You should know how to change the transmission fluid if you own any of the Pontiac Grand Prix models that were manufactured between 1997 and 2000. Use Dexron IIE or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid in these vehicles. Check your vehicle owner's manual to confirm the recommended transmission maintenance schedule.
Drive the car for about 10 to 15 minutes to warm the transmission fluid. Raise the car on jack stands. Position a large drain pan under the transmission fluid pan. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts on the front and sides of the fluid pan. Loosen the rear bolts about four turns each. Tap the pan with a rubber hammer to break the seal around the pan. Wait for the flow of fluid to cease.
Take off the rest of the retaining bolts and remove the pan and its gasket from the transmission. Some fluid will remain in the pan, so use care. Pour the fluid into the drain pan.
Pull the fluid filter straight out from the valve body. Remove all traces of the old gasket from the fluid pan.
Install a new fluid filter assembly. Lay a new gasket onto the fluid pan flange. Reinstall the fluid pan onto the transmission. Hand tighten all the bolts, while making sure the gasket stays in place. Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to 97 in-lb. Return the car to level ground.
Measure the amount of transmission fluid that you removed from the transmission. Pour the same amount of new fluid into the transmission fluid through a funnel placed in the dipstick filler tube. Don't spill fluid into the engine compartment.
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Move the gear selector through the gears and end in "Park." Check the fluid level and add more if the level falls below the cross hatched area on the dipstick. An acceptable level will fall anywhere in the crosshatched area. Replace the dipstick, close the hood and turn off the engine.
