4T40E Automatic Transmission

[Matthew irvin]

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu LS it has a 4T40E automatic transmission when I put the car into drive it takes 3 to 5 seconds to engage and start to move forward under its own power what can be the cause of this and how can I fix it?

Topic

[transman304]

Check the fluid level. Kind of a pain to do but first place to start. .

[Matthew irvin]

I did I took out the level check plug and a lot of transmission fluid started to come out I took out almost 2 Quarts there was still a lot coming out but I wasn’t sure if I should let it all come out I just got the car a month ago it has 191.XXX Thousand miles on it i don’t know if the fluid or the filter has ever been charged but I’m planning on changing them in a couple of days

[transman304]

Was the car level and in park engine running. if so it is way over full.

[Matthew irvin]

Level yes in park and running no

[transman304]

1.Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
2.Apply brake
3.Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.
4.Place shift lever in Park.

Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.

5.Raise vehicle on hoist.
6.Place oil container under fluid level screw.
7.Remove the fluid with the engine running at idle.
8.Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
9.Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

10.Lower vehicle.
11.Shut off engine.

Adding Transaxle Fluid:

With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

1.Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

2.Lower vehicle.

[Matthew irvin]

Okay I’ll try that thanks

[transman304]

Let us know what you find out. Also worth mentioning on these transmissions is the bottom pan is prone to getting hit and scraped and developing leaks in that area if you are losing fluid that is where I would look closely.

[Matthew irvin]

I did everything you said to do and nothing came out so I replaced the amount I took out with some new fluid and it still looks like there’s not enough fluid on it so on Tuesday I’ll change the filter and fluid.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Transman304, happy to have you here on the forum.

I concur with his assessment. In fact, I’d say he likely knows way more than I do about those transmissions. But if I’m to hazard a guess, if the fluid is at the proper level and you’re experiencing that kind of engagement, it’s either an internal leak, a sticking valve, or a solenoid issue. I’d be more inclined to go after the first 2 options. Both would likely require transmission disassembly. If that’s the case, I would strongly urge you to go with a reman. Automatic transmission repair is not for those that aren’t familiar with it. It can get real expensive real quick if you don’t know what you’re doing.

More info on these problems here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems

Please keep us updated on your progress and good luck.

[Matthew irvin]

That’s what I’m thinking I’ll have to do is replace it I tried to see how much ETE Remanufacturing wants for one because you recommend them Eric but I was told by them that they won’t sell me one because the only work with business

But I’ll definitely keep everyone updated

[Wyr Twister]

[quote=”wwecwcw” post=156564]I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu LS it has a 4T40E automatic transmission when I put the car into drive it takes 3 to 5 seconds to engage and start to move forward under its own power what can be the cause of this and how can I fix it?[/quote]

Could you please post photos of the drain plug and the fill plug locations ?

Which engine is this ?

Thanks ,
Wyr
God bless

[Matthew irvin]

Yeah on Tuesday I’m going to change the filter and fluid I’ll take pictures and post them

The engine is the 3.1L V6 Engine with the 4T40E automatic transmission

[Wyr Twister]

We have had several Luminas with 3.1′ V-6 . Really like that engine . What ever tranny Chevy put with that engine was not as tough as the engine ( at least in a Lumina ) . Best of luck . 🙂

God bless
Wyr

[transman304]

Checking Oil Level

Oil Fill And Vent Cap – 4T40E Transaxle

This procedure has been updated by TSB # 63-71-06 dated March 1997.

Start engine and drive vehicle until the transaxle reaches operating temperature of 82-130°C (180-200°F) . This temperature is reached after about 24 km (15 miles) of driving.

NOTICE: Temperature will greatly affect transmission oil level. If the vehicle is not at normal operating temperature and the proper checking procedures are not followed, the result could be a false reading of the oil level indicator and an incorrect adjustment of the oil level.
Inaccurate oil level readings will result if the oil is checked immediately after the vehicle has been operated under certain conditions:

•In high ambient temperature above 32°C (90°F).
•At sustained high speeds.
•In heavy city traffic during hot weather.
•As a towing vehicle.
•In commercial service (taxi or police use).

If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions, shut the engine off and allow the vehicle to cool for thirty minutes. Then restart the vehicle and continue from step two.

The fluid level screw is intended to be used for diagnosing a transaxle fluid leak or resetting the transaxle fluid level after service that involves a loss of fluid.

Inspect

The fluid level should be checked when the transaxle is near Room temperature or at 40°C (104°F) .

CAUTION: Removal of the fluid level screw when the transaxle fluid is hot may cause injury. Use care to avoid contact of transaxle fluid to exhaust pipe.

The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.

WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the fluid check hole.

1.Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
2.Apply brake
3.Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.
4.Place shift lever in Park.

Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.

5.Raise vehicle on hoist.
6.Place oil container under fluid level screw.
7.Remove the fluid with the engine running at idle.
8.Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
9.Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

10.Lower vehicle.
11.Shut off engine.

Adding Transaxle Fluid:

With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

1.Install fluid level screw.

Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)

2.Lower vehicle.

Attachments:

• 78225728.gif
• 78225729.gif
• 78225730.gif

[Alex]

I realize this thread is 2+ years old and OP may never see this, but for anyone else who comes across this and may benefit as the majority of people find their answers from reading old threads rather than starting their own:

The 4T40/4T45’s utilize 2 PCM controlled shift solenoids (1-2, 2-3) for gear selection. In the ‘table’ below, the solenoid that is bold indicates an ON state.

P, R, N: 1-2, 2-3
FIRST: 1-2, 2-3
SECOND: 1-2, 2-3
THIRD: 1-2, 2-3
FOURTH: 1-2, 2-3

In the image attached, 305 indicates the two solenoids. The 1-2 solenoid sits above the 2-3 solenoid. The transmission fluid level is such that while it covers the 2-3 solenoid, it does not reach the 1-2 solenoid under normal operating conditions. As a result, the 1-2 solenoid is very prone, if not guaranteed, to burning up and causing a host of gear selection and shifting issues.

Attachments:

• 9cdb89acff84fceb1badf3e656db173c

[Author]

Replies