The automatic transmission in the 2008 Saturn Aura XE V6 uses Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid. It holds 9.5 quarts, but if you are only doing a change along with the filter, you need 6.3 quarts. The transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first. If the transmission fluid is not changed regularly, the debris from the clutch and any metal shavings from wear and tear usage on "hard parts" in the transmission could clog up the valve body and cause transmission failure.
Jack up the vehicle, using the floor jack, and support it with jack stands. Slide the drain pan under the transmission pan. Loosen all the transmission pan bolts two or three threads, using the appropriate socket.
Remove the pan bolts, starting in one corner. Work your way around the pan, leaving the last two bolts in one corner in. The pan will tip, allowing the fluid to drain into the drain pan. Remove the last two bolts and pour the rest of the transmission fluid into the drain pan.
Remove the magnet from the bottom of the drain pan. Clean the magnet, pan and gasket-mounting surfaces on the pan and transmission, using the carburetor cleaner and rags. If you need to scrape off any stubborn debris, use a plastic scraper.
Remove the transmission filter, using the appropriate socket. Discard the old filter in an appropriate manner. Bolt the new filter onto the valve body. Fit the gasket on the pan, ensuring that all bolt holes line up. Install the pan, making sure that all bolts go through the pan, through the gasket and into the transmission. Tighten the bolts firmly, but do not over tighten them, as you will squish the gasket and cause it to leak.
Remove the vehicle from the jack stands. Remove the transmission dipstick from its tube. Insert the transmission funnel and pour five quarts of transmission fluid into the transmission. Start the vehicle and run it through all the gears three times, pausing at each gear for two seconds. Put the vehicle into "Park" and leave it running.
Insert the dipstick into its tube and check the level of the transmission fluid. Add one more quart, if needed. Run the transmission through the gears again, then check the level. Top the fluid off, one pint at a time, until the fluid reaches the "Hot" hash marks on the dipstick.
