The 4L60E transmission was introduced in 1992. It replaced or updated the 700R4 transmission, which was also called the 4L60 transmission. Both transmissions were pretty close in design.
The significant change was the advancement from hydraulically controlled transmissions to electronically controlled transmissions.
This transmission, designed and built by General Motors/Hydramatic, was commonly found in these countless applications in GM vans, SUVs, and trucks. It was also found in numerous requests for rear-wheel drive car applications.
Some of the most popular car applications were Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Impala, and others.
The Pros and Cons
The 4L60E can be categorized as both an early version and a late version. As such there can be a differentiation between them starting in 1996.
With numerous varieties, the easiest to visually identify is the removable bell-housing seen on the late model 4L60E transmissions. As the models arrived in 1996, its complete build was not seen until 1998.
Even though this transmission is not as prevalent as it used to be, there are a few applications that GM has continued using with this 1998 transmission. This transmission is still being used years later in light-duty van applications. Even better still, this transmission is still being used in markets overseas in the Holden Commodore.
The popularity of this transmission came number of features it carried over. One of those was the low-speed performance capability.
In addition to the announcement of the best fuel economy performance, the electronic control was also perceived as doing enormous things for this transmission’s performance.
Even though it had performance, that did not stop the transmission from gaining problems. One of the main problems was a lack of ability to engage the reverse gear. Generally due to the debris buildup.
4L60E Performance Specs
The torque capacity for new 4L60E’s is 360 lb.-ft. The 4L60E name really says a lot about the transmission too!
Clearly, the 4 is a indication that it is a 4 speed transmission. The L is that it is longitudinally oriented. The 60, means it can hold a 6000 lb GVW.
Why Is The 4l60e A Bad Transmission? Is It The Worst Ever Made?
For many people the 4L60E is a good transmission, to others it seems it is the worst transmission ever made.
One owner of a GM product stated: “My opinion is that the 4L60E is not the worst transmission ever made. Did you buy the truck new or used? If used, then one has no idea exactly what the transmission went through before you purchased it.”
Another 4L60E owner added: “The 4L60E is as common as the TH350 except it is newer and larger. No, its definitely not the most defective transmission in the world, every vehicle manufacturer has their “Problem children.”
When I worked at the Oldsmobile GMC dealer back in the 80’s short of the 680R4 the 440T4 was all we worked on they were lined up in the door and I made a nice profit on them. They were replaced by the 4T60 and 65E’s.
Aftermarket has taken over pretty much across the board with the 4L60E’s like it was with the TH350’s. There are some aftermarket products I like using in my overhauls these days.
GM had some design flaws in these that got addressed with GM and the aftermarket. I would much rather take a new built HD 4L60E any day over some of the new models as they come to market.”
How Can I Tell If My 4l60e Transmission Is Bad?
When it comes to troubleshooting the 4L60E you must remember that the automatic transmission (4L60-E) in your rear-wheel-drive GM vehicle will generally fail in one of two ways:
Transmission Will Begin Slipping
‘Slippage’ in an automatic transmission can only be caused by internal mechanical failure.
You will notice that your transmission fluid is at a low level. This is usually a result of a fluid leak somewhere that causes the transmission to slip.
Transmission Fails to Shift Out of Gear
Typically, the cause comes from the PCM detecting an electrical problem and commands transmission to not move, and stay in a “Limp Mode”.
While in “Limp Mode”, the automatic transmission will fail to downshift or upshift.
How Long Can a 4l60e Transmissions Last?
There are different views from different 4L60 owners about how long the 4L60e transmission lasts:
Owner One
“It depends who you ask. Some say it’s on borrowed time, others, will say only that it will be fine as long as it shifts good and all.
I’m somewhat in the middle. I’d be a little hesitant, but I also wouldn’t be terribly worried if I drove it and it felt good and had no slipping or harsh shifts.”
Owner Two
“I had probably close to 300k on my truck back in the day before I sold it. [The] 4l60e from 1996 held up pretty well. Reverse [kind of] was finicky, every now and then it would slip but had a good life. Honestly, I think around 250-300k you should rebuild it if its original.”
Owner Three
“To short answer it, I took [$2000] and put a side for the [transmission], learned after fourteen years of owning it, [it’s a matter of not if, it’s when]. [I changed] the fluid regularly and found a bottle of Lucas non slip is the best thing.
I think most of that stuff is snake oil but I’m telling you it works, keeps solenoids from sticking too. I do it every year.
Don’t use [overdrive], unless your [sic] going over 60 ya get same mileage, and not wear the 3-4 out. I drive in first till it’s in second then gradually give it more throttle.
If you drive it hard that 1-2 shift seems to shorten its life how do I know, been through 5 of these. Just my opinion. [My first transmission] lasted XXXX less than 100 miles. The last one lasted close to 100k miles.
Seems most of these around 40-50 can go.”
Hope you make 300k. [If you do, I would be] shocked. Go easy on them they aren’t all that great, [in my opinion].”
Owner Four
“I would be more curious about the number of shifts before failure. Most wear in a transmission in my opinion- mainly happens during shifts. Once the transmission is in gear it should see little wear.
Towing and heavy abuse increase fluid temps and reduce lubrication resulting in more wear during shifts. Yes, clutches wear but that is mainly during application and release when they slip.
So, to just go off mileage alone is probably not the best way to judge. A 4l60e that has 300k miles from towing between the coasts could be in better condition than the one with only 50k miles that was stop and go with thousands of shifts per day.”
What Is The Difference Between A 4l60 And A 4l60e Transmission?
The primary difference between a 4L60 and a 4L60E is the means of control. For the 4L60E the transmission is controlled by a computer.
The 4L60 transmission is controlled by a TV cable. As you can imagine if one transmission is controlled by a computer and the 4L60 is not there are compatibility issues between the 2.
If you were to put a 4L60E transmission in the place of a 4L60 and expect it to work properly, you better go out and find an aftermarket transmission controller to control it.
Or the transmission will not know when to kick down, when to shift or what the speed is of the vehicle. The 4L60 transmission would use a custom bracket to connect to the TV cable.
There are other geometry issues that each transmission has regarding engaging the torque converter which means you will need torque converters to achieve that engagement.
Similarities Between The 4L60 and 4L60E Transmission’s
Of course, there are differences between the 4L60 and 4L60E but there are also similarities between the two as well as some of the following differences:
The bellhousing bolt pattern is the same on both transmissions.
Both transmissions utilize the same bolt pattern as well as the same pan for the transmission.
They are both the same length.
Each of the 4L60E and 4L60 share the same number of gear ratios and same number of gears.
Common 4l60e Transmission Issues
Below is a partial list of the most common 4L60E transmission issues:
Slipping, Slow or No Reverse Available
Many owners realize that the “lo-reverse” clutches are beat or badly worn, possible fluid is leaking in the reverse apply circuit, or that there is a broken sun shell.
The 1-2 shift is harsh and delayed
Not only do own 4L60E owners have an acute delay or harshness in the 1-2 shift there have been reports of simply not being able to shift into overdrive.
The 3-4 Clutches Are Not Engaging and also worn out Quickly
Reports for the 3-4 clutches show they wear quickly. They will need to be rebuilt once removed. You can drive the car safe in 2 until you can get to a mechanic.