Automatic transmission servicing

It's generally easy to service your automatic transmission. You won't need any special tools or knowledge.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• FixYourCarWithHaynes
• transmission
• Fix
• haynes
• repair
• DIY
• auto
• car
• haynesmanuals

[founditnow54]

Hello I have a question for you - My car has about 103,000 miles on the original tranny (GM 4t60e) and the fluid has probably never been changed. It is a dark grey/blackish color and doesnt really smell burnt. Should I drop the pan and change the filter or do you think that might do more harm than good? Is ruining the tranny by changing the fluid in an old unserviced car just and old wives tale? Thank you so much!

[FixYourCarWithHaynes]

Hello founditnow54,

Having clean transmission fluid is always recommended, however performing a complete fluid flush on such an old and neglected transmission may dislodge built up debris. That debris may clog ports and cause the transmission to operate improperly. You can drop the pan, change the filter, and replenish any lost fluid...but this too may dislodge built up debris. We will leave that decision up to you and wish you the best of luck.

Best,

The Haynes Team

[DALE97DSM]

sweet.. But, I have one question wht about the fluid from the torque convertor. I know when doing this atx serviceing in my auto dsm holds 7 qts in the transmission plus extra 2 qts in the torque convertor. Would draining the fluid from the auto transmission also drain fluid from the torque convertor too.

[FixYourCarWithHaynes]

Hello DALE97DSM,

Generally, a considerable amount of fluid can remain in the transmission when draining and refilling. The idea is to refresh most of the fluid for better performance. Some vehicles, however, have a separate drain plug for the torque converter, but this is less common for typical vehicles and more common for heavy duty trucks.

Best,

The Haynes Team

[MrVLturbo94]

why dose it have to be warm b4 you service it?

[FixYourCarWithHaynes]

@MrVLturbo94

Hello,

It is better to service it after it is warm because the transmission fluid flows better, therefore more dirty fluid is able to be removed. Just be careful with the hot fluid!

Best,

Haynes

[tadeuprimo]

The 97, 98 and 99 Tiptronic A4 Gear box, used to be a problematic gear box ?

[TENNSUMITSUMA]

too bad my 2001 v5 optima doesnt have a haynes manual or any other manual for that matter

[mikerules666]

@DlSCONNECTED The main thing I was saying is that with the T-Tech service, the filter is not changed and when they do the fluid exchange, the new fluid is going to get dirty. Since the filter is designed to catch contaminates, there is no way possible for the filter to be cleaned. They try to tell me it does and I know better. It's just common sense. I always opt for the filter change anyway. It costs a little more, but it's worth it.

[DlSCONNECTED]

@mikerules666 Generally a fluid change estimate includes the filter. Explaining why you need a filter and can someone go without changing it is a conversation that loses you money. They will change your filter too.

[DlSCONNECTED]

4r70w: clean the magnet

[onesidequeens]

I have a 97 Cadillac Eldorado V8 North Star everytime i take off my car has a problem shifting out of first gear..can anybody explain whats going on??...i live in the NY area..and can anybody refer any certified mechanics in my area? Thank you

[WinVistaUser2]

Hi man, I have a quick question:

My car is making a weird noise when I'm going 5-whatevs the speed limit is, my car is a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX with Auto Trans, 3.5L TwinCam V6 Engine, 298 HP, 4 Door Sedan, and it has 64,380+ miles on it. I haven't gotten the Auto Transaxle fluid & filter changed since... never. I'm going to check tomorrow to see if the transaxle levels are too low. If it is, how much will it cost for 6 quarts of Dexron VI, a filter, and a funnel (total)?

Thanks.