Draining & Refilling
WARNING:
When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the drain plug, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Place a drain pan under the transmission. Remove the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. If necessary, remove the bolts and position aside the range selector cable bracket for clearance while lowering the pan. It is not necessary to remove the cable from the lever or bracket.
- Remove the oil pan bolts from the front and sides of the pan only. Loosen the rear oil pan bolts approximately 4 turns. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet in order to loosen the pan to allow the fluid to drain. See Fig 1 . Remove the remaining oil pan bolts. Remove the oil pan and the gasket.
- Grasp firmly while pulling down with a twisting motion in order to remove the filter. Remove the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump. If necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal. Discard the seal. See Fig 2 and Fig 3 .
- Inspect the transmission fluid. See CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
. Inspect the transmission fluid filter. Pry the metal crimping away from the top of the filter and pull apart. The filter may contain evidence for root cause diagnosis:
- Clutch material.
- Bronze slivers indicating bushing wear.
- Steel particles.
- Clean the oil pan gasket mating surfaces, on both the transmission case and the transmission oil pan, with solvent and air dry. Coat the new filter seal with a small amount of automatic transmission fluid. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Gently tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket. See Fig 4 . Install the new oil filter into position as noted during removal.
- Install the new oil pan gasket to the oil pan sealing surface. Position the oil pan to the transmission case and support the oil pan.
- Install the oil pan bolts. Tighten the transmission oil pan bolts alternately and evenly to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . If previously removed, install the range selector cable bracket and bolts. Apply a small amount of sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the threads of the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Install the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Tighten the oil pan drain plug to specification. Lower the vehicle.
- Check the COLD fluid level reading for initial fill only. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks. Complete filling the transmission with fluid to the proper level. See CHECKING FLUID LEVELS .
NOTE:
Observe position of the filter before removal to aid in installation.
NOTE:
Remove ALL traces of old gasket material from the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces.