DIY tranny flush?

[paqman]

Anyone know where I can find instructions to flush the tranny fluid on a 2001 Intrigue? Never done it before, but I don't figure it can be too hard.
Thanks.

[BNaylor]

To do a proper tranny flush you need the right equipment. There is a full flush and fluid exchange. But why do you want to do a tranny flush? Depending on your mileage in most cases I would not recommend it.

A pan drop and ATF fluid replenishment to include screen filter replacement is normally the best way to go.

[paqman]

Well, she's been shifting a little hard lately, the check engine light came on, with a code for the torque clutch converter. We've had problems in the past with it being stuck, and I was told that a good tranny flush with some lubeguard would remedy it for a while. We are planning on getting the proper work done later, but would like to see if getting the tranny fluid flushed would help the problem at least temporarily. But if it's going to take special equipment, then maybe I ought to just have the shop do it.

[kmohr3]

I agree with bnaylor, plus you can get 7 quarts out just by dropping the pan. I was kind of surprised, on some cars you just get about 3 quarts by dropping the pan. Also I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF upon refilling. A bit pricey but worth it in the long run.

[paqman]

So is it going to be something a shop should do? Cause I don't have any special tools or anything, and I would like to get the job done good.

[atoyota4x4]

Just my 2 cents, replace one quart of fluid with Lucas Transmission lube. Very good stuff. I have done mine twice since I've had it and used it both times.

[paqman]

Originally Posted by atoyota4x4

Just my 2 cents, replace one quart of fluid with Lucas Transmission lube. Very good stuff. I have done mine twice since I've had it and used it both times.

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind. Still need to find out how though.

[BNaylor]

If you are the one having re-occuring TCC problems then you might consider taking it to a trans shop. There is no guarantee the Lubegard will help.

If you prefer giving an additive a final shot then use something like SeaFoam. It will do a better job freeing up sticky solenoids in the valve body than Lubegard or Lucas.

[paqman]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

If you are the one having re-occuring TCC problems then you might consider taking it to a trans shop. There is no guarantee the Lubegard will help.

If you prefer giving an additive a final shot then use something like SeaFoam. It will do a better job freeing up sticky solenoids in the valve body than Lubegard or Lucas.

Yup, that's me. I have had it into a tranny shop. We're going to have to get the valve body worked on or something. I just wanted to flush the tranny in the mean time till we get the work done. But I had my favorite GM guy do the flush today, and he uses some special chemicals for the additive. I'm not sure what they are, but they seemed to do the trick. Least until we get the real work done.

Thanks.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by paqman

Yup, that's me. I have had it into a tranny shop. We're going to have to get the valve body worked on or something. I just wanted to flush the tranny in the mean time till we get the work done. But I had my favorite GM guy do the flush today, and he uses some special chemicals for the additive. I'm not sure what they are, but they seemed to do the trick. Least until we get the real work done.

Thanks.

I thought so but sorry to hear that. Trannies problems are a real PITA.

It sounds like you got the full flush which GM recommends when there is a known or suspected hydraulic related malfunction. I believe the flusher dealers use are the Kent Moore brand. A GM approved flushing detergent is used in full flush to encapsulate fine particles of metal and clutch material so that was proper procedure.

Good luck and let us know if your problem ever gets resolved.

[paqman]

Good to hear I did the right thing. So yeah, I'll let you know what I do. Getting into the valve body is so expensive, I might as well get a re-manufacturered tranny put in. But we'll see.