Last night momma and I were in my 96 98 for date night. I had swapped the transmission dipstick tube seal earlier in the day and topped off the ATF. Of course, my Oldsmobile demanded a ride on the back of a wrecker at the most embarrassing possible time.

Here's 1 night of ATF leak before I changed the transmission dipstick tube seal. I checked the pan bolts and they were all tight. I had a slow weeping from the side pan, but the ATF leak at the transmission dipstick tube seal was quite evident.


Here's a catch pan I left under the transaxle for 2 or 3 days while I was waiting for the new transmission dipstick tube seal. This is with the transmission dipstick tube & old seal removed. I'd say it was about 3/4 of a quart. I should have known at this time that something was amiss because the ATF is pretty dark. I never smelled the ATF that leaked from the transaxle. I just collected it to recycle, or burn in my Ford diesel (let's talk about another jalopy).


Once I installed the new transmission dipstick tube seal I did a 10 or 12 mile test drive both in the city & on the highway. It drove fine. I topped off the ATF with about 1/2 pint and yesterday evening I drove momma about 30 miles on the highway for date night. We stopped to do some shopping in S. OKC before dinner and upon returning to the Oldsmobile the transmission began to slip. It doesn't engage 2nd gear unless I let off the gas and granny foot it. I drove it 2 miles and stopped at an O'Reilly's (my favorite place in town). I double checked the ATF level and it was only 1/2 pint low again (I guess it was burning the ATF internally). I topped it off and we drove another 2 miles to the parking lot at the OK State Fairgrounds when I decided to call for a tow.

A+ to the friendly security staff at the fairgrounds. It took the gent about an hour to come by, but I just told him we were waiting on a tow. For a time, I even considered contacting security again to get a tow because AAA definitely provided F- service. Why do I pay for such lousy service? A representative hung-up on me and I didn't even ONCE cuss or call names! 4 hours (2 hours past their estimated ETA) and 4 or 5 useless calls later we had a tow!


So, the 4t60e is TOAST! I've done some searching online and it probably needs to be rebuilt. $1900 for the transmission at the auto parts store. I spent $600 to have a TH400 rebuilt at a shop in S. OK about 5 or 6 years ago (it was a spare I had and he installed it in my 71 for me). I may just drain all the ATF, and put quick shift in it and get rid of the car. Too bad since they're so few and far between now.

Here's a pic of fresh cardboard I had under the 96 for 1 night after having it towed. This could be the side pan leak the transaxle had before I even drained the fluid and installed a transmission filter over a year ago.

 

Sorry to hear all that, I recall a few days ago you were waiting on the dipstick tube gasket and was hoping that would be the solution to the leak. When it rains it pours.

 

That doesn't look like much fluid, maybe only a 1/2 tablespoon. Try it on that cardboard, you will be surprised at how little it takes to make a spot on cardboard. Have you checked your modular valve? It could be sucking fluid into the intake...Tedd

 

I've done some research. Apparently driveability problems (plugs, wires, crank sensor, etc.) often manifest as transmission problems for the 3.8l and 4t60e. I just replaced the plugs and wires as preventative maintenance, but I do have a spare set of coils. I'll go ahead and replace the coils; however, I don't think I have a driveability problem. The car starts and idles flawlessly without a CEL.

I'll check the vacuum modulator like you mentioned Tedd. While I'm at it I'll go ahead and check the condition of the fluid in my pan too.

 

I removed the transaxle pan, replaced the filter and refilled it with Dexron/Mercon VI and Sea Foam transmission medic (snake oil)🐍. It still slips in Drive like it did before.

Here is a picture of the transaxle pan. Note the glittery steel on the left side of the pan.



I checked my Oldsmobile service manual. The only other thing I might try to remedy this slipping is to replace the vacuum modulator. Unfortunately, the OE vacuum modulator doesn't have a ruptured diaphragm. I removed the vacuum line and there was no trace of ATF. Is it worth $30 to try one last thing to fix this transmission, or is it DEAD? 😵

 

Jesse, I think it has bit the dust. I really doubt the modulator is bad. I know the feeling when my 2012 Expedition had to have a timing chain a few months ago.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=deat...id:VzC1p-LLCyA

 

Dan, you are being pretty rough on your boy. But he is a big (really big) and he can handle it. I think that is really funny.

 

Nyuck nyuck, very funny.

I tested the OE vacuum modulator today instead of installing the parts store vacuum modulator. The OE vacuum modulator passed. 13 in. of vacuum at the modulator in DRIVE. Per page 7A-23 of the service manual that passes. Also, the vacuum modulator was able to hold 23 in. of vacuum for over 30 seconds and it didn't even leak down to 22 in.

I find myself searching for 4t60e shift kits, but I should probably avoid throwing parts at the problem.

 

What good would a shift kit do it?

 

If I want to continue to troubleshoot the problem I should stick to the diagnostic chart I posted above. It's straight from the service manual.

I should probably hook up my scan tool to see if it gives me additional information.

 

Sorry Jesse, that was meant more as a post of empathy than mockery. Iv'e been in your boat before and the mood just seemed so sad. I do think you can find a solution out of your problem even it entails spending the bucks for a rebuild.