Thread: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission

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  1. #1 How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
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    As all of you know, the 4T65E transmissions are notorious for dying in our cars, especially behind the 300+ horsepower 5.3L LS4 V8 (why in the world GM decided to put this transmission behind this motor is absolutely beyond me). I'm not a transmission expert by any means, however I usually do my own work on cars and have gained some knowledge over time from working on cars in general as well as general research. Below I have listed some things that I've personally found to be useful in helping our transmissions run a little better.

    1. Consistent Maintenance

    Obviously this one is kind of common sense. Better maintained parts tend to last longer. Changing transmission fluid and filter regularly is generally going to better the life of your transmission.

    2. Upgrade Those Magnets!

    From TSB: 08-07-30-040B. Many 4T65E transmissions were shipped with oil pan magnets comparable to nothing but your typical refrigerator magnet. These magnets become saturated very quickly and eventually will not even further catch and maintain metal shavings. When this happens, metal shavings cycling through the transmission will go to the PCS solenoid which is magnetic. This will throw off line pressure readings. Too low of line pressure will obviously cause slipping and/or delayed engagement (AKA slip and catch). The TSB for this service calls for the installation of TWO new, much stronger donut shaped magnets (part number 29535617). One magnet will be placed in the factory location on the oil pan and the other on the bottom side of the oil filter near the back of it.

    3. Turn Up Line Pressure

    The line pressure on the 4T65E transmission is set relatively low, for that smooth "luxury" shift. Lower line pressure results in more slipping and a "smoother" shift; higher line pressure results in less slipping and a firmer shift. Slipping is bad obviously, so if you want to extend the life of your transmission you need to eliminate as much slipping as possible. Line pressure on these transmissions is unfortunately controlled entirely by electronics, so you will need to buy a tuner or visit a tuning shop to turn up the line pressure on your transmission. Be careful though, too much line pressure can also do damage to your transmission.

    4. Shift Kit

    Shift kits are awesome! They firm up your shifts and make for a much sportier feel of the transmission. A shift kit can really bring a transmission alive! They help speed up and firm up shifts which results in less heat and more clutch life. Most of these kits can be installed by the average Joe with a couple of hours of free time on hand and can be bought for less than $100!

    5. Change Your Converter Relief Valve

    The converter relief valve has the job of bleeding off pressure so you don't engage the TCC with too much harshness. The factory converter relief valve is flawed in design in the sense that it bleeds off at too high of pressure. This results in faster wear and fail of the TCC which can show up later on as other problems.

    6. TAPshift (If Applicable)

    This goes in hand with turning up line pressure. TAPShift does more than just give you control of what gear you're in. TAPShift changes a lot of characteristics of the operation of your transmission when in use. One of these characteristics is line pressure. When using TAPShift, you will notice that your shifts seem firmer. That's because they are firmer! Line pressure is increased when TAPShift is in use and, as already explained, higher line pressure in generally a good thing for transmission life (within reason, obviously). I personally use TAPShift whenever I drive and I find that my transmission performs much better when using TAPShift rather than Drive.

    7. Lucas Stop Slip (For Transmissions with Existing Problems)

    I'm not typically a fan of the ole' "mechanic in a bottle" stuff that you see sitting on the shelves in AutoZone. Lucas Stop Slip on the other hand does have a proven track record of actually working, especially in our transmissions. If all else fails, try a bottle of this. A $10 bottle is cheaper than a $2000 rebuild and, hey if it buys you time to save up for a rebuild or new transmission then what else could you ask for?

    If you have anything else to add to this thread. Feel free to do so! This is just a very minuscule amount of information out there on our transmissions and I just thought I'd share some of the knowledge I've gained through my research with y'all! Good luck to everyon

    8. Aux. Transmission Cooler

    Anybody who's switched their info display to show the transmission fluid temperature, especially in traffic or in the summer, may grow a little queasy watching those temps climb far past 200*F! Heat is the enemy! Any additional cooling help you can provide your transmission will be beneficial in its life length.
    Last edited by GXPerforms; 04-25-2015 at 10:25 PM.
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  2. #2 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    I live here. 02NavyBlue's Avatar
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    Nice list of stuff to prolong the life of our 4t65-e's(especially the magnets, not everyone knows about that) But I couldn't help but notice an additional auxiliary transmission cooler isn't one of the suggestions. In the summer they can often run well into the 250° range, stock.
    2006 Grand Prix GT S/C 109k - Modded Transgo Shift Kit, Gutted Airbox, Dash Cam, and Inlays. Retros soon to come.
    2002 Grand Prix GT N/A 127k - Same as 06 Plus: Trans Cooler, DIY Aux Input, LED lighting, Suspension Upgrades, Tint, Retrofits.
    Sold.
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  3. #3 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
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    Quote Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue View Post
    Nice list of stuff to prolong the life of our 4t65-e's(especially the magnets, not everyone knows about that) But I couldn't help but notice an additional auxiliary transmission cooler isn't one of the suggestions. In the summer they can often run well into the 250° range, stock.
    I can't believe I left that one out thank you!
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  4. #4 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    I live here. 02NavyBlue's Avatar
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    I would also add that you should add a Sonnax differential lube line retainer, part# 84532-01K. The differential lube line is known to sometimes fall out since it has nothing holding it in, and has a rubber section of hose. It will cause excessive differential wear, and eventually failure of the differential. I bought a few and will always install one when I have the pan off of a 4t65e. They're very inexpensive, $1.96 +shipping on rockauto.

