A/T - Delay Engagement into Drive After Cold Soak
File In Section: 7 - TransmissionBulletin No.: 67-71-60
Date: February, 1997
Subject:
Delay Engagement into Drive After Cold Soak
(Replace with Revised Forward Clutch Housing Assembly Complete)
Models:
1995-97 Chevrolet Cavalier
1997 Chevrolet Malibu
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1995-97 Pontiac Sunfire
with HYDRA-MATIC 4T40-E Transaxle (RPO MN4) and with 2.2L, 2.3L, 2.4L, 3.1L Engine (VINs 4, D, T, M - RPOs LN2, LD2, LD9, L82)
Condition
Some owners of the above models may experience an initial delay when shifting into drive after the vehicle has gone through an overnight cold soak usually at -12° C (10° F) ambient temperature or colder. This condition will not repeat until the vehicle has gone through another overnight cold soak. During the initial delay, an increase to engine RPM could cause the engagement into forward gear to be harsh. (See Figure 1)
Cause
This condition may be due to fluid draining from the forward clutch housing assembly after the vehicle's engine has been shut off. If this draining is followed by a cold soak as described under "Condition," a delay may occur to refill the forward clutch housing assembly. This delay is due to the resistance exhibited by the control orifice in the inner seal and sleeve assembly, and the amount of oil volume required to refill the forward clutch housing assembly. (See Figure 2)
Correction
To repair this condition a revised forward clutch housing assembly complete, (including fiber and steel plates) must be installed with a revised assembly. The revision to this assembly is a new piston assembly (607) and inner seal and sleeve assembly (608). The new piston assembly has additional rubber material molded to it. The inner seal and sleeve assembly has a molded plastic insert. These revisions help reduce the volume of oil required to allow the forward clutch assembly to apply. The forward clutch housing assembly must be replaced as a complete assembly. (See Figure 3)
Service Information
Road test the vehicle following an overnight cold soak as described under "Condition." Verify the vehicle has a delay during the initial shift into drive. Replace the complete forward clutch housing assembly with the one supplied in service kit (P/N 24210576). Refer to the Unit Repair Section of the Service Manual for the proper procedure.
A new service kit (gasket kit-trans with seals P/N 24210577) has been released which may be useful in obtaining the additional gaskets and seals that may be needed in the servicing of a lower mileage vehicle. For transaxles which require a complete reconditioning, the overhaul complete service kit should be ordered. Refer to parts catalog for the complete overhaul part number.
Parts Information
Part Number Description
24210576 Forward Clutch Housing
Complete
24210577 Gasket Kit-Trans with Seals
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation Description Labor Time
K7221 Forward Clutch Use published
R & R or Replace labor operation
time.