tranny fluid

[transamgirl89]

Ok so I'm at 68,480 miles and I'm pretty sure it's due for a tranny flush. First off mine is a 3.8 and I've never done this before. What I'm worried about is A. finding metal shavings in the fluid and what all bad news that entails and B. is it gonna make the transmission slip after I've changed it since it's been so long. As of right now the tranny runs hard and smooth with no problems at all, is that a good sign as to how it will be after? Just new to doing this and being a college student I don't have the money to pay a mechanic and I need to learn this stuff anyways. Help/advice would be greatly welcome!

[Spikito]

i think its recommended either at 50k or 75k, mine was acting up a few years ago, did i true flush at 120k I think. some places just drain and replace fluid, that doesnt do anything, a true flush cycles fluid though and cleans it out, takes several hours.

but anyway, mine was over 100k miles, and I think it helped. turns out my problem wasn't in my trans at all. but it didnt hurt

[Smittro]

Had mine done @ ~60~70k. Power flushed and a filter change. Had the trans reprogrammed a couple of years earlier. The flush had no effect.. Unless you have the equipment you won't be doing a flush on your own easily.. Better to take it somewhere you trust.. Finding metal shavings can mean a few things.. Most autos get some filings stuck to the pan magnet which is usually normal.. Big chunks, or larger pieces than just filings can be a sign of a problem internally. The transmission should'nt slip after a flush.. The PCM controls fluid presure to compensate for wear and to help prevent it. If it does'nt slip now it most likely wont after the flush. If it does then there was a problem soon to show itself anyways.. Better to find it before it stops moving..

[konigandy6]

You're right at the recommended mileage. Get it done!

[1MileCrash]

i'm not one for doing a flush but i would recommend draining the fluid and changing the filter and putting in new fluid. if you get too many miles on it (over 100k) i wouldn't recommend it though...sometimes the only thing holding the trans together over 100k is the fluid.

[Spikito]

i'm not one for doing a flush but i would recommend draining the fluid and changing the filter and putting in new fluid. if you get too many miles on it (over 100k) i wouldn't recommend it though...sometimes the only thing holding the trans together over 100k is the fluid.

that only gets the fluid in the pan, thats like, 3 of the 8 quarts, that and a filter change will help, but its not like a real flush

[allbaugh_04]

It's gotta be more than 3 qts.

[Smittro]

that only gets the fluid in the pan, thats like, 3 of the 8 quarts, that and a filter change will help, but its not like a real flush

Agree, just serves to contaminate the new fluid with the old stuff that's left behind.. = waste o' time..

An out of spec trany is an out of spec trany reguardless of the fluids age..

[transamgirl89]

Is the dip stick for the tranny fluid the one with the red cap that says trans/lock towards the back of the block? I wanna check the fluid for myself before I take it to the shop. I know it should be a pink or red color and brown is bad.

[Spikito]

yep.....on both counts

im sure youve explained this before, but i gotta ask

"transamgirl89"......"2001 RS Camaro"......explain

[hamburger68]

Is the dip stick for the tranny fluid the one with the red cap that says trans/lock towards the back of the block? I wanna check the fluid for myself before I take it to the shop. I know it should be a pink or red color and brown is bad.

just to make sure, you know that the motor has to be running when you check the tranny fluid, right? drive a bit to get the system warm, then park on even ground. keep the car running in park and check the fluid. the level is supposed to be between the little holes.

[Smittro]

Is the dip stick for the tranny fluid the one with the red cap that says trans/lock towards the back of the block? I wanna check the fluid for myself before I take it to the shop. I know it should be a pink or red color and brown is bad.

Yes that be the one.. It will be like a 3 foot dip stick.. Pretty long. Also follow Hambergers instructions..

[Spikito]

yep, check it warm, level ground....ive actually got a really funny story regarding that, lol

[slimss]

Most transmisson shops do not recommend a complete flush just a fluid drain and filter change. They claim a flush can actually damage the tranny.

[konigandy6]

Most transmisson shops do not recommend a complete flush just a fluid drain and filter change. They claim a flush can actually damage the tranny.

If the flush has never been done before and the vehicle has a ton of miles, then yes, I would agree with this.

[lowrider095]

the trans holds 5 quarts and the converter holds 3

[transamgirl89]

Spitkito I had a 99 TA before this car. I totaled it last year before I joined the site. I went with a Camaro because I got a really good deal but my heart is still with the Trans Am.

[JoshuaGrooms83]

the trans holds 5 quarts and the converter holds 3

As a whole (and i know cause ive done it) its gonna take about 11-12 quarts of Auto Trans fluid to completly exchange the the fluid. THats the WHOLE tranny system. Its expensive and takes about an hour depending on the machine used. The machine we used in the shop i use to work in would suck out and push in fluid at the same time. For a 70k+ tranny it does wonders for your tranny. it will thank you. If you put in high quality synthetic, even better. Find a shop that replaces, not just "filter". And make sure they replace your filter while you at it. For a True Tranny Flush, with synthetic fluid, you r gonna be looking at $200-300. Unless your working there then you get it at cost like me lol

[Spikito]

i think mine was just a little over 100, and it was a full flush and replace.

[JoshuaGrooms83]

It all depends on the Shop. Some are cheaper than others but it also depends on their equipment. Supply and demand. Makes or breaks a shop.