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

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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95 SLE... a keeper. 241k miles. Low and Slow.
97 BMW 528i
98 Infiniti vq35'd i30: 13.3@104mph, 30MPG Hwy (RIP)
02 Jag X-type
03 BMW M5
05 Chevy Cobalt LS
07 Infiniti G35s 6MT (Sold)
07 Ducati Monster S2R 800 with DS1000 swap
83 Yamaha IT175K
72 Yamaha DS7: '74 RD250 swap, JL chambers

Info on dropping a 92-99: Here.

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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Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 110k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 270k | Official Bonneville Hauler

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

Do the kit while you're in there.

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*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.

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.

_________________
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 110k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 270k | Official Bonneville Hauler

The shift kit will fix your harsh shifts.

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-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles

shifting fine now??