Wiktor Wise
The 700R4 transmission was made between 1982 and 1992 and was a 4-geared hydraulic automatic transmission with the 4th gear as an overdrive gear. In 1993, GM switched to the electronic version of the 700R4/4L60, so some 1993 models had the non-electronic 4L60, while some later 1993 models had the electronic 4L60E. The 700R4 transmission sometimes leaked, which could cause low transmission fluid levels. There were both mechanical and electronic speedometers on the 700R4 transmissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Years | 1982–1993 |
| Speedo Cable | Mechanical or electronic |
| Transmission | 4-geared hydraulic automatic transmission with the 4th gear, an overdrive gear (30% increase) |
| Case Length | 23.5″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs without fluid |
| Transmission Case Bolts | 16 |
| Transfer Case | Aluminum |
| Transmission Fluid | Dextron VI, with a capacity of 11 Quarts |
| Torque | 350nm |
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What You'll Learn
The 700R4 transmission was made between 1982 and 1992
The 700R4 transmission had both mechanical and electronic speedometers. The earliest 700R4 transmissions used a TV cable as the speedometer. Later models from 1990 to 1993 used an electronic speedometer. Some sources state that 1987 was the year when electronic speedometers were introduced to the 700R4 transmission, while others mention that it was in 1993. It is possible that the electronic speedometers were introduced in select models in 1987 and became more widespread in 1993.
The presence of an electrical plug indicates an electronic speedometer, while a thicker cable coming out from the rear suggests a mechanical speedometer. The electronic speedometer uses a pulse generator and a steel reluctor wheel on the tail shaft, while the mechanical speedometer uses a cable drive. Converting from a mechanical to an electronic speedometer requires replacing the cable drive with an electronic sender and associated parts.
The 700R4 transmission was known for its reliability, but it was not without its issues. Leaks could occur, leading to low transmission fluid levels. Lack of maintenance, such as not changing the transmission fluid regularly, could also cause damage to the transmission. Additionally, the torque converter could fail, requiring replacement. Despite these potential issues, the popularity of the 700R4 transmission ensured that parts were readily available and affordable.
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The 700R4 uses a TV cable as the speedometer
The 700R4 transmission is not electronically controlled. Instead, it uses a TV cable as the speedometer. The TV cable, also known as the throttle valve cable, is a mechanical cable that connects the throttle body to the transmission. It acts as a throttle position sensor, controlling how the transmission shifts by using hydraulic pressure.
The 700R4 was replaced by the 4L60 transmission in 1991, which is electronically controlled and does not use a TV cable. The 4L60 transmission is also known as the 4L60E, with the "E" standing for "electronic". The 4L60E was introduced in 1993 by GM, and some 1993 models feature the 4L60, while others feature the 4L60E.
The 700R4 transmission was manufactured between 1982 and 1992. Some sources state that the 700R4 transmissions from 1987 onwards are preferable as the earlier models were not very good and had issues with weak pumps, heating, and valve bodies. However, others state that the 700R4 transmissions from 1987 had glitches, and it is best to refer to a Blue Book when rebuilding.
The 700R4 transmission has both mechanical and electronic speedometers. To determine if a 700R4 transmission has a mechanical or electronic speedometer, you can check the rear of the transmission. A mechanical speedometer will have a thicker cable coming out of the rear, while an electronic speedometer will have a speedometer sensor. Additionally, an electronic speedometer will have wires coming to the transmission on the rear passenger side.
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The 4L60 is an electronically controlled transmission
The 4L60, initially known as the TH700R4, is an electronically-controlled transmission system. It was first conceptualized by General Motors in 1982 as a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The 4L60 was designed to be fuel-efficient, replacing its three-speed counterpart, the TH350, in the wake of the 1970s fuel shortages.
The 4L60 is part of the 4L60E family of transmissions, which includes the 4L60E and 4L65E series. These transmissions are automatic and designed for longitudinal engine configurations. They feature four forward gears and one reverse gear. The 4L60E is the electronically commanded evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4. The ""E" in 4L60E stands for "electronically" controlled transmissions.
