4L60E Transmission Fluid Types: Which One Fits Your Needs?

If you have a 4L60 E transmission but are unsure what fluid works best for the type, this article is for you. Because in this article we will be discussing, what transmission fluid for 4l60e?

Transmission is one of the most crucial parts of the vehicle, interconnected to the engine that helps to power the car and move forward. The car transmission is closely connected to the engine by converting the energy. Since automotive transmission plays a major role in your vehicle, it is vital to take care of the transmission’s health to improve the efficiency of your car.

If you want to improve transmission health and improve efficiency in your car, mechanics recommend using a suitable transmission fluid. However, not every vehicle uses the same transmission system, as the transmission model used for your vehicle differ. 

What does 4L60E stand for?

The 4L60 E is a standard type of transmission used for many automatic vehicles manufactured by General motors. The transmission was initially named THM700, but later, the name was changed to 4L60 with the letter E to denote the electronic shift-controlled version, according to General Motors, new naming convention.

According to  General Motors, 4 stands for four speeds, L for Longitudinal installation – North or south, and light to medium, duty use with 6000-pound gross vehicle weight, determines the “60”.

Why use 4L60E Transmission Fluid?

The 4L60 E transmission fluid is used to lubricate the parts in the transmission system making the gears efficient for your vehicle. The 4L60 E transmission fluid improves the power in your car and gives you a smooth driving experience. Below are some of the reasons listed why you must use a 4L60E transmission fluid,

1. When the parts are lubricated, the transmission fluid makes the system less prone to friction and runs the parts smoothly. As a result, using a transmission fluid will reduce the damages caused to the transmission parts excluding wear and tear.
2. Since using a transmission fluid minimizes the corrosion caused to the internal system, it simultaneously increases the lifespan of your car’s transmission.
3. It prevents the transmission from getting dirty, reducing the carbon build-up in the system. Thus, the transmission fluid is considered cleaner, as it cleans the transmission, preventing clogged transmission parts.
4. Using a transmission fluid also prevents overheating the system because the parts are lubricated for the transmission to function smoothly. As a result, the transmission fluid also helps to maintain the temperature levels, acting as a coolant to the system.
5. The transmission fluid protects the parts in the system from wearing off and acts as a sealant for the transmission.
6. Transmission fluid is thick and has increased viscosity which can withstand high temperatures, ensuring the flow is accurate for the system to work without making it too liquid.

How to Check the Fluid Level in 4L60E Transmission?

If your gearbox is facing issues, the most probable cause could be the lack of transmission fluid in the car. Hence, to confirm, it is always better to check the transmission fluid level in 4L60 E. The first step to check the fluid level in 4L60 E is idling your engine and warming up the motor.

Next, bring your car to a flat surface level. Find the transmission dipstick under the vehicle hood and pull the dipstick slowly out. Wipe the dipstick clean using a cloth to remove the grease to check the level easily. Slowly put the dipstick into the transmission and draw it back out the same way.

The dipstick will accordingly mark the level as full, low, or fill. Hence, Filling the transmission fluid if it is on the low or fill level is recommended, with one to half a quart of transmission fluid. Anything above the low level is safe for the gears.

What Transmission Fluid for 4L60 E?

As previously stated, it is crucial to use a transmission fluid to maintain the gearbox in the vehicle and increase the car’s efficiency. Hence, the 4L60 E transmission is a standard type used for auto vehicles and can be easily maintained using proper transmission fluid. According to General motors using Dexron 3 or Dexron 6 Transmission fluid is most recommended for your 4L60 E.

Dexron is a transmission fluid introduced by General Motors, especially manufactured to lubricate the system. Apart from Dexron, we have also included a few other transmission fluids that will work effectively for your 4L60 E.

1. Valvoline DEX/Merc ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
2. Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX/MERC ATF
3. Triax Multi-purpose ATF

How many Quarts of Transmission Fluid do I need for 4L60 E?

The 4L60 E transmission can hold a complete 11.2 quarts to fill. Once you have filled the transmission system, the fluid can last an average of 50,000 miles to maintain. But in some cases, changing the transmission fluid every 100,000 miles in modern cars will provide optimal protection to the system. However, the mileage can also drop with poor maintenance; hence, you can change your transmission earlier than the stated mileage.

How to Change the Transmission Fluid on 4L60 E?

Changing the transmission fluid in your 4L60 E only takes a few steps, and you can follow the instructions below,

1. Park your car on an even surface ground and elevate the vehicle using a jack.
2. Leave the engine to cool, as it can be dangerous when exposed to hot metal parts, and wear a pair of safety goggles with gloves.
3. Open the car hood, and loosen the drain plug in the transmission system using a wrench to drain the old fluid.
4. Secure the parts and refill them with transmission fluid on a flat surface.

VIDEO CREDITS: Scotties Hobbies YouTube Channel

What Happens When you Use the Wrong Transmission Fluid in 4L60 E?

Using the wrong transmission fluid for your 4L60 E can risk damaging the transmission system because it does not protect the parts as the recommended fluids. An inappropriate transmission fluid causes poor lubrication to the system, simultaneously dropping the efficiency of your engine. Because of poor lubrication, the internal parts are prone to corrosion and increasing friction.

As a result, the parts in the transmission system will wear off sooner than you initially expected. Thus, the damages caused due to using the wrong fluid for the transmission system will reduce the lifetime of your transmission.

More Like This: Check Out These Related Articles

• Does a New Transmission Reset Miles?
• Is Low Transmission Fluid Causing Your Overdrive Light to Flash?
• The Clutch Pedal Stuck to the Floor?