Trans fluid question

[dpnewfie]

Going to change the trans fluid this weekend and am wondering how much fluid I should buy? Going to replace filter as well.

Also; should I run some sea foam through it before I change it? Checked the fluid today and its not that bad but it hasn't been changed for 50k.

Thanks all.

[BlownNitroPontiac]

I just did mine. I used (2) one gallon-sized jugs of the Dexron synthetic.

[dpnewfie]

Awesome, thanks.

[00Beast]

Add some seafoam trans tune now, drive it until this wknd. That will clear any crud out.

[CMNTMXR57]

Be careful with the full synthetic Dexron stuff. It it's Dexron 5, you might actually be in-store for a transmission replacement sooner rather than later. I recall, that stuff is very harsh on seals inside the trans.

Dex4 is about as far as I'd go.

[dpnewfie]

Thanks. I hadn't bought the fluid yet. Going to do it on my way home today.

[CMNTMXR57]

I'd also question Dex 4 in some circumstances. It is a great fluid in it's own right. But because it's so fluid (viscous) and has great lubricity properties, it doesn't always build the necessary pressure (PSI), which is important in an automatic trans for proper lubrication, shifting, solenoid actuations, etc... In some cases, this makes the trans actually work harder, shift harder, and wear it out sooner.

I can't recall if ours is DexIII or Dex4 off the top of my head. Look in the manual. Use exactly what GM prescribes. There is no reason to outsmart them on what fluid their trans needs. Now naturally, use the best fluid that meets their specs, but if it says DexIII, use DexIII. IF Dex4, use Dex4.

[00Beast]

Pretty sure all of these cars are DexIII. I'm planning on putting Amsoil in our GXP when we do it. Will probably never have to change it again.

[CMNTMXR57]

Yup, looked it up, it is DexIII. I know in late 2004, into 2005, GM did have a few transmissions that went to D4