Help to do complete fluid change on 1996 Cavalier

[shpankey]

This is a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 with a 2.4l DOHC engine and a 4 speed automatic transmission and it has 215k miles on it. I've already bought 16 quarts of Amsoil ATF and have the transmission pan gasket and transmission filter ready to go.

There is an occasional delay when going into Drive, especially in the cold. And it feels like it may be slipping occasionally.

What I was hoping for was a tutorial on how to do a complete fluid change over. I read somewhere something about using a return line and having it pump the old fluid out while you continually poured the new fluid in.

Any help or advice is welcome!

 

[SteveSRT8]

all you do is get the return line and either cut it at a convenient point and use trans hose or pull it out of the trans.

Put the end in a large bucket and start the car. Watch carefully, at the first sign of bubbles stop the car and add the same amount of fluid. Repeat until it runs clean.

This is NOT a substitute for dropping the pan and changing the filter.

 

[shpankey]

I'm wanting to change the pan and filter too. Which as you'll note above, I already have right now, ready to go.

So should I drop the pan, clean it, change the filter, put it back then do the exchange of fluid?

 

[-Clayton-]

Does it have a transmission dipstick or not?

 

[mechanicx]

I think the top transmission cooler line on the radiator is the supply line. You can unhook the lower return line but if you don't have a hose with a flare fitting to screw into the radiator it will shoot out fluid everywhere.

Easiest to just unhook the top line at the radiator and snake it up into a bucket. Drop the pan first and change the filter and clean out the pan. Then refill with about half the capacity and flush the top line at the radiator I mentioned into a bucket until a few qts come out. Shut off and add that amount back in and repeat till it comes out clear.

 

[miker1]

Here are the instructions; https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservic...0Procedures.pdf

 

[shpankey]

No dipstick. It's the 4T40-E autmatic 4-speed transmission.

 

[Jakegday]

Originally Posted By: shpankey
This is a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 with a 2.4l DOHC engine and a 4 speed automatic transmission and it has 215k miles on it. I've already bought 16 quarts of Amsoil ATF and have the transmission pan gasket and transmission filter ready to go.

WOW! unless that engine has been rebuilt, i would baby the [censored] out of it, and keep the oil full. the bearings on the #3 cylinder have a habit of going out WAAAY before 215k miles

 

[shpankey]

It has recently had the lower engine rebuilt. Probably has < 1,000 miles on it so far.

The only thing on the engine that's not brand new or serviced is the head. And I can hear a ticking from the lifters/valves that I'm trying to get rid of. Thinking about taking the head off and having it completely reworked though.

 

[VK56VD]

DO one drain and refill with the least expensive ATF you will find that's compatible and put in Auto-RX.

I hear it works better in transmissions and power steering systems than it does in engines.

After the Auto-RX, change the filter and ATF to Amsoil. Good luck.