I've browsed around the forums a bit, but haven't found a clear answer for my circumstances.

The transmission in my 99 3.8, w/130,000 miles, is long overdue for service. It still shifts smoothly and doesn't slip, but the fluid has turned dark and obviously needs to be replaced.

What's the opinion on dropping the pan and changing the fluid/filter (I know you don't get all of the fluid this way), vs going in for a transmission flush in my case? A supervisor over some of the local JiffyLube stores says he'll give me a deal on a flush, $109.

I don't have any transmission service records prior to my ownership, so I don't know if the filter has ever been replaced.

^JR^

 

I wouldn't recommend a transmission flush, however a service would probably be a good idea. If a transmission is service once a year, you most likely will never have problems.

 

From the Owner's Manual:

"Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
D In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher.
D In hilly or mountainous terrain.
D Uses such as high performance operation.
D When doing frequent trailer towing.
D Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km)."

 

Thanks.

In my Haynes manual, they make it look pretty easy to change tranny filter myself. Parts are cheap and I'm good at following written directions. Is it really as easy as they make it out to be? Any pitfalls I should be aware of trying to do this myself?

 

You shouldnt have to much trouble, be careful as the pan can drop a fair amount of fluid and if you are not careful you will take a bath. Also be careful to not over tighten the pan bolts, 7-10 lb ft should do it.

 

Milk has it just about right. All I want to touch on is the pan bolts, snug will be good you dont have to torque them very much. Overtight will cause issues like stripped threads (both in the tranny and bolt) and you can damage the pan or crush the gasket which will cause leaks.

Massey

 

Trans filter change is easy, but make sure you have a big catch pan, don't take all bolts off at once, do it so it leans towards one side to get out most of the fluid first, clean the pan real good, and don't over-torque the bolts re-installing -- don't want to strip them... Don't forget a new gasket... ;-)

My 3.4L one had a magnet(s) in the pan, if not, it might be a good idea to add one. I bought the magnet tipped oil drain plugs for my Camaros...

You will not get as much fluid out with this method, but as I recall, you can pull out the line in the engine bay to get out more.