Size: SH
  25. Inspect the oil pan (24) for the following conditions:
  26. • A damaged sealing surface
    • A dented or cracked bottom surface
  27. Inspect the oil pan gasket (25) for the following conditions:
  28. • A bent or damaged seal core
    • A damaged rubber seal surface
  29. Inspect the oil pan magnet (26) for the following conditions:
  30. • Damage
    • Misalignment
  31. Clean the oil pan, the gasket and the magnet in order to remove any sediment.
  32. Caution: Ensure the oil pan and the case flanges are dry and are free of any oil film or leakage may result.

  33. Clean the case sealing surface and the pan sealing surface. Ensure all traces of the old gasket material are removed.
  34. Allow the case sealing surface and the pan sealing surface to dry completely.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 164804  Size: SH
  1. Install the oil pan gasket (25).
  2. Install the oil pan (24).
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  4. Install the oil pan bolts (23) and tighten to 14 N·m (10 lb ft) .
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Caution: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

  7. Adjust the fluid level. Refer to the following information:
  8. •  Transmission Fluid Check
    •  Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
    •  Approximate Fluid Capacities
  9. Inspect for fluid leaks.