2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Draining & Refilling: 4T40-E

  1. Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under transaxle oil pan. Remove oil pan bolts from front and side. Loosen rear transaxle oil pan bolts about 4 turns each.
  2. Using a screwdriver, carefully pry pan loose. Allow fluid to drain. Remove bolts, and remove oil pan. Remove and discard old pan gasket, if reusable-type gasket is not used. Remove filter and "O" ring or sleeve-type seal. See Fig 1 . Remove any remaining gasket material on transaxle case.
  3. Thoroughly clean pan, magnet and screen (if metal) with solvent, and then dry using compressed air. Replace filter and seal. Lubricate with clean fluid before installation.
  4. Install filter assembly into filter pick-up tube recess. See Fig 2 . Install oil pan and gasket. Use NEW pan gasket if transaxle is not equipped with reusable-type gasket. Tighten pan bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  5. Fill transaxle to proper level. See FLUID CAPACITIES  . Lower vehicle and start engine. Allow engine to idle until transmission fluid reaches 104°F (20°C). Depress brake pedal and shift gear selector through all gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Place gear selector lever in Park.
    6. CAUTION: In this step, engine MUST be running when transaxle oil check plug is removed or excessive fluid loss will occur. Stand clear when removing oil check plug. DO NOT turn engine off with oil check plug removed.
  6. With engine running, raise vehicle and remove transaxle oil check plug. Add fluid in increments of one pint (.5L) until fluid drains from oil check hole. Install oil check plug and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
Fig 1: Removing Oil Filter & Seal
G00082512Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

Rather have a pro handle this?

A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.

Comes to youSame-day available12-month warranty
Get a Free Quote

No obligation. See pricing before you book.