How many quarts does a 700r4 hold

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The charts below list the fluid capacities for most popular domestic automatic transmissions and a variety of torque converter diameters. Please note that the charts show the fluid capacity for a new converter. Generally a converter that has been previously run will retain some fluid. Always fill a new converter with fluid before installing into your transmission. Be sure to check out TCI's selection of competition-grade automatic transmission fluids.

Are you a proud owner of a 700r4 transmission? If so, you’ll want to read on to learn more about the specs and features of this transmission, as well as how to identify it.

Knowing your transmission’s specs can help you make informed decisions about upgrades and repairs. Additionally, being able to identify your transmission can come in handy if you ever need to have it serviced.

So, whether you’re just curious or you’re actually in need of some transmission repair information, keep reading for all the info about the 700r4 transmission.

Table Of Contents show

700r4 Transmission Specifications

What is a 700r4 Transmission?

K-Case Differences

How To Identify a 700r4 Transmission?

1. Transfer Case Gasket Bolt Pattern

2. Identification Tag

700r4 Troubleshooting Guide

1. Torque Converter won’t lock and slipping

700r4 Transmission Fluid Level Checking

2. Revs up but won’t move

700r4 TV/Aux Cable Adjustment

3. The speedometer is not working properly

4. Vibrations during acceleration

5. Not shifting properly

Common 700r4 transmission Problems

1. The Brake Light Switch

2. Worn out TV cable/adjustment

3. Low fluid level/burned fluid

4. Faulty Torque Converter

700r4 Transmissions for Sale

1. Brand New Transmissions & Parts

2. Used Parts

700r4 Transmission Specifications

DescriptionSpecName700r4Type4 Speed AutomaticApplicationsGM Cars - GMC, Chevy/Chevrolet, Buick 1982-1990
Blazer, Suburban, Camaro, Corvette, Impala, Oldsmobile 350 and moreGears3 + 1 Overdrive 30%Weight170 lbs dry~Length23.5"Gear Ratios1: 3.059 2: 1.625 3: 1.00 4: 0.696 R: 2.294Case MaterialAluminumInput Spline-1984 27 splines
1984- 30 splinesName Before-1982 TH350Name After1990- 4L60Fluid Capacity11 QuartsFluid TypeDEXRON VIMax Torque350nm +/-Image

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold
Gasket/Bolt Pattern16 bolt
How many quarts does a 700r4 hold

What is a 700r4 Transmission?

The 700R4 transmission is a 4-speed automatic transmission that was introduced by General Motors in 1982. It is based on the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and features an overdrive fourth gear that provides a 30 percent fuel economy improvement over the TH350.

The 1st and 2nd gear got a lower gear ratio, and the transmission case itself became a bit longer and larger.

You usually find the 700r4 transmission in GM cars like the Chevy Blazer, Suburban, Camaro, Corvette, Impala, and even in Oldsmobile Cars and many more. If we mentioned all car models this transmission was installed in, the list would be very long.

A lot of people like the 700r4 because of its excellent durability. Due to its popularity, it is also quite effortless to find replacement parts for this transmission.

The 700r4 transmission was not electronically controlled yet; it was hydraulic pressure controlled with a TV cable, which acted as a throttle position sensor to control the gear shifting. In 1991~ the 700r4 transmission was replaced by the popular transmission 4L60.

The transmission then became electronically controlled instead of the TV cable, with some other changes that I will go through further down in the article.

In conclusion, the 700r4 transmission is a 4-geared hydraulic automatic transmission with the 4th gear, an overdrive gear (30% increase). The transmission was made between 1982-1992. It had a case length of 23.5″~ and a weight of 170 lbs~ without fluid inside it. The transmission case has 16 bolts and a transfer case of aluminum.

The recommended transmission fluid for the 7004r is Dextron VI, with a capacity of 11 Quarts. The transmission is pretty reliable and can handle torque up to around 350nm~; remember that these are only the reported numbers, and it can be higher or lower depending on the age and maintenance.

RELATED: 4L60E vs 4L80E Differences: Swap & Information

K-Case Differences

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold

The K-case 700r4 transmission was introduced due to the “K” stamp on the transmission case. The K-case 700r4 transmission was designed to work with heavy duty 4×4 trucks, and it is known as one of the best offroad transmissions. Therefore, the K-case is more robust and has a thicker transfer case.

