I have a 2002 Monte Carlo. How do I go about changing the transmission fluid? Should I do it or have a professional?
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you can do it youself, but there will still be old fluid and debris left so you can buy extra to just change twice. Drive a few miles on the first change and go through all the gears and then change again if you are worried that it is still dirty. You just need to find the drain plug on the transmission and use a breaking wrench to loosen that plug. If you can find a oil drain plug you can find the one on the transmission, just look for it on one of the lower points on the housing. It will save you a lot of money to do it yourself. Shops charge way too much to flush it.
First off, is it a manual or an automatic transmission? a manual transmission is a simple drain and fill for most applications, but an automatic to get a good flush needs to be done by a professional. I would suggest a trusted mechanics shop. Most automatics have a changeable internal filter that may or may not be changed with the transmission fluid. Check your owners manual or contact your local dealrship on the possibilities. So in answer to your question, you can probably change it yourself if it is a manual, but if it is automatic or needs an internal filter change, take it to an ASE certified professional. And be responsible with any fluids, have them recycled.
For automatic, It is a very easy repair and will help you understand you car better. Raise the car and use jack stands and block the rear wheels and apply the e-brake. With a 10mm or a 1/2 inch socket remove the drain pan bolts starting at the lowest side be sure to place a big drain pan under the transmission pan before you start to catch the old oil. after you remove all the bolts but one loosen the last bolt slow and let the fluid run out from the loose side to the pan and after it stops running remove the last bolt and don't drop the pan it will have at least 1/2 qt of fluid in it. Remove the transmission filter by removing three screws or it may just pull out of its holding hole. after you remove the filter install it in reverse . when you put the pan back with a new gasket. Tighten the gasket slow until all are snug then tighten side to side until you see the gasket squeeze then that's it add new fluid , start and look for leaks, you may need to re tighten the bolts a little but be careful not to tight it will brake the gasket. If its a stick shift it would be by removing the bottom drain bolt and drain the oil then refilling it on the side and you will need a filler tube. Good Luck and GOD Bless