The 4L60E is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and its requisite wiring. It uses electronic actuators and solenoids to control the valve body, clutches, and bands to shift gears. The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) feeds data to the PCM or ECM (vehicle powertrain computer), which then determines the optimum time for gear shifting. The PCM controls the shift solenoid pattern, also known as the solenoid firing order, to achieve four distinct gear ratios.
The 4L60E was released in 1996 behind the 4.3L V6 engine and more broadly in 1997 against the V8 engines. By 1998, it was fully implemented at GM for both RWD car platforms and trucks in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The 4L60E was also fitted to the 6th generation Chevrolet Corvette.
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The 1993 GM switch from mechanical to electronic speedometers
In 1993, GM switched from mechanical to electronic speedometers in the 700R4/4L60 transmission, introducing the electronic 4L60E. This transition occurred during the model year, with some early-production 1993 vehicles equipped with the non-electronic 4L60 and later-production vehicles featuring the updated electronic version.
The 700R4, introduced in the late 1980s, was an automatic transmission offered by General Motors (GM) in various rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Initially, the 700R4 utilised a mechanical speedometer, relying on a physical cable to drive the speedometer. However, over time, GM transitioned to electronic speedometers, which offered several advantages.
The shift towards electronic speedometers brought about improvements in accuracy and reliability. Electronic speedometers utilise a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) that measures the rotation of the driveshaft or transmission output shaft, providing a more precise speed reading. This electronic signal is then sent to the speedometer, resulting in a smoother and more responsive display.
Prior to the introduction of the electronic 4L60E in 1993, GM had already been incorporating electronic features into the 700R4 transmission. Some sources indicate that as early as 1987, GM began adding electronics and an auxiliary valve body to the 700R4. This evolution continued until the eventual release of the fully electronic 4L60E in 1993.
It is worth noting that while the electronic speedometers offered enhanced performance, some enthusiasts still prefer the mechanical versions for their simplicity and ease of repair. Additionally, early iterations of the electronic 700R4 transmissions, including those from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, faced criticisms for their reliability issues.
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The 700R4 transmission is a 4-geared hydraulic automatic transmission
The 700R4 was introduced by General Motors in 1982 and is based on the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. It features four forward gears and reverse, with a lower gear ratio for the first and second gears. The transmission case is slightly longer and bigger than that of the TH350. The 700R4 is a durable and reliable transmission, which has made it popular among car enthusiasts. It was used in various GM cars such as the Chevy Blazer, Suburban, Camaro, Corvette, and Impala Oldsmobile.
Throughout its production, the 700R4 underwent several improvements. Initially, it featured a 27-spline input shaft, which was prone to failure. This was addressed in 1984 with the introduction of a 30-spline shaft, similar to those in the TH350 and TH400 transmissions. Internal components such as the oil pump housing and ring gear were also updated between 1984 and 1987, with the addition of an auxiliary valve body in 1986 for smoother shifting.
In 1990, the 700R4 was renamed to 4L60, although it remained largely unchanged. However, in 1993, the 4L60 became the 4L60E, which was electronically controlled instead of hydraulically shifted. This electronic version is considered the second generation of the 700R4 and was introduced in late 1987 or 1993, according to different sources.
The 700R4 transmission is known for its 30% overdrive ratio, which improved fuel economy and performance, especially for low vehicle speeds and off-road driving. It was widely used in trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars, making sports cars and pickup trucks more affordable to drive.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the 700R4 transmission had both mechanical and electronic speedometers.
If you see wires coming out from the rear of the transmission, you likely have an electronic speedometer. If you see a thick cable, you likely have a mechanical speedometer.
The 700R4 was manufactured from 1982 to 1992. Some sources state that 1993 was the crossover year, with some 1993 models having non-electronic 4L60s and some having electronic 4L60Es.
You will need to check the wirings between the cluster/control unit and the transmission and make sure there is no corrosion inside the connector.
Check the identification tag on the rear side of the transmission. You will find an identification number containing 7-8 characters and numbers. The first number is the year model of the transmission.
