Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'87 GMC Jimmy, Tranny Flush
Q:
Is it at
all possible to change the transmission fluid in my ‘87 GMC Jimmy
without going to a shop?? The transmission fluid needs to be changed and
there is no plug on the bottom of it. Can I change the fluid from the
top without expensive tools? The truck is not shifting right and we think
it’s because the transmission fluid and filter need service... Mindy
Clarke
A:
There is no way to
service the transmission filter without removing the transmission oil
pan. When servicing the transmission filter you’ll only get about
1/3 or about 5 quarts of transmission oil out. The remaining 2/3 is held
in the torque converter which does not have a drain. There is equipment
that can connect to the transmission cooler lines that will allow for
a safe flushing of the torque converter of old fluid. You can perform
this yourself, by disconnecting the transmission cooler lines and directing
the fluid into a container. With the engine running, add replacement fluid
to the transmission as the old fluid in pumped out. Once the fluid exiting
the transmission cooler line is as clean as what is being added, you’re
done.. But you must be careful or the transmission could be damaged when
performing this procedure. With the cost of a transmission you may want
to have the transmission flushed with the right equipment and then change
the transmission filter yourself.
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