Buick LeSabre (USA / CAN)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Buick LeSabre (USA / CAN) automatic transmission fluid capacity ranges from 7 to 12,7 liters. Service intervals include 83000 km and 166000 km. The data covers 4 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
LeSabre 3.8 V6 (2004-2005)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 12,7 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 9,5 liter (Overhaul capacity)
  • Capacity 7 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 83000 km
  • Code: 4T65-E 4/1
LeSabre 3.8 V6 (2004-2005)
  • Use: Severe
  • Capacity 12,7 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 9,5 liter (Overhaul capacity)
  • Capacity 7 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 166000 km
  • Code: 4T65-E 4/1
LeSabre 3.8 V6 (1999-2003)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 12,7 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 9,5 liter (Overhaul capacity)
  • Capacity 7 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 83000 km
  • Code: 4T65-E 4/1
LeSabre 3.8 V6 (1999-2003)
  • Use: Severe
  • Capacity 12,7 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 9,5 liter (Overhaul capacity)
  • Capacity 7 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 166000 km
  • Code: 4T65-E 4/1

Additional Notes

  • The Buick LeSabre 3.8 V6 automatic transaxle carries a dry fill capacity of 12.7 liters, which represents the total fluid volume required when filling a completely empty unit, such as after a full rebuild or replacement.
  • The overhaul capacity of 9.5 liters sits between the dry fill and service fill figures, reflecting the amount needed after a major disassembly where the torque converter and passages have been drained but some residual fluid remains in internal passages.
  • The service fill capacity of 7 liters applies to a routine fluid change, where a portion of the fluid is retained in the torque converter and valve body, accounting for the lower volume required compared to a dry or overhaul fill.
  • Under normal use conditions, the 1999-2003 3.8 V6 transaxle carries a fluid change interval of 83,000 km, while the same engine in the 2004-2005 model years shares an identical 83,000 km normal-use interval, indicating no revision to the standard service schedule across the full 1999-2005 production span.
  • Under severe use conditions, the change interval extends to 166,000 km for both the 1999-2003 and 2004-2005 3.8 V6 configurations, which is exactly double the normal-use interval of 83,000 km.
  • All three capacity values, dry fill at 12.7 liters, overhaul at 9.5 liters, and service fill at 7 liters, remain unchanged between the 1999-2003 and 2004-2005 model year groups, reflecting a consistent transaxle design across the entire 1999-2005 LeSabre range.

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