A/T - Paint Flakes In Fluid/Tubes/Dipsticks

89buick11

Bulletin: 88-7-6A

Date: Dec. '88

Ref. No.: 88-256A-7

Corp. Ref. No.: 877141R
SUBJECT: EVIDENCE OF PAINT FLAKES IN TRANSMISSION FLUID, AND/OR CORRODED FILL TUBES, AND FLUID LEVEL INDICATORS.

MODELS AFFECTED: 1988 CENTURYS, LESABRES & ELECTRAS, SKYLARKS, RIVIERA EQUIPPED WITH THM 125C/440-T4 TRANSAXLES

This bulletin is being reissued to correct the Labor Operation Number to read T5181. Bulletin Number 88-7-6 should be discarded and replaced with 88-7-6A.

TRANSAXLE MODELS

THM 125C: BHC, BJC
THM 440-T4: BKH, BTH, BRH, BYH, FBH, FCH, FJH, FSH

BULLETIN COVERS

Black paint flakes may be found in the transaxle fluid, bottom pan, fluid level indicator and filter assembly as the result of paint peeling from inside the transaxle fill tube. After the paint peels, the unprotected areas of the fill tubes can corrode (interior and exterior), leaving corrosion on the fluid level indicator and the fill tube.

The fill tube paints used on the interior and exterior of the tube may not withstand temperatures over 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Transaxle durability should not be affected in vehicles equipped with these fill tubes, but paint flakes can cause filter clogging over a period of time.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE

The suspect fill tubes may be found in the following vehicles produced between S.O.P. 1988 and October 17, 1987 (Julian Date 289):

A and H cars - THM 440-T4 and 3.8L Engine C and E cars - THM 440-T4 and 3800 Engine N cars - THM 125C and 3.OL Engine

SERVICE ACTION

If vehicles are found with flaking paint fill tubes, they should be changed along with Transaxle Fluid, Filter, Fill Tube and Fluid Level Indicator.
WARRANTY INFORMATION

Labor Operation Number: T5181
Labor Time: .9 Hours
Trouble Code: 92

SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE

Refer to the On-Car Section of your Service Manual whenever service of the Fluid Level Indicator and Fill Tube is necessary.