General Motors TH700E (4L60E)
Electronic Rear Wheel Drive Overdrive Transmission

 

TH700E (4L60E) Diagnosis

  1. Scan for codes & write down.
  2. Clear codes.
  3. Start vehicle – check fluid level (always read BOTH sides of dipstick & use the lowest reading) & condition (color & odor).
  4. Road test noting shift points & lock-up – do this under light, medium and heavy throttle.
    • Lock-up test: Use Overdrive range  “Circled D”
    • Allow transmission to shift to highest gear.
    • Hold steady speed and note tach.
    • Hold steady speed, depress brake pedal with left foot just enough to open T.C.C. circuit and read tach – Should be 200-300 rpm gain.
  5. Test kickdown operation from 4-3 and 4-3-2.
  6. Test engine braking in all forward gears.
  7. Re-scan to see which codes may have returned.
  8. Hoist vehicle – On 1995 and newer vehicles – Test pressure rise & stability of pressure.  At idle, pressure should be 70-80 psi and instantly rise with throttle application and should not fall off until throttle is released. WARNING: ALL 4L60E (700E) units 1995-UP need a pressure check BEFORE tranny is removed. Call us and talk to a tech before the rebuild (800-622-4836 – ask for “REESE”).
  9. Address any driveability codes before continuing as they affect transmission operation, especially the VSS codes.
  10. Remove pan & filter – open filter at the seam to check for debris. (See pictures)
  11. If codes refer to solenoids or EPC, test these components individually before condemning transmission.

Back to top

TH700E (4L60E) Installation/Removal

  1. Disconnect TV cable clip from throttle (700 only).
  2. Remove dipstick from tube & lay aside.
  3. Hoist vehicle – check for leaks.
  4. Remove flywheel dustcover and torque converter bolts.
  5. Disconnect manual linkage, case electrical connector(s), TV cable (700 only), and speedo cable or wires.  Remove rear drive shaft.
  6. Support tranny with jack and secure to jack – remove cross member bolts & rear mount bolts – remove cross member & rear mount.
  7. 4X4 ONLY – Remove front drive shaft, transfer case linkage & transfer case. Check all transfer case seals.
  8. Disconnect cooler lines.
  9. Lower jack & transmission SLIGHTLY to gain better access to bolts.
  10. Remove bellhousing bolts & fill tube.
  11. Remove transmission.
  12. FLUSH COOLER with a clean, filtered solvent for 20 minutes in both directions.
  13. Install add-on filter in the return (upper) cooler line.  Be sure to connect the red connector on tranny to the red connector on filter.  The other filter connector will connect to the cooler at the radiator. NOTE:  The filter cartridge we use is a bi-directional filter.  Most replacement filters are “one way” filters.  If the filter is incorrectly installed, when you replace the filter cartridge in the future, you will experience catastrophic transmission failure due to lack of fluid flow as soon as the filter is replaced and the vehicle is driven! (Picture)
  14. TO INSTALL TRANNY reverse steps 11 thru 4.  In step #10 use blue Loctite on bellhousing bolts & tighten very tight by hand.  In step #4 use red Loctite on torque converter bolts and torque to specifications.
  15. Lower vehicle – ADJUST TV CABLE (700 only). Leave the TV cable attached to the carburetor while adjusting !! (See pictures)
  16. FAILURE TO RESET TV CABLE WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE CLUTCH AND BAND FAILURE AND NO WARRANTY.
  17. Pour in 4 quarts transmission fluid  – start vehicle – finish filling tranny.
  18. Check fluid level (always read BOTH sides of dipstick & use the lowest reading) & check for leaks.
  19. Road test – under normal driving conditions shift points should be:
    • At light throttle:
      • 1-2:  12-15 mph
      • 2-3:  22-25 mph
      • 3-4:  47-50 mph
    • At medium throttle:
      • 1-2:  20-25 mph
      • 2-3:  35-40 mph
      • 3-4:  50-55 mph
    • Shift points will be higher as throttle increases.
    • You should avoid 3/4 to full throttle application until the transmission shift points have been checked at light and medium throttle and check out OK.
    • Shifts should be crisp, not drawn out or with flare.
    • Lock-up should apply in 3rd & 4th gears – see diagnosis section above for lock-up test.
  20. If the old tranny is suspected of being overheated (fluid very stinky) the initial road test should be no more than a mile or two long , just long enough to bring the tranny up to operating temperature. A cooler flow test should be performed immediately after the road test (when the tranny is at operating temperature) by removing the cooler return line (top line) at the transmission.  Put the line in an uncontaminated plastic jug and start engine.  Run engine for 30 seconds and shut engine off.  Check amount of oil in the jug.  Normal flow @ idle should be 2 quarts in 30 seconds.  If flow is normal reconnect tranny line, add back fluid and recheck for leaks.  If flow is restricted the cooler must be replaced.  A complete road test may now be performed once normal cooler flow is determined.