GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Sun Runner - 4WD (Canada) 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Automatic Transmission - 4 Speed-M41 🢒 Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 166185 Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Important: Removal of the propeller shaft from the transfer case will result in fluid loss in four-wheel drive models.

  2. Place an index mark (reference mark) (1) on the propeller shaft pinion flange and the front differential pinion flange of the transfer case to front differential propeller shaft (four-wheel drive models).
  3. Remove the four nuts and the four bolts from the front differential pinion flange (four-wheel drive models).
  4. Separate the pinion flange yoke from the front differential pinion flange (four-wheel drive models).
  5. Position and support the transfer case to the front differential propeller shaft away from the transmission fluid pan.

    6. Object Number: 166191 Size: SH
  6. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the transmission drain plug (1).
  7. Remove the drain plug in order to allow the transmission fluid pan (2) to drain.

    8. Object Number: 203313 Size: SH
  8. Remove the fourteen transmission fluid pan bolts from the transmission fluid pan.
  9. Remove the transmission fluid pan and the gasket from the transmission.
  10. Remove the four fluid pipes in the following order: 7, 6, 4 and then 8.
  11. Remove the following items from the valve body:
    12. •  The six bolts (1)
    • The fluid filter screen (2)
    • The fluid filter gasket
    • The fluid filter spacer
    • The fluid filter spacer gasket

    Important: A small amount of clutch material in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan is a normal condition and is consistent with normal transmission wear. The bottom of the fluid pan is equipped with a magnet that will collect minute metal filings. However, if large amounts of clutch material, metal shavings or other foreign matter are present, transmission disassembly and inspection is indicated.

  12. Clean the fluid filter screen with solvent and air dry.
  13. Clean the transmission fluid pan with solvent and air dry.
  14. Clean the fluid pan magnets with solvent and air dry.
  15. Clean the transmission fluid pan.
  16. Clean the fluid filter screen gasket mating surfaces
  17. Inspect the fluid filter screen for tears or other damage. Replace as necessary.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 203313 Size: SH
  1. Install a new fluid filter screen gasket and fluid filter screen (2) to the valve body.

    2. 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.

  2. Secure the fluid filter screen (2) to the valve body with the six bolts (1).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the fluid filter screen bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

  3. Install the four fluid pipes in the following order: 8, 4, 6 and then 7.

    4. Important: Ensure the filler tube is properly connected when installing the transmission pan.

  4. Install the new transmission fluid pan gasket and the transmission fluid pan to the transmission.
  5. Secure the transmission fluid pan with the fourteen bolts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission fluid pan bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).


    Object Number: 166191 Size: SH
  6. Install the transmission drain plug (1) into the transmission.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission drain plug to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  7. Install the propeller shaft into the vehicle aligning the index marks made during the front propeller shaft removal (four-wheel drive models).
  8. Secure the front propeller shaft with four bolts and four nuts.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the front propeller shaft bolts and nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  9. Lower the vehicle.

    10. Object Number: 166041 Size: SH
  10. Refill the transmission as necessary using the following steps:
    11. 10.1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
    10.2. Remove the fluid level indicator.
    10.3. Add approximately 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts) of Dexron®-III automatic transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or the equivalent, into the fluid filler tube.
    10.4. Install the fluid level indicator into the fluid filler tube.
    10.5. Apply the parking brake and block the vehicle wheels.
    10.6. With the selector lever in the PARK position, start the engine. DO NOT race the engine.
    10.7. Run the engine at idle speed.
    10.8. Move the selector lever through each range and return the selector lever to the PARK position.
    10.9. While the engine is running at idle remove the fluid level indicator from the filler tube and wipe the indicator off.
    10.10. Reinsert the fluid level indicator into the filler tube making sure it is seated in its original position.
    10.11. Remove the indicator and check the fluid level. The level should be between the FULL HOT (2) and the LOW HOT (3) marks. If the level is below the LOW HOT mark, add fluid to bring the level to the FULL HOT mark. Bringing the fluid level from the LOW HOT mark to the FULL HOT mark requires 0.3 liters (0.3 quarts) of fluid. Use Dexron®-III automatic transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or the equivalent.
    10.12. Conduct a road test and check the transmission level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in this section.