How To Identify a 700r4 Transmission?

Most GM automatic transmission looks almost identical and is challenging to identify for an untrained eye.

However, there are some ways to determine if you have a 200-4r, 700r4, TH350, or a 4L60 transmission.

1. Transfer Case Gasket Bolt Pattern

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold

The easiest way to identify if you have a 700r4 is to raise your car and check the bolts around the transfer case.

The 700r4 and the 4L60 transmission uses a bolt pattern of 16 bolts, so if the transmission looks like the picture and you can see 16 bolts, you most likely have a 700r4 or a 4L60 transmission. So how can you know which one of these you have?

Well, the 700r4 uses a TV cable as the speedometer, and the 4L60 is an electronically controlled transmission, so if you see wires coming to the transmission on the rear of the transmission on the passenger side, you have a 4L60.

2. Identification Tag

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold

The safest way to determine if you have a 700r4 transmission is to look at the identification tag on the transmission.

You will find it on the rear side of the transmission on the passenger side. It can be pretty tough to see on older cars, so you may have to clean up your transmission to find it.

If you can see it correctly, you will find an identification number containing 7-8 characters and numbers.

The 1st number is the year model of the transmission. For example, if the number is 0, the transmission is from 1990. But it’s not that easy, because the transmission was made in the 1980s also. So you have to check the next letters too.

2 letters 80's3 letters 80's3 letters 90's  9 = 19826 = 19860 = 19903 = 19837 = 19871 = 19914 = 19848 = 19882 = 19925 = 19859 = 19993 = 1993

  • The next 2 or 3 letters identify the model of the transmission. These numbers tell us the application, engine size, wiring type, and solenoids.
  • If you find 2 letters, the transmission was made between 1982-1985.
  • If you find 3 letters, the transmission was made between 1986-1993.

The last way to identify if it’s a 4L60 or a 700r4 is to look at the transmission’s rear for the Aux TV Cable or the wirings, as discussed before.

  • Wirings = 4L60
  • Aux TV Cable = 700r4

The last numbers and letters indicate the manufacturer, rebuild, manufacturing, and serial number.

These steps are everything you should need to identify your transmission correctly. If you still have questions about it, you are welcome to ask any questions about the 700r4 transmission in our community.

700r4 Troubleshooting Guide

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold
400R

Even if the 700r4 transmission is durable and reliable, they sometimes fail. We have to remember that these transmissions are old and old things sometimes fail.

Here I will give some common symptoms of the 700r4 transmission and add a short line underneath it to explain where you should start looking for the issue.

1. Torque Converter won’t lock and slipping

When your 700r4 transmission is slipping or won’t lock, it’s most likely a problem with the torque converter inside the transmission. If your transmission slips, the first thing you should try is to replace the transmission fluid and sometimes even to a transmission fluid flush before going into any more specific repairs

700r4 Transmission Fluid Level Checking

Let the transmission fluid heat up to the working temperature and let your car idle at position park while checking the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, try to fill it up to see if it solves the problem.

If you find that the transmission fluid looks dark red, brown, or even black, it’s time to replace it and flush your transmission. However, if the transmission fluid seems good and the converter is slipping, I still recommend that you replace the fluid and do a transmission flush.

RELATED: Transmission Fluid Color Chart (5 Different Colors)

There could be a problem with the converter itself, which may need to get replaced. Other causes could be the TV cable’s adjustment, which I will discuss further down in the article.

2. Revs up but won’t move

If your car revs up, but it will barely move, you should begin with checking the transmission fluid, as discussed before. Check the level and the color of the transmission fluid.

  • Red = Okay
  • Brown = Worn out
  • Black = Burned

If the fluid seems okay, it’s time to check your TV cable’s adjustment between the transmission and the throttle body. I have included a movie to simplify the procedure of the TV cable adjustment.

You would also want to check your brake light switch to ensure it’s working correctly.

700r4 TV/Aux Cable Adjustment

3. The speedometer is not working properly

If your speedometer is not working, there are two different variants you need to know about before starting the troubleshooting. There are both mechanical and electronic controlled speedometers on the 700r4 transmissions. First, you have to check if you have a mechanical or electronic speedometer.

