Trans Fluid Change

Talk about the other 3800 powered GM cars, particularly for items not covered in other sections that may be unique to your year/model, and differ from a Bonneville.
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deano55
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Trans Fluid Change

Post by deano55 »

Sad to say but I have let my trans maintenance slip by on our 2002 buick regal. I noticed it is shifting harder than normal but no slipping, I think I hear the pump whine slightly and pulling the dip stick the fluid looks dirty but does not smell burnt. Do I dare change out the filter and add whatever fluid drains out or change filter and re use the old fluid? I have read so many articles from don't do a thing to drain add a quart at a time at 2K intervals. My neighbor believes its a solenoid issue
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by 95naSTA »

The general consensus for a fluid/filter change is to drop the pan, do the filter and replace the fluid that drained out. You'll get all but 3 qts if I remember right. You don't want to do a flush that some shops advertise because it can knock and send debris through your trans.

I can't say for sure if doing that will fix your hard shifts.
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by harofreak00 »

7.5 quarts with a pan drop.

A Transgo shift kit will take care of your harsh shifts (P1811)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Transgo-Shift- ... SwpDdU45dR
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deano55
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by deano55 »

don't think its a solenoid issue? My neighbor says theres 2 of them in the side cover that male the *shoot* smooth and need to be changed, I'll change filter and fluid first before I would pull the transmission
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by Archon »

Do the kit while you're in there.
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by harofreak00 »

The solenoids are the issue, but the shift kit fixes it with a much cheaper and easier option. I install the shift kit in 90% of the cars that come through my shop.
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by nos4blood70 »

The shift kit will fix your harsh shifts.
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deano55
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Re: Trans Fluid Change

Post by deano55 »

shifting fine now??
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