transmission fluid

[alsousa]

When should the tranny fluid be first changed?
Isn't the Dexron fluid suppose to last longer than normal trany fluids?

Mine is 3 years now with 58000 KM, not changed yet.

[99GrandAMSE]

... the dealer says 100,000 or so I believe but I would suggest thast doing it now would be 'just fine' :)

[klc317]

I plan to change mine around every 30k-35k miles.

[mikem220153]

I've been told every 30,000 under normal driving conditions (Moderate Highway and City)and every 25,000 under severe (City, Stop and Go) conditions.

[goldfinger]

Mine has 82,000+ miles on it and it has never been changed.

I was told by someone that changing it in a older tranny can be bad because over time the fluid fills in small "gaps" and when you drain it those gaps are opened up. Any truth to that?

[Themeneea]

I was told by someone that changing it in a older tranny can be bad because over time the fluid fills in small "gaps" and when you drain it those gaps are opened up. Any truth to that?

i think thats trannys from the 80's

i change mine every 50,000Km

[JayDoc]

Originally posted by goldfinger
Mine has 82,000+ miles on it and it has never been changed.

I was told by someone that changing it in a older tranny can be bad because over time the fluid fills in small "gaps" and when you drain it those gaps are opened up. Any truth to that?

I'd replace the fluid ASAP. Factory fill ATF isn't going to protect and lubricate that long. Take a look at this link, http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=000383, for problems with only doing a tranny evac service. I think it's the 4th post. Even when all the fluid is changed, it's still important to drop the pan and replace the filter.

I'd also stay away from any service that introduces a flushing agent into the tranny before the fluid is evacuated.

[Factory_freak2k]

Well you guys can all have fun changing your tranny fluid... but i hate to be the bearer of bad news but you have to tear out your tranny to service it at all... look all you want for the dipstick because it doesn't exist you have to tear out the tranny to service it at all... pontiac is obviously oblivious to normal service procidures.... but i just had my tranny rebuilt (overdrive shot to hell and my bands were cracked) but when i took it in and they showed me my fluid at 112,000 miles it barely had a haze... so my reccomendation is take a look at any sign of problems... and slips, slow shifts, or shifting jerks or pulls... becuase the filter it's self is $68.00 to replace and the tranny takes 12 quarts of fluid... but whatever ya do Good Luck...

[Gimli]

Originally posted by Factory_freak2k
Well you guys can all have fun changing your tranny fluid... but i hate to be the bearer of bad news but you have to tear out your tranny to service it at all... look all you want for the dipstick because it doesn't exist you have to tear out the tranny to service it at all...

Again, that's just not true. All you need to do to verify the fluid level (and quality) is put the car up on a lift and remove the screw on top of the tranny. No need to "tear it out". No need to tear it out to change the fluid either.

The '99+ Grand Am is actually marketed with a "sealed-for-life" tranny. Unless you operate it under extreme conditions (like a taxi cab or some other professional use or a very hot, dusty area) the factory recommendation is to never change the fluid. In the case of those extreme conditions (check your owner's manual for a detailed list of them) the recommendation is to change it every 50k miles.


Originally posted by Factory_freak2k
and the tranny takes 12 quarts of fluid...

That's only for a dry-fill. Dropping the pan and changing the filter requires about 6.8 quarts and flushing IIRC is about 9-10 quarts.

[prescill]

I just got mine changed in my 99, at 242,000 km. Now it shifts better and doesn't bang into gear when i go from drive to 3 rd