GENERAL MOTORS

125C (3T40)

INDEX
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS................................................................................................. 4

ON CAR SERVICE..................................................................................................................................... 8

DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR....................................................................................................................... 15

DISASSEMBLY.......................................................................................................................................... 35

VALVE BODY............................................................................................................................................. 66

TECHNICAL BULLETINS....................................................................................................................... 76

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP

18639 SW 107TH AVENUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33157
(305) 670-4161
Copyright © ATSG 2004
 INTRODUCTION Updated
October, 2002
THM 125C (3T40)

We wish to thank General Motors Corporation for the information and illustrations that have made this booklet
possible. This booklet contains the general description, diagnosis and overhaul procedures necessary to repair,
overhaul or service the THM 125C (3T40) transaxle. In addition to this booklet for the assembly and
disassembly procedures, the Green "Update Handbook" available from ATSG is also necessary to inform you of
the many engineering changes that have occured over the years.
The THM 125C transaxle represents the addition of a converter clutch to the THM 125 transaxle that was
introduced in 1980. The Torque Converter Clutch was added to increase fuel economy by eliminating the fluid
coupling of the transmission at road load conditions, replacing it with a direct mechanical connection.
The torque converter smoothly couples the engine to the planetary gear system through three multiple disc
clutch packs, one roller clutch and one band, to produce three forward speeds and reverse. Changing of the gear
ratios and application of the converter clutch is controlled automatically.

No part of any ATSG publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without written permission of Automatic Transmission Service Group. This includes all text illustrations,
tables and charts.

"Portions of materials contained herein have been reprinted under

license from General Motors Corporation, Service & Parts Operations
License Agreement #0510718."

The information and part numbers contained in this booklet have

been carefully compiled from industry sources known for their
reliability, but ATSG does not guarantee its accuracy.

DALE ENGLAND JIM DIAL

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
WAYNE COLONNA ED KRUSE
TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
PETER LUBAN GREGORY LIPNICK
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
JON GLATSTEIN DAVID CHALKER
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
ROLAND ALVAREZ JERRY GOTT
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
GERALD CAMPBELL MIKE SOUZA
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP

18639 SW 107TH AVENUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33157
(305) 670-4161 1
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