2002 Cavalier tranny service

[addyguy]

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2.2 OHV, 4-speed auto. w/ 96,000 km's (60,000 miles) on it. Had an oil change done at C-T, and they recommended a transmission service. Fluid isn't burnt, just dark. I haven't owned an auto car in years, so I don't know what interval you are suposed to have it done at - when should it be done? C-T says it should be done at about 80,000 km's (50,000 miles). Anyone give me some guidance on this?

 

[MolaKule]

My recommendation is to drain pan and replace fluid every every 25,000 miles, especially on small AT's.

Use a good DexronIII(H)/Mercon fluid.

 

[cousincletus]

If you are doing yourself, remove the pan and filter the way you would any GM front wheel drive car. There is a special procedure for checking the fluid level in these, so I would suggest getting the service manual or at least a Haynes manual. On the older Cavaliers with a dipstick 5 quarts puts the dipstick on full. FWIW I change mine between 25-30,000 miles.

 

[brianl703]

Basically the procedure is (with the car level):

1)Fill up transmission with roughly the amount of fluid you removed. Add via plastic filler cap on top of transmission

2)Start engine and idle through each selector position, let idle in park for 5 minutes or until transmission fluid has reached 104F or greater

3)With engine running remove check plug. If fluid comes out, re-install plug, you're done.

4)If no fluid comes out, add fluid until some fluid comes out. Reinstall plug, you're done.

 

[addyguy]

Thanks for all the advice...I would try to do the change myself, but not only do I not have the space at my place, but b/c of the warranty that came with the car, no DIY's. I will prolly have it changed at the next oil change at about 101,000 km's....Wal-Mart usually has package deals where they do a transmission fluid flush and oil change for something like $80 - $100....

 

[brianl703]

GM probably recommends 50K severe service fluid changes for that car. They recommend no fluid changes for non-severe service (which I think is ridiculous, but whatever).

 

[Dad2leia]

Call me anal again, but I do a transmission service (pulling plug and draining the five or so quart that come out) every year, usually from 12 to 20K miles. I just did one on my Honda CR-V @ 28K just because of going on a long trip. Their severe service says 30K miles, and I must say the fluid didn't look or smell bad, but I view doing this method as cheaper than transmission overhaul insurance. I realize it's probably overkill, but oh well...