If your 4l60e or 4l65e needs fluid, your mechanic can help you order the right amount of fluid. The 4L60E uses ATF-M, and the 4L65E uses ATF-F. Your mechanic should help with proper fluid selection, drain procedures, and symptoms. However, on this page on what type of transmission fluid does a 4l60e take, you can learn a lot.
The transmission fluid that works best with 4l60e is GM ATF. This brand of ATF stands for General Motors and has been formulated to work specifically with 4l60e transmissions. It can be used in other automatic transmissions, but the fluid’s properties may not be ideal in your particular application.
In many cases, other types of transmission fluids can harm the reliability and performance of your transmission, especially under extreme conditions like high heat or cold start-up. So, you must choose the right transmission fluid for your 4l60e.
What is 4l60e transmission?
The 4L60E automatic transmission is made to handle heavy loads and provide better acceleration, making it one of the most popular transmissions in production today. It is a fully automatic rear-wheel-drive transmission that is electronically controlled. This means that shift points are computer adjusted, and RPMs require no guessing when to shift.
It is known as one of the series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes four forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The 4L60E is short for 4-speed, longitudinally positioned, 6000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and the E at the end denoting the electronically shifted version of the transmission.
How much transmission fluid do i need?
Transmission fluids act as a coolant, rust inhibitor, and lubricant in your car. They need to be changed regularly, or you may suffer damage to your transmission or other parts of your vehicle. You can easily change your trans fluid yourself if you know how, but first, you will need to find out how much fluid is needed for the job.
To check the transmission fluid level, park your car on a level with the engine running. Then, locate the dipstick, wipe it off with a paper towel, reinsert it and withdraw it again to verify the level. If the transmission fluid level falls below the minimum level repeatedly, you need to add some fluid to top it up.
You should always check the car manual that comes with your car to find the right amount of transmission fluid your car needs to perform excellently.
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4l60e transmission fluid type
The 4l60e transmission requires a specific type of transmission fluid. The type of transmission fluid you need to use in a 4l60e transmission will depend on the type of vehicle you have. Below is a chart of what you need to know.
| Manufacturer | Transmission Type | Transmission Fluid |
|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET | 4L60E | DEXRON III |
| ISUZU | 4L60E | DEXRON III |
| OLDSMOBILE | 4L60E | DEXRON III |
| PONTIAC | 4L60E | DEXRON III |
How much transmission fluid does a 4l60e hold?
A 4L60E can hold as much as 12 quarts of transmission fluid. However, only approximately 9 quarts are needed to fill it up. Don’t overfill, though, or you may end up damaging your transmission. After replacing the pan gasket and filter, approximately 7 quarts of transmission fluid should be poured into the transmission.
If you have a 4L60E/4L65E transmission and want to replace the fluid, you should allow the experts to get it done for you. However, it is easier to do if you know the right application. Depending on your vehicle and model, the capacity of a 4L60e transmission may range from 7-19 Quarts.
It can vary from nearly 4-6 Gallons. Be sure to check your transmission before you purchase the fluid, and always double-check with a mechanic or the user manual if you can’t find any information online.
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How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 4l60e hold?
A 4L60E will hold a total of 7 to 19 quarts of fluid, depending on your car model. A rebuilt transmission with a pan gasket, new filters, and new fluid will hold 10.0 quarts. One thing to consider is that overfilling the transmission, can cause a hydra lock of the pump, which will cause damage as well as burn through clutches in no time at all.
4l60e transmission fluid and filter change
Changing your 4l60e transmission fluid and filter about every 15k miles will greatly improve the life span of your GM transmission. You need a detailed step-by-step guide on how to change your 4l60e transmission fluid and filter.
The filter on a 4L60E transmission is critical for the hydraulic system. It filters dirt and debris from the transmission fluid, prolonging its working lifespan. When the filter clogs, your transmission may not shift properly or respond in time, causing damage to gears and other parts. Changing a 4L60E transmission filter is similar to changing any other automatic transmission filter.
To remove the 4l60e transmission filter, follow the steps below:
- Place a drain pan at the location where you will remove your transmission filter. Position the pan to capture all of the oil as it drains out. Use a size that can easily handle 6 quarts (5.7 liters) or more than this amount in case of a spill.
- Remove the upper torque converter bolts using a ratchet and socket, depending on the model of your truck and which version of transmission you have.
These bolts are typically located at three or four points around the torque converter, which is located under the pan on many automatic transmissions and above others.
The transmission fluid should begin draining into your pan after removing these bolts from the top of the torque converter.
Avoid getting debris in these bolt holes, as they are threaded and hold very important parts together. Also, avoid spinning them around; they only go one way, and each needs to be reinstalled.
- Locate the screws holding your automatic transmission filter with a hex key screwdriver or socket wrench, depending on how old your truck is and how much access you have to get under the vehicle. The screws will hold the filter housing in place over the transmission’s sump, which is where its reservoir of fluid
4l60e transmission fluid change
Put a drain pan under the driver side of the transmission, then remove the pan bolts. Take off the transmission pan and allow it to drain completely. Once it is fully drained, you need to return the pan bolts to ensure it is tight and secured.
Locate the transmission fluid compartment, open the lid and then pour the fluid into it. Ensure you only pour the right amount, and you should not overfill. Use the dipstick to keep the reading accurate.
Can you put ATF 4 in a 4L60E?
Yes, you can use ATF 4 in your 4L60E transmission. Technically the 4L60E was built from the ground up to use Dexron III / Mercon, which is no where close to being the same as Dexron VI or Mercon V, or ATF4, which is put in almost all new GM vehicles.
You can use ATF4. Just make sure you run your Scan tool and ensure the transmission is not complaining about anything. If it isn’t then, it’s a good point, and you would be OK.
How often should you change transmission fluid in a 4L60E?
If you have a 4L60E transmission, the fluid and filter should be changed every 30,000 miles. If the transmission has severe duty conditions, the transmission fluid should be changed every 20,000 miles.
The 4L60E transmission does not need to be changed as often as the 4L30E. Your vehicle or truck manufacturer should have a recommended time frame. This can be different depending on driving in the city or on the highways.
If you are in an area with much stop-and-go traffic, your fluid will last around 100K miles. Those that use the highway often can go much farther between recommended changes – around 150,000 miles.
What type of fluid does a 4L60E take?
The correct fluid specification is Dexron 3 or Mercon, depending on the year of your transmission. You can check with your local transmission repair shop or check out the car manual to know the right fluid to use.
Conclusion
If your transmission fluid is of low quality or deteriorating, you might notice problems shifting gears or some slippage in your transmission. Transmission fluid is an essential part of keeping your transmission running smoothly.
So, if you are on this page to know What type of transmission fluid does a 4l60e takes, then you are just in the right place. We have the right information you need to know on this page.