The GM 4L60E automatic transmission was first produced in 1992 and is found in trucks, cars and vans across GM's lineup. In light pickups it is present in the Sonoma and S-10. The 4L60E transmission became the 4L65E in 2001 when GM updated it to be used with more powerful engines. Automatic transmissions are hydraulic devices that use transmission fluid to transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels. Inspect your hydraulic fluid regularly and replace it whenever it becomes off-red, black or dirty.
Jack up the front of the vehicle and lower it onto jackstands.
Find the transmission drain plug under the transmission housing and position a container or pan to catch the old fluid.
Remove the transmission drain plug from the bottom of the transmission using a wrench. Let the engine cool down before you do this to prevent being burned or scalded by hot fluid.
Some 4L60E transmissions do not have a drain plug. To drain these models, remove all of the pan bolts with a wrench from the sides and front of the pan. Loosen the bolts on the rear of the pan four turns each.
Use a knife or other small prying device to pry the pan down at the front and allow the fluid to drain. When no more comes out remove the last four bolts from the rear of the pan and lower the pan from the transmission. Tip the last of the fluid from the pan into your container.
Use a putty knife to remove the gasket from the pan. Clean both surfaces carefully with the putty knife and use a solvent to remove all traces of gasket glue.
Remove the screen and filter by loosening and removing the filter bolt with a wrench.
