Transmission service

2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
54,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TIM RICE
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This car was a one owner garage kept. Everything works and runs great. Question I have, should I have the transmission serviced as it is eighteen years old but only has 54,000 miles on it? My concern is the fluid has been in the case and not changed for eighteen years. Would that tarnish the inside if the transmission just from the age alone as the service mileage for the auto transmission is 50,000?
Jul 22, 2018 at 2:21 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

I would suggest changing the transmission fluid just from old age even if it does look clean. The could have broken down from sitting/age. You car takes DEXRON VI and shows a max capacity of 9.5 quarts (after a full rebuild). I have attached a link showing how to service. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission
Jul 22, 2018 at 11:06 PM
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ANDREA75
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We finally got our car running after having it down for several years after a lightening strike took it out in the worst way. However, the transmission seems to be rather sluggish. My husband needs to know how to change the fluid. Checking would probably be irrelavent at this point considering the mileage.
Jan 16, 2021 at 9:59 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
A trans service kit comes with a new pan gasket and a new filter. The trans pan is removed (carefully so you don't make a mess). Once removed, clean the old gasket material from the pan and trans. Remove the old filter (I believe your's will snap into place), replace it, and replace the cleaned trans pan and gasket. Now refill the trans with the correct type of ATF. Many hold aprox 3.5 to 4 quarts after this type of service. keep in mind, the trans overall holds much more, but that is all you will get out after removing the pan. NOTE: Many filters have an o-ring that attaches where the filter joins the valve body. It will be supplied if needed. I always place a thin coating of ATF on it before installing it.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
Jan 16, 2021 at 9:59 AM (Merged)