    2006 Grand Prix GT S/C 109k - Modded Transgo Shift Kit, Gutted Airbox, Dash Cam, and Inlays. Retros soon to come.
    2002 Grand Prix GT N/A 127k - Same as 06 Plus: Trans Cooler, DIY Aux Input, LED lighting, Suspension Upgrades, Tint, Retrofits.
    Sold.
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  5. #5 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    GrandPrix Junkie HighOctaneRacing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue View Post
    I would also add that you should add a Sonnax differential lube line retainer, part# 84532-01K. The differential lube line is known to sometimes fall out since it has nothing holding it in, and has a rubber section of hose. It will cause excessive differential wear, and eventually failure of the differential. I bought a few and will always install one when I have the pan off of a 4t65e. They're very inexpensive, $1.96 +shipping on rockauto.

    Beatiful. Thanks Navy
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  6. #6 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    GrandPrix Junkie Booba5185's Avatar
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    I wonder if there should be a more advanced section, like taking the side cover off. You could put the TCC PWM solenoid, the hardened 4th shaft, GXP chains, etc.
    Retros, LEDs, SD Hood GMPP, Votland, Addco
    06+ Impala brakes, L76 Springs, ERs, Self-Tuned, 3.5 Gen V L32, Ported TB, 240a CS144, SSAC, Upgraded Transmission, Android Head Unit, Remote stuff, GXP Seats

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  7. #7 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    I live here. 02NavyBlue's Avatar
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    We need a big bad 4t65e thread, with preventative maintenance and measures, common problems and fixes, and upgrades.
    2006 Grand Prix GT S/C 109k - Modded Transgo Shift Kit, Gutted Airbox, Dash Cam, and Inlays. Retros soon to come.
    2002 Grand Prix GT N/A 127k - Same as 06 Plus: Trans Cooler, DIY Aux Input, LED lighting, Suspension Upgrades, Tint, Retrofits.
    Sold.
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  8. #8 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    GrandPrix Junkie Booba5185's Avatar
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    With details on making your own 7\8" chain and such too. Factory upgrades (sprags, 4th shaft, etc.) and all the 4 digit codes (I can get those).
    Retros, LEDs, SD Hood GMPP, Votland, Addco
    06+ Impala brakes, L76 Springs, ERs, Self-Tuned, 3.5 Gen V L32, Ported TB, 240a CS144, SSAC, Upgraded Transmission, Android Head Unit, Remote stuff, GXP Seats

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  9. #9 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Get the info together guys. Then put it all in one post and we can sticky it
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  10. #10 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
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    Here's all the codes, and if they trigger a SES or not:






    Now I need to get the 4 digit codes printed to XPS, then converted...
    Retros, LEDs, SD Hood GMPP, Votland, Addco
    06+ Impala brakes, L76 Springs, ERs, Self-Tuned, 3.5 Gen V L32, Ported TB, 240a CS144, SSAC, Upgraded Transmission, Android Head Unit, Remote stuff, GXP Seats

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  11. #11 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
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    Retros, LEDs, SD Hood GMPP, Votland, Addco
    06+ Impala brakes, L76 Springs, ERs, Self-Tuned, 3.5 Gen V L32, Ported TB, 240a CS144, SSAC, Upgraded Transmission, Android Head Unit, Remote stuff, GXP Seats

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  12. #12 Re: How To: Get The Most Miles Out of a 4T65E/4T64E-HD Transmission 
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    Quote Originally Posted by 02NavyBlue View Post
    I would also add that you should add a Sonnax differential lube line retainer, part# 84532-01K. The differential lube line is known to sometimes fall out since it has nothing holding it in, and has a rubber section of hose. It will cause excessive differential wear, and eventually failure of the differential. I bought a few and will always install one when I have the pan off of a 4t65e. They're very inexpensive, $1.96 +shipping on rockauto.

    I Am Astonished at this VERY minute but CRUCIAL detail that the engineers DIDNT include in the assembly of the 4t65e?My GXP has It?s 2nd Trans and at 25k miles, I?m getting Extremely QUICK temps of 210-220 all while the engine is at 120 MAX! The TCC starts Whining at about 215 and it?s slamming into 2-3rd and I?m blown away at this Underestimation of Components. Plus I REALLY think the shop that did the trans put a 4t65e, NOT the 4t65eHD! The serial numbers are NOT the same?So ima have a lil Chat with the Tranny Shop Boyz!
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