DIY 4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021 Lukeatcpp

A transmission flush involves flushing out the fluid in an automatic transmission and replacing it with a new automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The fluid flush is often done using a specialized flush machine. The flushing machine utilizes high pressure coupled with a cleaning agent to flush out the old fluid while cleaning the internal parts. The 4T65-E transmission was released for the first time in 1997, replacing the 4T60E. It was the most common transmission in General Motors’ four-wheel-drive vehicles.

When the procedure is correctly done, it pushes out sludge and grime as well as replaces nearly 100% of the old fluid with fresh and clean quarts. This includes the fluid in the oil cooler lines and the torque converter.

A transmission fluid flush is not a cure for an internal transmission problem but rather a preventative maintenance procedure. It is important to note that pressurized transmission flush is not recommended for high mileage vehicles that have not routinely been flushed. The recommended service for these vehicles is a filter or fluid change. Let us look at a step-by-step process of performing a 4T65E transmission fluid flush.

4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush Process

Before the process starts, ensure a technician takes the vehicle on a road test to diagnose and recognize any serious issue that should be checked during servicing and inspection. The unit should also be thoroughly checked for leaks or any external signs of problems.

Step 1: Start your engine and allow it to warm up for a few minutes: The Engine should warm up to normal operating temperatures and then shut it off. Importantly, ensure the vehicle is in a stable condition and should not move.

Step: Locate the 2 oil cooling lines of your transmission: The lines connect the transmission to the radiator. The first line transmits hot fluid from the transmission to the oil cooling compartment also known as the radiator, while the second one carries the cooled transmission fluid back to the transmission.

Step3: Connect the flushing machine to the cooler lines: Disconnect the cooler lines and reconnect them to the machine’s lines. This will allow the fluid in your car to drain into the machine. Connect the lines out of the machine into your vehicle’s cooler. This allows the fresher and cleaner fluid in the machine to be transferred into your vehicle. The transfer procedures make use of the pressure produced by the vehicle’s pump to do the circulation. Therefore, no damage will be caused to any internal parts in the system.

Step 4: The transmission fluid flush action: The flushing out of the old fluid takes place at the same time as the filing up of the new fluid. As the diaphragm fills up in the old fluid side, it pushes the other diaphragm up in the new fluid side, making it flow through the lines.

The circulation takes place just as it would in normal operations; the only difference is that the incoming fluid is perfectly clean, and the outgoing fluid is gone for good. The only disadvantage of this process is that some amount of old fluid is dropped back into the pan during the circulation through the unit without going into the cooler. This implies that not all the old fluid is replaced, but it is continuously being diluted by the new fluid instead.

The transition and application of the 4T65-E transmission

The 4T65-E transmission was introduced as a replacement for the 4T60-E. The transmission was applied in different distinct models and is considered to have the best features. The Chevrolet model is one of the models where the transmission was greatly applied, and the last application was in the 2011 Chevrolet Impala before General Motors moved to the 6T70 family transmissions in 2012. Other Chevrolet models that utilized the transmission include Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Venture, and Chevrolet Impala.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998-2007 4T65E, 4T65E-HD

This was the first personal luxury vehicle manufactured by the Chevrolet brand. The model was produced across six generations up to the 2007-year model. The 1998 to 2007 models used a four-speed automatic transmission and a 4T65-E automatic fluid transmission. From its initiation, the Monte Carlo has been one of the biggest successes for GM in the stock car racing circuit.

The last Monte Carlo model was after the 2007 model year. The model used the 4T65E transmission with a larger 9.6 inches converter. 4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush involved the normal steps of flushing out the old fluid and filling in a new fluid with the use of a machine in a circulation manner.

Chevrolet Lumina 2000-2001 4T65E

The Chevrolet Lumina was manufactured as a replacement for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The model used the 4T65E transmission with a larger 245mm converter. it also had significantly improved features and an upgraded valve body. 4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush involved the normal process of flushing out the old fluid and filling in a new fluid with the use of a machine in a circulation manner.

Chevrolet Venture 1999-2005 4T65E

The Chevrolet Venture was manufactured as a replacement for the Chevrolet Lumina APV. This model came in three levels: the LT, LS, and base. It was rated 134 kW (180 hp) and powered by GM’s 3.4 L LA1 V6. The Chevy Venture used a four-speed automatic transmission and a 4T65-E automatic fluid transmission. 4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush involved the normal process of flushing out the old fluid and filling in a new fluid with the use of a machine in a circulation manner.

Chevrolet Impala 2000-2008 4T65E, 4T65E-HD

The Chevrolet Impala was the last model manufactured that utilized the 4T65-E transmission. It was introduced as a mainstream front-wheel-drive car and had a larger 245mm converter. The Impala used a rebuilt four-speed automatic transmission and a 4T65-E automatic fluid transmission. 4T65-E Transmission Fluid Flush involved the normal process of flushing out the old fluid and filling in a new fluid with the use of a machine in a circulation manner.