How often to change transmission fluid in a 2004 ponitac grand am

You have two choices, you can either take it to a shop and have it power flushed, recommended because this gets rid of all the fluid and replaces it with new fluid. The second is to drop the transmission pan, most cars don't have a drain plug for transmission fluid, so you would need to take out all the bolts holding the transmission pan out slowly letting the fluid drain as you bring the pan down. After you have the pan off I would go ahead and change the transmission filter, it is just above the pan inside the transmission. Place the pan back onto the transmission and fill with fluid, about 6-8 quarts.

I would be suspicious of the transmission and things I think you need to consider are
The age of the fluid, the type of the fluid. When you speed up you are placing max.pressure on the tranasmission.Transmission fluid will over time lose its viscosity and if you check your manual it will give you the oil change schedule.My 2004 Grand Am has a sealed for life transmission so there is no dipstick so if you take it to a dealer to change the oil ask him to let you see what is left in the bottom of the pan. If there is flaky sludge in the bottom it may be time for a rebuild. T here is also a filter in the transmission which could be part of your slippage problem.
Good luck
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You should bring the vehicle into a repair shop that does tranny FLUSHES not fluid drop only. A complete flush will change the fluid in the pan, lines and the torque converter. SOunds like you have water in the transmission and the longer you drive it that way the worse it will become.

it sounds like the torque converter is malfunctioning does it idle rough? def sounds like a trans issue check the fluid while the vehicle is at operating temp check for discoloration

Remove the oil pan,then the filter

Spark plugs, transmission fluid and coolant change, supercharger oil, air filter, fuel filter, tires, brakes, engine mounts, BTSI inspection and power steering fluid. Also inspect the belts, hoses, pulleys and look for wiring damage.

YOU NEED CHECK TRANSMISION FLUID LEVEL SOUND LOW.IF FLUID LOOKS DARK SMELL BURNT YOU NEED A TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE.

Hello! To check the fluid level, the first thing you want to do is get the fluid to operating temperature, by driving it for a bit and letting it shift through all gears. Once you've done that you need to make sure you park the car on a very level surface. Remove the front passenger wheel and the splash guard. From there reference the picture below to give you an idea where the fluid check plug is located - there is no dipstick on this transmission (4T45e). You will also see the fill plug location.


If you do a pan drop and filter replacement only, the fill capacity is 6.9 quarts. You will want to use Dexron III type transmission fluid.

FYI - here are the torque specs for the pan bolts is 106 in/lbs and the check/fill plugs are both 124 in/lbs.

Hope this helps and good luck!

If it's red, it's transmission fluid. Coolant would be green. Check the fluid level, don't let it get low, Chrysler minivans are prone to transmission troubles, and low fluid levels over time will ruin a a transmission. And be sure not to overfill, it's just as bad for the trans. Have the leak checked out and repaired, good luck