2002 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 High Mileage ATF Change

[JHerriot]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx


I am not sure that Dorman can't screw up a transmission pan. What's the country of origin?


I was wondering that as well so I've decided to keep the OE pan and do a few pan drops and filter changes before continuing onto the proper interval. It has served well for 15 years and 150k miles, so..

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The Dorman pan has good reviews on Amazon. Use it with confidence. I'd totally get one if I ever had an automatic transmission with no drain plug and no other alternatives were available.

ALL transmissions should have a drain plug, period. Absolutely NO excuse for not including one.

 

[Bluestream]

No need for a fancy oil pan. I bought this brass bung at a plumbing place, drilled a hole and brazed it in. $1.99

 

[Toto]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
GM was probably too stupid to include a drain plug, so you'll have to drop the pan.

But the good news is that Dorman makes an aftermarket transmission pan that does have a drain plug

Interesting found a transmission pan on rock auto for my Dakota that has a drain plug I'm going to order it, thanks. I have put my own plugs on transmission pans before but this seems much easier for only $18.00.
TOTO.

 

[GenesisGuy70]

I had a 99 Grand Am, sister has it now and it still runs like a top, I did a pan drop and filter change around 110,000 miles. It also has the 3.4 and I'd be willing to bet the exact same transmission. The fluid/filter swap didn't hurt the transmission by any means. Still running perfect at 160,000 miles.

I used Valvoline Max Life ATF, don't remember what filter.

My only advice is to either order a new OEM transmission pan gasket or attempt to clean and reuse the old one. I cleaned and reused the old one and it's never leaked a drop. The new gasket that came with the filter was absolute junk.