How Do I Know If My GM 4L60E Transmission Is Failing?

GM’s popular 4L transmission family was manufactured for a wide range of vehicles produced between 1992 and 2013. These were 4-speed units that were available on 2WD and 4WD vehicles, from trucks to SUVs and commercial vans. Most notably in this transmission family is the 4L60E, but the group also includes 4L65E, 4L70E, 4L75E, 4L80E, and 4L85E transmissions.

While inherently robust, there are some known issues with these transmissions, and knowing what to look for can help prevent a breakdown and allow you to correctly troubleshoot any transmission problems.

Signs That Your GM 4L60E Transmission Is Failing

Is your GM 4L transmission exhibiting the following issues?

• Slipping Or Delays When Changing Gears
• Rough Or Hard Shifts
• Fluid Leaks From Transmission Housing
• Grinding Noises From The Transmission

It may be time to get it replaced with a remanufactured unit before it’s too late.

Common Issues With The GM 4L60E Transmissions

While the GM 4L60E and 4L65E transmissions are robust, age and general wear and tear will eventually cause them to fail. There are a few common issues that crop up with these transmissions, and we detail these below:

Slipping Into Neutral

Issue: Occurs when shifting from 2^nd to 3^rd gear and the transmission acts like it is in neutral. It is more common under heavy-duty conditions such as towing. This occurs because of the rubber seals on the pistons shrink due to age and/or heat.

Solution: PPI upgrades all these seals on every 4L transmission rebuild to prevent the problem from recurring.

2^nd Gear Shifting

Issue: Difficulty shifting in and out of 2^nd gear can be caused by a failed TCCV valve (Torque Converter Clutch Valve), a broken drive shell, or stripped drive shell splines.

Solution: Every PPI GM 4L60E transmission comes with either completely remanufactured or new parts that have been upgraded to prevent these issues from occurring again.

Pump Malfunctions

Issue: Pumps are known to fail over time. If all the fluid leaks out, the transmission will not be able to shift into any gear.

Solution: We completely remanufacture the pump and install upgraded line bore bushings to improve reliability even further.

Torque Converters

Issue: The GM 4L’s most common issue is a failed torque converter. This can occur from overheating, contaminated transmission fluid and faulty seals.

Solution: We completely remanufacture these parts with upgraded components that greatly improve reliability.

Servos

Issue: OEM servos are built from plastic and constant heat exposure and high pressures will eventually cause them to fail.

Solution: PPI’s servos have been upgraded to withstand these tough operating conditions, resulting in a longer service life.

PPI Remanufactured GM 4L60E Transmissions

Aside from addressing the more common issues with the GM 4L60E, we also do the following on every remanufactured transmission:

• Install New High Energy Bands and High Energy Clutch Packs
• Conduct A Complete System Recalibration
• Remanufacture And Strengthen the Entire Valve Body
• Dyno Test All Transmissions Before They Are Shipped Out

How Much Does A GM 4L60E Transmission Cost?

The GM 4L transmission range was fitted to a huge range of vehicles over its 21-year lifespan. Our fully remanufactured and improved GM4L60E transmissions range between $2,199 to $2,499, and also include a comprehensive warranty.

Can I Replace A GM 4L60E Transmission Myself?

Replacing your own transmission requires a fair amount of mechanical experience and a comprehensive set of tools and equipment. If you have never attempted this sort of job before, then it is best left to the professionals. Tools and equipment you will need include:

• Jack stands or preferably a car lift
• Torque wrench set
• Breaker bar, pry bar, tube wrench
• Specialized transmission removal tools

Where Should I Buy A Replacement GM 4L60E Transmission?

At PPI we don’t just repair your transmission, we remanufacture it using upgraded or completely new parts. Watch this video on the comprehensive upgrade we do on the 4L60E for more information.

4L60E Remanufactured transmissions undergo a complete Powertrain Products system correction including:

• TransGo valve body and pump upgrade
• Custom specification bushings
• New high energy band
• Upgraded pistons replace the old plastic units
• Updated valve accumulator piston
• Dyno testing

Other Useful Transmission Resources

Trust Powertrain Products For Remanufactured GM 4L60E Transmissions

Powertrain Products stocks a full range of GM 4L60E and 4L65E transmissions as well as dozens of other transmission types for various makes and models. To ensure you get the right replacement part, use your vehicle’s VIN number or Transmission Tag Number. Our transmissions come with:

• Warranty Protection – Up To Seven Years, One Million Miles
• High-Quality Parts – We Machine and Use New Parts for Optimum Performance and Meet or Exceed OE Specifications
• Upgrades and Recalibrations for Enhanced Performance and Longevity

We’re also the nation’s leading supplier of engines, differentials, and transfer cases. Call us at 888-842-0023 or contact us online.