Raise the car and look at the transmission’s rear. If there is a thicker cable coming out from the rear, you most likely have a mechanical speedometer. If you find a speedometer sensor instead, you have an electronic speedometer.

If you have a mechanical speedometer – Check if you can see any problems with the speedometer cable, replace it if you can see any signs of wear or other damage. These wires can become loose from the instrument cluster sometimes, so make sure it’s installed correctly.

If you have an electronic speedometer – Check the wirings between the cluster/control unit and the transmission and make sure there is no corrosion inside the connector. If the wires are okay, it’s time to replace the sensor on the transmission. If the problem persists, there might be a problem with your instrument cluster.

4. Vibrations during acceleration

If you feel vibrations while accelerating your car, there is most likely a problem with the driveshafts, prop shaft, or torque converter. If you feel vibrations all the time and not only during acceleration, you may have unbalanced tires.

RELATED: Why is My Car Shaking? (8 Common Causes & How to Fix it)

5. Not shifting properly

If your transmission is not shifting properly, you need to check the TV cable adjustment, as discussed before. Also, check the transmission fluid level and replace it if it’s worn.

Common 700r4 transmission Problems

How many quarts does a 700r4 hold
THM 200R4

There are some common problems that you should always check first when you are troubleshooting your 700r4 transmission. These issues includes:

1. The Brake Light Switch

There is a switch on the brake pedal, which you should check the function to make sure it works correctly. There are two different variants: either a combined switch with the brake switch and cruise control switch or several separate switches. Check the wirings diagram, make sure the switch is working correctly, and there is power coming to the switch.

2. Worn out TV cable/adjustment

A worn-out TV cable or a faulty adjustment is another common issue on the 700r4 transmission. Make sure to adjust the TV cable with the video’s help. If you can see any signs of wear or damage on the TV cable, replace it!

3. Low fluid level/burned fluid

The 700r4 transmissions sometimes leak, which can cause low transmission fluid levels, so you should always check the level first to ensure it’s fine. Some transmission has been rolling many years without a transmission fluid change, which can cause damage to the transmission. Check the fluid level and replace and flush the transmission fluid if it looks dirty.

4. Faulty Torque Converter

Sometimes the torque converter can fail on the 700r4 transmission, unfortunately. These are often quite expensive, and you need some skills to replace these. If you have done everything above and the transmission is still slipping, you might have to replace it. There are some videos on Youtube on how to replace the 700r4 converter.

700r4 Transmissions for Sale

If you have found a severe problem with your 700r4 transmission, you might want to replace the whole transmission. Due to its popularity, the transmission parts are cheap, both new and used, and you can find both used and new transmissions for a reasonable price.

However, if you are going to replace parts for your transmission, I always recommend installing new components and never installing used parts if possible. Remember that most of these transmissions are already old and worn so it’s worth getting new parts in most cases.

1. Brand New Transmissions & Parts

If you are looking for just any parts for your 700r4 transmission or looking for a brand new transmission, I can recommend that you check it out on Amazon or Ebay if you live in the USA or Europe. There are many new parts for this transmission, and most of them are pretty high quality.

Check the recent customer reviews of the part to get an idea of the quality of the product. To see the parts, you can go to Amazon by clicking Here.

2. Used Parts

If you are looking for a used transmission, you can find it online, or you can probably find them at any junkyard nearby. Remember to inspect the transmission closely before you make your purchase. Try to get as much information as possible about it, like the mileage, how many transmission fluid replacements were done, etc.

How much fluid does a 700R4 filter change?

Since we were obviously low before, and we know that the 700R4 will usually take six quarts after a service, we added four, ran the truck up to temperature, checked our dipstick, and continued with process up to six quarts so we would now know exactly how to read on our fancy-if-not-accurate dipstick.

What year is the best 700R4 transmission?

Generally, 1987 and up TH700R4s or 1990-'93 4L60 units are the most desirable.

How much fluid goes in a torque converter?

When installing the converter onto the transmission, please pour approximately one quart of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) into the converter before installing into the transmission. Using a light grease, coat the transmission seal, front pump bushing, and converter neck.