For 1990-2009 cars

# 1989 PRODUCT UPDATES 1989 THM 440-T4

1989 CUTLASS CIERA, CUTLASS SUPREME, EIGHTY-EIGHT, NINETY-EIGHT AND TORONADO EQUIPPED WITH THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T60 TRANSAXLE (RPO - ME9)

#### BULLETIN COVERS:

The Product Information contained in this bulletin describes changes that have occurred on all 1989 THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T60 transaxles. Refer to each section of this bulletin for specific product change information.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figure 1) -------------------------- Refer to each different subject.

#### SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:

This information is an update for 1989 Service Manuals printed prior to December 1, 1988. Use it to update your 1989 Service Manual.

#### SUBJECT: New Material For Side Cover To Channel Plate Gasket

A new Side Cover To Channel Plate Gasket (65) using a new (Vamac(TM)/cork) latex coated cellulose Gasket (Figure 2). The new Gasket will provide a better seal by reducing the potential of crushing or splitting of the Gasket when the Case Side Cover Pan Nuts (53) are torqued.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figure 1) ------------------------- November 1, 1988 (Julian Date 306) all THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T60 transaxles are built with the new Gasket.

#### SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:

The new Gasket will be available for service once the previous gasket stock has been used up for service. This new Gasket will not be available separately, order the Side Cover Gasket kit package or the Complete Overhaul Repair package.

Part No. Description Model Year/Model Usage -------- ----------- ---------------------- 8644902 Pkg. Side Cover Gaskets Kit 1984-89/All - Gasket, Side Cover to Case - Gasket, Side Cover to Channel Plate

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

#### SUBJECT: New Input Sun Gear To Input Carrier Thrust Bearing Assembly

A new Input Sun Gear to Input Carrier Thrust Bearing Assembly that has increased torque capacity for higher torque engines. The new Input Sun/Carrier Bearing Assembly (661) is 0.38mm (0.015") thicker and the Input Carrier Assembly (662) Bearing Pocket is machined deeper to accommodate the increased thickness of the new Bearing (Figure 3).

#### SERVICE ACTION:

The new input Carrier Assembly (662) will be available for service for all current and past models built after April 1, 1986 (Julian Date 091) (Wider Input Sprag Change).

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figure 1) -------------------------- November 1, 1988 (Jullan Date 306) all THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T6o transaxles are built with the new Input Sun/Carrier Bearing Assembly (661) and Input Carrier Assembly (662).

#### SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:

Part No. Description Model Year Model Usage -------- ------------ ----------------------- 8668244 Carrier Assembly, Input Complete (new) 1986-89/All

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

#### SUBJECT: New Wiring Harness to Prevent Pinched/Shorted Converter Clutch Solenoid Wires (Figures 2, 4, 5)

A revised wire routing for the Torque Converter Clutch Solenold (TCC) requires a new Wiring Harness. The TCC wires are now routed straight down from the Engine Wire Harness Connector to the TCC Solenold instead of going around the Oil Pump Body. This reduces the possibility of the TCC wires becoming pinched/shorted between the Pump Cover and the Case Side Cover Pan during assembly. For this change to occur, a Wire Conduit Clip (TCC) has been added to secure the Wire Conduit (TCC).

#### SERVICE ACTION:

The new Wire Harness will not be available for service. Order the old style Wire Harness to service present THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T60 models. When using the old style wire harness ensure the routing will not allow the (TCC) wires to get pinched between the pump cover and case side cover pan during assembly.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE: (Figure 1) -------------------------- November 1, 1988 (Julian Date 306) all THM 440-T4/HYDRA-MATIC 4T60 transaxles were built using the Wiring Harness and TCC Clip. TEXT ZONE

#### SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:

When the supply of old style wire harnesses indicated by the asterisk "*" is depleted the new style wire harness will be available.

Part No. Description Model Year/Model Usage

*8662852 Harness Assembly, Wiring 1989/BHH, BJH, BPH, BWH, PAH *8662324 Harness Assembly, Wiring 1989/BAH, BDH, BFH, BMH, CDH, CLH, CPH, CYJ, CZH 8668271 Clip, Wire Conduit (TCC) 1989/All

*Old style wire harness.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.