1998 Pontiac Sunfire Logo
Posted on Aug 29, 2008
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1998 SUNFIRE GT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM

Hello, I have a 1998 sunfire gt, which apparently has a "sealed transmission" meaning I can't check to see if I need transmission fluid. I know that there's something wrong with the tranny because it jerked when it would shift and now it's just not shifting at all. Is there any way that any one knows of that I can change or check the transmission fluid without bringing it into a shop?

  • Anonymous Sep 21, 2008

    I have the same problem with mine it jerks real hard when it shifts but if u let off the gas when it does shift it shifts fine. Mine is the 4 speed auto. Its not your transmission its the tourqe converter. But for all the work and money it will cost to fix it you might as well buy a new transmission if u plan on keeping the car.

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  • Posted on Aug 29, 2008
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There are 3 transmissions that could be in your car,the 3 speed auto and 4 speed auto overdrive,and of course the manual 5 speed.The 3 speed is designated the 3T40,the 4 speed auto is the 4T40E trans.To check the fluid level,first,the car has to be warmed up to at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.The car has to be raised in the air,as there is a steel plug in the trans case that has to be removed to check the fluid level.The plug takes an 11 mm or 7/16" socket or wrench and is located on the passenger side of the trans case,near where the passenger side axle engages into the trans.The procedure is to warm the car up to at least 100 degrees,engage the shifter into each gear selection pausing for about 5 seconds in each gear,then remove the plug.If fluid drips out,it is full.If no fluid drips out,add fluid through the top of the trans after removing the red plastic cap,and make sure to use a long funnel to avoid a mess.Add fluid until it drips out the hole.When done,replace the plug and cap.Just a note,a transmission does not "use" fluid like an engine uses oil.If you have to add fluid,that means there is a leak that needs to be repaired.Good luck

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Where is the actual transmission located on a 1998 pontiac sunfire

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  • Posted on Nov 06, 2008
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Depends on the transmission type or size and the  engine sizes are 2.2 2.4 u have auto and 5 speed there are different transmissions on the 5 speed 2.4 there is a dipstick on the top by your exhaust manifold

  • Anonymous Nov 06, 2008

    i have a 1998 sunfire gt i race and there is a dipstick on top of the tranny by your exhaust manifold my car is in the shop for a tranny  the trannys in our cars **** i just rebuilt mine 7 months ago and its unrebuildable and a new one is imposable 2 find but ya u should b able 2 take a bolt out of the bottom and drain ur tranny fluid 


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How much transmission fluid should go into a 98 sunfire?

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