Changing A/T Fluid and Filter

[auxmike]

Hayne's book says you can get the filter off from below,I don't think so!
I followed the owners manual procedure.{BTW,the owners handbook is loaded with "how to's"}.I removed the air cleaner assy and resonator on the 1995 SL2 my brother just got.
Someone put a nasty FRAM thing in there,I bought this really sharp lookin' red SATURN filter from the retailer @$11.
I put the car on ramps with the fluid already heated up.I removed the plug and let the fluid drain for like 5 min.Looks like there was almost 5 quarts in the darn thing!
Then I carefully removed the Orange FRAM filter with a strap wrench watching out for the sensor and hoses in that area.The tranny fluid WILL come out of the filter and slide down the tranny case,but it still lands in the pan and is easy to clean up after.
I think I saw the grey magnet doughnut.It apperaed to be stuck to the tranny,I tried to pull it out to examine it,but it's in good 'n tight I guess.I then spun on the new filter BY HAND 1 1/4 turns after contacting the base of the mount on the tranny. I installed a brand new drain plug and gasket from the retailer $2.Torqued to 22Lbs. ft.
I added 4 quarts of Dextron III through a funnel via the dipstick tube.
Question:it calls for 4.2 quarts,I added 4 quarts only.
What's .2 quarts equal to in ounces,and is the level going to be ok,or is 4 quarts in sufficiant?
Overall,it's not hard to do.Just don't be cheap and spring for the nice red Satty filter.BTW,it's NOT made by FRAM like their oil filters are..:flag:

[coliphage]

For your question, I would say don't worry about that .2 quart.
Just check the ATF level tomorrow to see if it is ok.

[wolfman]

.2 (2/10ths) of a quart is equal to about 7 onces. Go by the dipstick. If it's in the "cross hatch marks" warmed up and running in PARK, you are fine.

[auxmike]

That dipstick seems hard to read.Never seems to read the same thing twice!:dizzy:
I think I'll kick in the 7 oz to be safe.
What's that ECTS looking thing do that sits near the filter,is it indeed the same part?

[wolfman]

Originally posted by auxmike
What's that ECTS looking thing do that sits near the filter,is it indeed the same part?

TTS (Transaxle {fluid} Temperature Sensor) You guessed it, IDENTICAL part to the ECTS, BUT, the resin tipped version survives much better swimming in petroleum based transaxle fluid than coolant. TTS are trouble free for the most part unless damaged during filter replacement.

[sc2dave]

how can you change all the fluid,at home? can you just disconnect a line, turn on the car and let it run out, at least for a few seconds? :whoa:

[ssicarman]

Remove the 15mm drain plug from the bottom of the transmission and remove the filter. You don't want to be removing lines and running the engine. Lots of higher pressure fluid with lots of volume.

[sc2dave]

what if i still attempt to do it this way, will i damage anything? i want to get the most out in one shot. it would be for about 2-4 seconds.

[ssicarman]

Draining the fluid from the drain and changing the filter gets out the better part of 4.5 quarts. Close to half the fluid in the trans. Pulling a line for 2-4 seconds will not get out that much. Doing it longer will get out more but it will also run the trans oil pump dry. :eek: :stoplight

[ud503j]

For anybody that is interested, transmission filters for our S-Cars are as follows:

AC Delco: TF-298 (I think the Saturn parts are marked as Saturn but have the same no.)

Wix: (which is what I swear by) 57101

ATC: (Most commonly available at Discount/Advanced) FK243

Just so that everyone knows. :D

[amazinghl]

what if i still attempt to do it this way, will i damage anything? i want to get the most out in one shot. it would be for about 2-4 seconds.


Do it, it'll give you an excuse for manual swap later on.

[96GSL1]

how can you change all the fluid,at home? can you just disconnect a line, turn on the car and let it run out, at least for a few seconds? :whoa:

I actually used to change my Taurus SHO's tranny fluid this way. I would dis-connect one of the lines to the tranny cooler (not the radiator connections - but they may work), and aim the hose towards a gallon jug. Start the car and let the transmission pump a gallon's worth of fluid out. Shut 'er off, pop the hose back on, and fill with a gallon of ATF. Great way to keep the fluid fresh.

Of course, that tranny held like, 12 quarts..

[strod]

It's about time I did this. I live in a fairly rural area so I did an online search before driving all over the place for no reason. No problem finding filters, but with 'major' parts stores and Walmart...nothing 'returned' on fluid(s)?? Anyone purchased through a source other than a Saturn (or GM) retailer?
BTW, to my further surprise, I see 2-3 brands listed on the Walgreen's site.

Thanks,
Mick