Long Life Transmission

For those experiencing problems, or hoping to get a long life out of their transmission, let me recommend something from my local transmission mechanic.

First, the most common failure of a transmission is wear caused by degradation of the fluid due to heat. Have the Fluid and Filter changed every 35-50,000 miles. Dropping the pan on these GM transmissions will actually remove the majority of the fluid (7/10 quarts). This method is usually best because you can change the Filter at the same time. Changing fluid at this interval assures fresh fluid and makes the option of expensive synthetic fluids not necessary.

Next, try adding the popular Lubegard conditioner additive. This is a product recognized and used by almost all professional transmission rebuilders / servicers. You can buy this product at Napa (Lubegard Red) or at Autozone packaged by Aamco.

Here is the link if you want to know more about them. Either will work. (the Platinum is their newer product and probably a little better; most people know about the Lubegard Red).

http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html
or
http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf_platinum.html

The small cost to pay for getting your fluid changed is worth it versus the cost of a new transmission. Granted, some transmissions are just plain bad and trouble probably cannot be avoided. Good Luck. Share any ideas or opinions.

True enough. If I could just get a Honda or Toyota transmission to fit into my Intrigue......

But as far as synthetic fluid goes, if you read the specs, I wouldn't go back to regular. Synthetic provides vastly superior lubrication under all conditions, especially extreme heat and extreme cold.

These front-driving GM transaxles need all the help they can get. They run hotter than ever, they rely on the radiator to cool them down and the radiators depend on an ever-decreasing amount of air thanks to the newer designs that have smaller frontal area and small air intake areas.

Installing an auxiliary oil cooler is probably a good idea too. And make sure your oil coolant lines and tank are clear.

even if you drop the pan there is still fluid left in the torque converter,correct?I want to change the fluid,but I want to completely flush all the old fluid.Is there an easy way to drain the TC without taking off the trans cooler lines?On my 99 Crown vic there is a drain plug on the TC.
My wife's 02 has 28k on it and I want to change the fluid at 30k.

even if you drop the pan there is still fluid left in the torque converter,correct?I want to change the fluid,but I want to completely flush all the old fluid.Is there an easy way to drain the TC without taking off the trans cooler lines?On my 99 Crown vic there is a drain plug on the TC.
My wife's 02 has 28k on it and I want to change the fluid at 30k.

No, no drain plug. :mad: I was told by the dealer that they could flush the entire system via the cooler lines for some princely sum that made me reconsider the importance of a 100% fluid change!! I wasn't convinced by the tech from the dealership that the torque converter fluid would even be completely exchanged by this method. I also wanted to do it myself because I didn't think Mr. Goodwrench would be willing to replace the old fluid with Mobil 1 or if they did I wouldn't be able to afford what they would charge.

I ended up dropping the pan three times; each pan drop removes something like 7 of 13 quarts which is more than half the total. I drove the car for a week or two in between changes to circulate the fluid. I don't have any idea how long it takes for the torque convertor fluid to turn over, but I hope that my procedure sufficed.

If it did circulate completely, the math indicates that I now have greater than 90% new synthetic fluid. I know, it's an expensive way to go, but now I have synthetic and I will probably never change it again. And it's a lot less expensive than a new or rebuilt transmission!! :lol2:

http://www.xtremeperformancestores.com/motorsportsperformance/products_frame.htm
(click on transmission and you will see the 4T65E pan)

Also found this... If any of you are really worried about your transmission, this is a performance add-on for all 4T65E transmissions. This pan has a drain plug which would allow for easy draining and replacement of the transmission fluid on a more frequent basis. Also the transmission would operate more cool too.

Cool!! That's a lot of $ for a drain plug and 8 - 12 degrees cooler, though. Why the hell can't GM include that.......

Are you sure it fits an Intrigue? They only indicate Grand Prix and Regal.....I wonder why.

Cool!! That's a lot of $ for a drain plug and 8 - 12 degrees cooler, though. Why the hell can't GM include that.......

Are you sure it fits an Intrigue? They only indicate Grand Prix and Regal.....I wonder why.

I am pretty sure it would fit an Intrigue too... It probably lists the Grand Prix and Regal because both of those cars have the optional supercharger and are more likely to have performance add-ons. You could call the place and confirm that it would work for an Intrigue.