99 GA SE Tranny Fluid Replacement

I've had some hesitation lately in the transmission. Since it's almost impossible to check the fuid level (well, jacking the car up, removing the passenger front tire, and then removing the plug is not really impossible...) without a dipstick, I called the Pontiac dealer. He told me my GA does not have a transmission pan to replace any gasket. I sure thought the L-shaped plate was the transmission pan. Any ideas?

99 GA SE
2.4
90,000

The trans in your car can be serviced.
The pan gasket is reusable if it is not damaged.

Not wanting to give a snap diagnosis here, but for your transmission, which I'm guessing is either the 4T40E or 4T45E, the Pressure Control Solenoid (PCS, made by Delphi) is notorious for wearing out early and causing slips, shudders, and possibly harsh engagements. When my 2002 Saturn L (4T40E trans) started to shudder and buck at about 36000 miles, I initially tried replacing fluid and filter. GMMerlin is right, the pan on the bottom is the oil pan and you do remove it to do this service. The filter can be bought at AutoZone, and you don't need a new gasket as long as the one on the pan isn't damaged. Changing my fluid didn't help my problem though, and neither did resetting the car's computer. When I finally replaced the PCS (with an aftermarket unit from another manufacturer and NOT another OE Delphi part), all my symptoms went away. I tore the old Delphi part open to see inside, and just like other posts in this forum had said, there was a notch worn into the armature where it rubs against a hardened steel bearing.

i would like to say, the L-pan is the transmission pan and when you buy a filter it comes with a gasket, and I would recommend using it.

But if you like having Tranys fluids driping or geting blown out all over everthing then use the old gasket. One more thing, if the tranys low on fluid it will hesitate and slip.

I know its a pain in the Ass, but you can jack up the car, remove the plug, let the car down, and start filling the Trany fluid, when it starts to run out of the plugs hole stop filling. Then just jack it back up and plug it quickly.

Allbert, whats the difference between the 4T40E and 4T45E? other than one having 14 bolts and the other 12.

Is one better/tuffer than the other? My GA has the 4T40E but I've seen GA GTs with the 4T45E, thats why I was inquiring about the two.

i would like to say, the L-pan is the transmission pan and when you buy a filter it comes with a gasket, and I would recommend using it.

But if you like having Tranys fluids driping or geting blown out all over everthing then use the old gasket. One more thing, if the tranys low on fluid it will hesitate and slip.

I know its a pain in the Ass, but you can jack up the car, remove the plug, let the car down, and start filling the Trany fluid, when it starts to run out of the plugs hole stop filling. Then just jack it back up and plug it quickly.

Allbert, whats the difference between the 4T40E and 4T45E? other than one having 14 bolts and the other 12.

Is one better/tuffer than the other? My GA has the 4T40E but I've seen GA GTs with the 4T45E, thats why I was inquiring about the two.

The 40 and 45 are indicators of the relative torque capacity of the transmissions... the 4T45E will hold up against a little more torque than the 4T40E will. I'm not sure what the internal differences are that account for this, but I suspect there may be an extra clutch or two in one or a couple of packs and maybe they use heavier duty planetary elements... for the 4L65E, that's about what differences there are compared to the 4L60E.

thankx Allbert. that helped me out a bunch. I know all about planetary gears, they dont like me and they dont like it when thrown in gear at higher rpms, thats for sure.

So whats the 4L65E and the 4L60E for, another pontiac I assume ?

thankx Allbert. that helped me out a bunch. I know all about planetary gears, they dont like me and they dont like it when thrown in gear at higher rpms, thats for sure.

So whats the 4L65E and the 4L60E for, another pontiac I assume ?

The 4L60E is the rear drive 4 speed auto that is used in most GM trucks and SUVs. The 4L65E is a slightly beefed up version of the 4L60E available from GMPT. There is also a 4L80E for heavier duty (like Silverado HD and 2500 series and up).

thankx again Allbert. I read the thread posted on the PCS, with the pics and cut aways. it makes alot more sence why these 4L60-65s tranys start to fail.