Adding Transmission Fluid - 05 Grand Prix

[mpoynter31]

Hey guys can I get a little help ?

My dad always told me never to change the transmission fluid unless I am having problems. Now my 05 Grand Prix, which I drive everywhere, has 108K on it. Usually it runs great but every now and then, the transmission acts like it doesn't want to go into 3rd gear or when I'm starting from a stop or red light, the trans acts like it doesn't want to engage but then kicks in and takes off. I've checked the transmission fluid and it's a little low but it's never been changed.
Is there any harm to adding a little transmission fluid ?

Should I just have it looked at by a professional ?

Everything is stock and original on my grand prix. I have made no changes to the car. Standard 3.8L sporty sedan that I love. The best car I've ever owned and looking to keep it running as long as it can.

Any suggestions on the best transmission fluid to add would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SlowNA06]

Well, here's to hoping your throttle body is really really sticky and your dad's poor advice didn't cost you a $1500 part. He is wrong, by the way - transmission fluid ought to be flushed with Dextron VI every about 30,000 - 50,000 miles (I'm pretty certain GM says 50k). Though, past 100k, the force of a flush might shoot glitter and confetti in between parts, so a pan drop and refill would be the way to go.

I'd say drop the pan and see how much of your transmission has turned to glitter (if there's zero glitter, you could consider a flush). Top it off with Dextron VI, then reset the transmission parameters with a tuner or a TechII or something... or just leave the battery unplugged for an hour so it learns how to deal with the fluid change... might help you limp along while saving up for a new transmission.

But... still worth seeing if your intakes got a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in it, I guess... nothing wrong with a little hope. Hey... maybe you've got a bad ground somewhere or a gnarly fuel pump. Clogged fuel filter?(30k part) Toasted spark plugs (100k part)... bad spark plug wires...uhh... I'm out of ideas. Someone else is sure to step in with something better than I've got.

Good luck buddy.

 

[cerick08GP]

A lot of people have kept that urban legend going. In fact I work with an idiot who still believes it.:th_shakinghead2: Ever ask yourself why there are more tranny repair shops in the phone book than you can shake a stick at? The mentality that you don’t change a car fluid until there is a problem is beyond laughable!?! Could that same logic be adapted to motor oil? Again, I used to work with a guy who did. The answer is yes you can, if you can afford to buy a new vehicle.:th_skull: End rant.:th_laugh-lol2:

1) GM wants you to change your fluid every 50k-100k.
2) Use Dexron 6 tranny fluid (ensure they use this fluid because I know some places might not)
3) You can add fluid through the dip stick hole. However I doubt very much it is actually low, and you do NOT want to over fill it.

Get your fluid changed ASAP. I don’t believe you will need a rebuild, however time will tell.:th_nervous: IMHO don’t worry about parameters or PCM resets, just get the fluid changed for now. Then come back if you’re still having problems.

 

[OH4CompG]

I had the same problem. It has now intensified into a full blown nightmare to drive until the trans temp warms up. It's past due for a rebuild for me.

 

[echarleswhyte]

lets ee don't change the oil until there is a leak. I once new a guy who told me once he never changed the oil, just added new oil when level was low. you car is way past due for a tranny flush. I did mine at about 80.000 k and it may have not needed it but it sure felt better once it got changed. oil was dark and etc. anyway, best advise is not listen to the old man and read your onwers manual. some may think that the owners manual is only printed to get the manufacturers extra money but trust me is is printed for a reason and maintanance is far cheaper then fixing a broken whatever