Mr Phil

Ok I have almost no fluid in my trans, it's most likely the reason I'm getting a 2-3 shift issue. I need to buy some more atf fluid, I've read full syn is not good unless you've had the fluids changed religiously. judging off of the guy I bought the car from I highly doubt he took that good of care of it.

now my question is, is the Dexron 6 ok to use on my car with this many miles? Obviously the dex3 was phased out and I heard the dex6 is a syn blend but it's a tad thinner than dex3 but just lasts longer won't break down as fast yada yada... Would I have any issues using the dex 6?

Sorry if this has been answered a million times
Edit Reply
#2
Today 05:12 AM by Mr Phil
and when I say I have almost no fluid in my transmission, I mean when I pulled out the dipstick, wiped it off and put it back in to check it, the fluid didn't even make it to the cross hatch measuring section that's how low my transmission fluid is

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

Shouldnt be an issue since its a blend.

Otherwise even a Autozone brand tranny fluid will do.

Mr Phil

Ok cool just wanted to make sure. I've heard horror stories about people changing their fluid and messing things up

Mr Phil

okay this is probably a stupid question, but do I add the tranny fluid while the car is running or do I turn it off first and then turn it back on to check the fluid levels

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

You can add fluid while it's running but put in a little it at a time.

The dipstick is only accurate after a nice drive and the transmission is at full running temperature. Make sure you go through all the gears including reverse.

I'm curious as to why the fluid was low. Anything in the coolant?

If after getting the level correct and you still have a 2-3 issue, drop the pan and change the filter. You may need shift solenoids. SOMETIMES when you pull them out, a spring will pop out so watch for it.

Mr Phil

I'm honestly not sure why the fluids was so low, like I said the previous owner just abused the **** out of it... lied to me about a lot of issues....

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

That and the mileage would make me expect this transmission to not last very long. What vehicle is it in?

I would definitely drop the pan for a good inspection and a new filter.

And I've had enough bad experiences with stock style in-radiator transmission coolers to never trust them. Any trans fluid in the coolant?

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

This. I was wondering the same thing too OP. Not being a dick, but just making sure.

Mr Phil

Ok adding fluid definitely helped... I guess I'll find out if the 2-3 issue is still there next time I get in the freeway

Now Idk if its just cuz of the tune or something else but the 2 tires I kinda got into it (about 50% throttle) going into 2nd it broke loose the first time and chirped the next... Is that normal for these trans? I have hankook ventus v12 whatever for my rear tires with like 90% tread left so I don't think it's my tires just being crappy lol

Mr Phil

98 trans am. No trans cooler that I know of at least not radiator style. Unless the trans cooler is INSIDE the radiator lol...And I checked coolant recently and today actually and it's still good. No Brown, no bubbles... just coolant

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Yes, the transmission cooler is a tank inside the radiator on the right side.

Mr Phil

Hmm interesting, never knew that. But like I said I didn't see any trans fluid in the rad

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

OK, that's good.

Mr Phil

Never got a chance to really get into it today, was raining most of the day and every time I hit the gas the tires broke loose... I'll hand to wait till it's dried up

Mr Phil

Well update, I just put some O'Reilly dex6 in there and everything seems to be smooth. I did three test hits today, two from a dig and one from a roll, all three it chirped 2nd and shifted into 3rd just fine.

I'm gonna keep an eye on the fluid levels though and see if they start dropping then I'll have to look for a leak somewhere

joecar

If you can chirp 2nd then your trans is fine.

Do find out why the fluid was low, even if the prev owner abused it fluid does not get "consumed" (check seal at rear of trans for leak, at driveshaft yoke).

MysticA4Z28

thats good to know then...mine barks 2nd pretty hard at WOT lol

"MAC"

iTrader: (1)

When did they do that? My trans cooler has always been separate. I even bought a bigger trans cooler for my 60e.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

These cars (and millions of other GM vehicles) come from the factory with the transmission cooler in the radiator tank. The problem with this is when this cooler springs a leak, coolant gets into the transmission which totally wrecks it.

Jp Robert

If you look underneath (next time you're underneath) and the steering rack is covered in gooey grease, the trans cooler hoses are oozing, and where your fluid loss would be. The rest of the leak areas are obvious, but those hoses are a huge weak point IMO - had 3 GM vehicles lose fluid out of those areas, and usually around 200,000 kilometers.

If the pan's leaking, that's a quick and easy fix.