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Automatic transmission maintenance
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: burbank ca
Automatic transmission maintenance
I have a 1998 automatic which is getting close to the 50K miles range.
When is the recommended time to service the transmission? Should the fluid be changed and if so, is there a special type that is used.
I was hoping to do this myself, but maybe special equipment is needed??? Any suggestions? I want to take good care of this baby.
Thanks!
When is the recommended time to service the transmission? Should the fluid be changed and if so, is there a special type that is used.
I was hoping to do this myself, but maybe special equipment is needed??? Any suggestions? I want to take good care of this baby.
Thanks!
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
The transmission has a capacity of about 10 quarts.Removing the pan and changing the filter will only replenish about 4.5 quarts 
I suggest that you find a service center that has flushing equipment such as "BG" services offer to completly flush the system including the cooler and replenish with 10 quarts...30-40,000 would be the suggested interval 
I suggest that you find a service center that has flushing equipment such as "BG" services offer to completly flush the system including the cooler and replenish with 10 quarts...30-40,000 would be the suggested interval
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 638
Likes: 1
From: Bainbridge Island Wa
GM has a pamplet which tells when you change oil and fluids. If it isnt there dont do it. I ran my GMC Jimmy for 170,000 and never changed it. Most trannies are good for the life of the car without changing it...by the way, dont take it to AMMCO or speedy lube.
Also,,check the fluid yourself before taking it if you insist on changing it,,I had a very bad experience with AMMCO once.
Good luck
Also,,check the fluid yourself before taking it if you insist on changing it,,I had a very bad experience with AMMCO once.
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,076
Likes: 26
From: Nevada and Florida
Originally Posted by C-5 TECH
The transmission has a capacity of about 10 quarts.Removing the pan and changing the filter will only replenish about 4.5 quarts I suggest that you find a service center that has flushing equipment such as "BG" services offer to completly flush the system including the cooler and replenish with 10 quarts...30-40,000 would be the suggested interval
I suggest that you find a service center that has flushing equipment such as "BG" services offer to completly flush the system including the cooler and replenish with 10 quarts...30-40,000 would be the suggested interval 
Flush and filter.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58,524
Likes: 70
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by C-5 TECH
...30-40,000 would be the suggested interval
depends on the driving conditions.
according to the manual it can need changed anywhere from 15000-50000 miles.
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On the automatic cars I have owned, a change at 45-50K miles has been the norm.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,743
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From: Keep Me Working...Buy A Ford!
Just did mine this spring, wasn't hard at all. Bought the filter kit from Rock Auto. The filter just pops in place. Did have a little difficulty in getting the filter seal changed in the valve body . Put in 5 qts. of Dexron 3. I would suggest if you don't already have one, to buy a set of GM service manuals for your specific year. Has the whole procedure in black and white. Couldn't do without them.
