Pontiac Repair: tranmission oil change, dextron iii, fluid friction

Question
hi all. i have a 2001 Pontiac grand prix 3.8l non supercharge. I'm trying to change the oil on the trainmission. and it asking for 7 3/4 of dextron III. i trying to find out is that with the oil in the torque convert?... and how do i get the oil out from there?... or will the oil get mix up with the new oil?... this is my first car and i her around for three or four before i get something new...

Answer
Hi
If you do a transmission pan drop and filter change, you will be replacing only fluid lost ( I would start with 6 qts. before I just added 7 3/4 qts). I would not worry about the rest of the fluid AS LONG as you replace the filter, the fluis will get filtered.
If you want to replace all 11-12 qts the entire tranny holds, you will need to find a shop that preformes Transmission Flushes.(most repair facilities offer this service)A Cleaner is added to the fluid and a flush machine is attached to the transmission lines. THe fluid is then pumped out and new fluid is pumped in at the same time, so all fluid is replaced. It runs in the $100-$130 range, depending on location and price of oil etc....
For you to DYI and save $$$, just drop the pan and replace the filter and 6 qts of fluid.
Remember, trans fluid is not like oil in that it needs to lubricate. It is a hydralic fluid /friction aid FIRST and a lube second. So the intervals are longer.
I Hope this advice helps.
Good Luck
Pawl