My g/f just bought an 05 Cavalier with the 2.2 ecotec and an auto transmission. The car has about 68K on it and I figured it was time to flush the transmission, or is that too early to do it? I searched and didn't find anything really. Is this something that is easily done? I noticed there isn't a dip stick for the transmission. Also, should I just use regular ATF fluid or does it take something special?
Take it to the dealer, and have a flush + filter done. Don't take it to a half ass shop like Grease Monkey. The dealer price is slightly higher, but you get the quality of a certified tech working on your car and they back up their work. When I worked for Chevy, it was about $199.99 for a flush and filter. Not a pan drain and filter, a complete system flush.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Monday, June 28, 2010 8:07 PM
I would much rather try and do it myself though.
Unless you have a fluid exchange machine to pump the trans fluid out of your transmission and new in, then you can't do it properly.
They range from around $500 to $5000.
You can just do a pan drop, replace the filter and replace what fluid was lost from the pan at home. It wont clean the entire system, but it will get rid of the crap in the pan and filter.
haha. I have a brother for a mechanic who refuses to use the flush machine. he insists all it does it leave crap behind in the system and doesn't ever get it all, causing problems later.
I have always done the pan drop like the guy above me said. I don't bother replacing that small plastic "ring" in the filter hole, as I dont have the special tool and sticking a screwdriver up there will only cause damage.
I don't have a dipstick on mine either, there is a bolt on the right side of my transmission that will drain the fluid if it has more than 5qts (not sure if 5qts is the right number, but you get the idea.) pretty much you fill it with the required amount, remove the bolt, and let it drain until it stops and it will have the proper amount. There is a bolt on the front of my tranny (I drive a 2000 pontiac sunfire 2.2l) to check the pressure, leave that alone...it will squirt fluid everywhere
what's this 97 posts remaining this month nonsense I just saw?
DO NOT USE A FLUSH MACHINE!
A flush machine will push loose any gunk/crud/debris that may be in your trans. This sounds good, except for the fact that it tends to cram that stuff into small passages and shift solenoids. causing many problems, as well as possibly clogging the filter. Also it doesnt do anything about the filter, which needs to be changed in order to keep from getting clogged and causing failure due to lack of pressure and flow.
Do it the right way, drop your pan, replace the filter, refill the trans. The small amount of old fluid that will remain in the trans is nothing to even think about.
I worked on Allison automatic transmissions for 7+ years, and was Allison guild certified, so I know a thing or two about automatic transmissions.
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Ronin J wrote:DO NOT USE A FLUSH MACHINE!
A flush machine will push loose any gunk/crud/debris that may be in your trans. This sounds good, except for the fact that it tends to cram that stuff into small passages and shift solenoids. causing many problems, as well as possibly clogging the filter. Also it doesnt do anything about the filter, which needs to be changed in order to keep from getting clogged and causing failure due to lack of pressure and flow.
Do it the right way, drop your pan, replace the filter, refill the trans. The small amount of old fluid that will remain in the trans is nothing to even think about.
I worked on Allison automatic transmissions for 7+ years, and was Allison guild certified, so I know a thing or two about automatic transmissions.
Thanks for the info. I've never heard good things about flush machines either. I think this is something I can easily do myself.
mrspeedy69 wrote:Ronin J wrote:DO NOT USE A FLUSH MACHINE!
A flush machine will push loose any gunk/crud/debris that may be in your trans. This sounds good, except for the fact that it tends to cram that stuff into small passages and shift solenoids. causing many problems, as well as possibly clogging the filter. Also it doesnt do anything about the filter, which needs to be changed in order to keep from getting clogged and causing failure due to lack of pressure and flow.
Do it the right way, drop your pan, replace the filter, refill the trans. The small amount of old fluid that will remain in the trans is nothing to even think about.
I worked on Allison automatic transmissions for 7+ years, and was Allison guild certified, so I know a thing or two about automatic transmissions.
Thanks for the info. I've never heard good things about flush machines either. I think this is something I can easily do myself.
Yes it is, biggest problem is how not to make a big mess. A very wide catch pan is the best solution. Something to note as well, the pan gasket is meant to be reuseable, so be gentle with it. I would also recommend synthetic ATF such as Mobil 1 ATF. Its more expensive than regular but well worth it.
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Ronin J wrote:Do it the right way, drop your pan, replace the filter, refill the trans. The small amount of old fluid that will remain in the trans is nothing to even think about.
Just like when you change your oil... only drain half lol...
I worked as a tech and service manager for Power Chevrolet for 2+ years, did 1000's of trans flushes with the MOC system and never had a problem. Though we would not do any over 100K miles. We also changed the filter on them as well, its pointless not too. But as you said, if you have a disgusing transmission it may / will clog up things. But if you have taken care of and not beaten your car to death, and have low millage it not really an issue. Having 70K on the trans, its prolly just fine to flush. But if you are concerned, just pan drop it.
We also did 1000's of pan drops as well. Mosty on the Allison transmission though. Diesel guys with the Allison where picky about the flush system, and stated almost word for word what you said. Just a pan drop and spin on filter.
Do a Google search on flush machines. You will come up with very few good stories. The concept of scrubbing the interior of a mechanical device is nuts!! Solvents loosen dirt but that dirt may only be weakened by a solvent and then breaks loose 2000 miles from now and takes out a clutch pack or blocks an oil passage in the valve body causing big dollar repairs.
The machine that only EXCHANGES the oil is ok provided they use the proper oil and not the one size fits all crap they sell today.
Change the trans oil and filter, then change it twice more in quick succession and you will have changed almost all of the oil in the trans and converter. Sure it can be messy but you'll sleep better knowing that what you did isn't going to cost you a $3000 transmission repair!
Also when you do it yourself, you can examine the contents of the oil pan for debris and be able to "read" the health of your unit from that information. Repair shops want your money, they will show you what is normal wear debris and announce you NEED a rebuild. If you can, stay away from trans shops.
Good Luck
Dave
david keevil wrote:!
Also when you do it yourself, you can examine the contents of the oil pan for debris and be able to "read" the health of your unit from that information.
An excellent point, and a reason to do as much basic maintenance as you can yourself, you get to see first hand the condition of things. I worked at an oil change place for a little while, selling extra services, whether needed or not, was mandated. Thats why I left, just didnt feel right pushing things on people they didnt need. On the same note ive shown people air filters as black as charcoal and had them tell me to put it back in the car.
I wont even get into the guy who had is air box filled with ping pong balls...
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Things I've learned in 8 years with a 2002 Cavalier -
l. The original transmission pan gasket is re-usable. It's very high grade, better than most replacements.
2. Without an oil cooler the fill capacity is close to 10 quarts. This assumes the fluid filter is changed.
(There's about a pint of fluid that will drain when the filter is dropped.)
3. If you have welding ability or have a good welder available, install a drain plug for the next time. Be
sure to avoid gas welding the small amount of added metal needed for this, and a 3/8" tapered plug like small
lawn mowers use works well. (Gas welds often times leave "pin holes", wire welding is best.)
4. Transmission repair shops often times forget to replace the small magnets the factory added to help
collect metal filings due to wear. Ask them for one of these. They'll ususlly give it to you free. An extra
magnet in your transmission isn't necessary but can add extra life.
5. My estimate is there's about 2 quarts of fluid that remains in the torque converter that cannot be drained
without disassembly of the transmission. Remember, you'll never drain ALL the old fluid.
6. When re-filling, don't pour in more than 4 quarts without starting the engine, gear in park, and circulating
fluid. The transmission will overflow if you don't.
