trans flush

Can you flush your Transmission your self? Im going to put synthetic fluid in it and i want to flush all the other fluid out.. any time saving tips?

No! It takes a special machine that would be too expensive for a backyard shop. Besides if you have a high mileage transmission a flush will damage the transmission.

you get a decent amount out with just pulling the pan- about 8 quarts. I am not a big fan of the flush machines. I have seen many complaints after flushes.

I have been reading about how you can disconnect the transmission line from the cooler and clamp a hose onto the end and run that hose into a bucket then start the car and immediately start pouring new trans fluid into the trans. The trans pump will pump out the old fluid as the new fluid you are pouring in replaces the old fluid and you will see the fluid coming out into the bucket change from whatever color the old fluid is to bright red. Very important to not run the car with no fluid in the trans. I may be trying this method this weekend, hopefully it works!

Don't do it. There is no way you will be able to dump in enough volume of fluid to keep up with the trans pump. Just isn't going to happen, you'll run your trans dry and could cause damage.

Also have you read how 4t65e's get along with synthetic fluid? Better run a search and see if you really want to switch it over.

Don't do it. There is no way you will be able to dump in enough volume of fluid to keep up with the trans pump. Just isn't going to happen, you'll run your trans dry and could cause damage.

Also have you read how 4t65e's get along with synthetic fluid? Better run a search and see if you really want to switch it over.


thanks for the info:)

GM says not to change the filter ??? any info on this?

why do you even want to mess with the tranny fluid

Why wouldn't you want to mess with the tranny fluid??? changing the transmission fluid and filter is fine, using the shortcuts and diy flushes are not. I have changed the fluid in MANY grand prixs as well as other cars. I use nothing but synthetic fluid and lucas additives in my cars and have had no problems what so ever. The problem lies when you wait too long and try to reverse damage that has already occured - you cant reverse what is done. Alot of people change the fluid when the vehicle is not shifting correctly or when the fluid "smells burnt" and then blame changing the fluid for the failure. There is a reason to do preventative maintenance, that is too prevent issues and failures, not to fix an issue.

why do you even want to mess with the tranny fluid
Why change the engine oil?

See how stupid my question sounds? Now think about yours.

As Rick said, its called preventative maintenance.

A clear distinction should be made concerning a flush versus what is actually just a fluid exchange. There is a big difference. We've hashed out this issue many times in the past. See thread below which has alot of usual info. Also covers the screen filter and service intervals.


Click here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=554204&highlight=flush+and+detergent)

Heres my two cents worth: :2cents:


Other than a general concensus in this forum probably not. There have been a lot of horror stories. Some had success with flushes. But first the data should be split or differentiated between what type of flush are we referring to? Technically there are two types performed or even recommended by GM. There are different flush fixtures used by GM dealers, trans shops and the fast lube places. GM only recommends two specific types.

They recommend one brand of fluid exchanger (Wynn Transerve) and one brand of flusher (Kent-Moore). Then on the flushing it was recommended only if there was a transmission failure or problem, otherwise not for routine maintenance. Also, GM only recommends a certain approved flushing detergent to encapsulate fine particles which is used with the real flush machine. The fluid exchanger which is technically not a flusher will not remove particles because it is low pressure and uses the tranny's pump.

I believe the bottom line is this, GM only recommends flushing if there is a problem, otherwise they only recommend a fluid exchange using the Wynn Transerve or similar probably to get all ATF out to include in the torque convertor which is really only for convenience and ease of maintenance.

Most of the flushes ever mentioned are not real flushes but fluid exchange. The fluid exchange doesn't sound too kosher to me and IMO a pan drop consisting of replacing at least 7.5 quarts of the ATF and screen filter is better for obvious reasons.

my family's had cars up to 200k miles and more and never had to mess with transmission fluid.

at what intervals is this preventative maintenance suggested?

at what intervals is this preventative maintenance suggested?

For service interval(s) regardless if you have a 4T60E, 4T65E or 4T65E-HD autotransaxle below is right out of the GM Grand Prix Owners Manual:


50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
– In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches
90F (32C) or higher.
– In hilly or mountainous terrain.
– When doing frequent trailer towing.
– Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid
and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).

it dont smell burnt just was wanting to make my car run a long time.an just had a question about the transfliud ..thanks for the info..just asking questions