'01 Olds tranny fluid

[buck91]

Going to be doing some work on the 2001 Aurora 3.5L this spring, one of which is way overdue is the transmission fluid (nice and brown!). Plan on at least dropping the pan to check for issues and add in a couple of quarts, though I would like to do a full purge via the cooler lines, but I have a couple questions.

1. Can I even do it via the cooler lines in this model or are they thermostatic?
2. Anybody know the fluid capacity specs for this model?

And the fun question, question number three: Car is originally spec'd for Dex-III, though I've read a lot of reports on Dex-VI working well. Clearly if cost isn't a factor and I plan to purge the system then dex-vi would be optimal but is it worth the extra cost? Is it a good idea if I just drop the pan and top off?

 

[crazyoildude]

I dont know about dex 6 but max life dexron 3 does well in my older gm's with high mileage

 

[tommygunn]

Dexron VI should be totally fine and is officially backwards-compatible to all GM automatic transmissions. In fact, GM doesn't even license the previous Dex3 spec anymore; they only approve Dexron VI.

Maxlife is a very popular ATF choice on here. I happen to like Mag 1 Synthetic Low-Vis ATF, which does carry official GM approval for not a lot of money.

But even Walmart Dexron VI should be OK in your car since it is licensed. Smitty's SuperS Dexron VI at Kmart should also be fine.

@crazyoildude, Valvoline has reformulated Maxlife, and it is now a thinner Dexron-VI type. It is still great for high mileage cars.

 

[barkingspider]

U might want to measure the amount you purge so u know how much new fluid to put back in. I would use Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic as it's compatible with dex iii and dex vi. Supertech dex vi is good too.

 

[dave1251]

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...VI_over_#UNREAD

 

[vssjim]

on a front drive GM trans they will need a use at least 7 to 8 quarts so a purge is really not that big a deal as you will be changing aolt of the total fluid in these transmissions.

 

[901Memphis]

Maxlife is superior to dex 6 but dex 6 is superior to what came with it from the factory.

 

[tommygunn]

Does that Aurora have a drain plug for the transmission? If not, get an aftermarket pan that has one. So that future ATF changes will be easier.

 

[The_Jeff]

Get the filter, they clog if you are seeing gray junk.

 

[Whitewolf]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
I dont know about dex 6 but max life dexron 3 does well in my older gm's with high mileage

There is no such thing as DEXRON-III.

 

[buck91]

So expect about 8qts with a pan drop? I believe these have a tc drain as well as a side pan which isn't accessable, are you counting those?

Otherwise, great info on the dex6, thank you.

 

[pbm]

If it's a 4t65E like my Buick's you will drain nearly 8 of the 10 quart total with a pan drop. I consider that nearly as good as a flush with none of the negatives. Some people have complained about Dex VI in their higher mileage (back spec'd) GM's. I used Mobil 1 synthetic with excellent results.
It's easy enough to change the filter while the pan is off.

 

[artificialist]

Be sure to get an OEM transmission pan gasket when you do this. Most aftermarket transmission pan gaskets are not even close to the quality of an OEM one.

Also, sometimes you can re-use the OEM gasket once or twice.

Getting an OEM filter is smart, too. Many aftermarket filters are not as good as OEM filters.