Overtime, the transmission filter can become clogged with debris, allowing particles to enter the transmission fluid. These particles can damage a transmission system if they are allowed to build up. On a Pontiac Grand Am, the fluid should be flushed and replaced every 60,000 miles. To avoid a trip to an authorized service center, most novice mechanics can perform this task at home to save on a repair bill.
Raise the front of the vehicle with a vehicle jack. Secure the vehicle by placing jack stands under the frame rails on each side near the front of the vehicle.
Slide an engine oil drain pan under the transaxle pan, the L-shaped metal cover located on the bottom of the transaxle. Unscrew the front and side transaxle mounting bolts with a socket wrench, which will allow the fluid to drain from the transaxle to the drain pan.
Unscrew the remaining bolts on the transaxle pan and pull it from the transaxle. Remove the old gasket from the pan and clean any debris from the pan with a towel. Set the new gasket over the pan, using the alignment pins on the pan to set the correct alignment.
Pull the transaxle filter from the transaxle. Pry the old seal from the filter housing with a standard screwdriver.
Push the new seal into the housing, then push the new filter into the seal and into the housing.
Position the transaxle pan against the transaxle and tighten the retaining bolts with a torque wrench. Tighten each bolt to 108 inch-pounds.
Start the vehicle and fill the transaxle with approximately six quarts of DEXRON III transaxle fluid. Shift the vehicle through all of the gears and let it idle for approximately five minutes.
Slide the engine oil drain pan under the transaxle fluid check plug, located on the side of the transaxle. Unscrew the check plug with a socket wrench. If fluid drains from the hole, it has been overfilled, and the fluid will drain until it is set at the correct level. If no fluid drains from the check plug, slowly add fluid through the fill tube until a small amount drains from the check plug hole. The correct level is just below the check plug hole.
Tighten the check plug to 108 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.
