Draining & Refilling
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Savana Special, 2002 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2002 GMC Savana, 2002 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2002 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
When the transmission is at operating temperatures, take necessary precautions when removing the drain plug or the oil pan, to avoid being burned by draining fluid.
NOTE:
Transmission may be equipped with a reusable oil pan gasket. Reusable oil pan gaskets are constructed of rubber with metal or plastic backing. On transmissions equipped with a reusable gasket, sealing surface of oil pan is flat. Transmissions not equipped with reusable-type gasket have a ridge on sealing surface of oil pan, and must have a new gasket every time pan is removed. Clean reusable gasket with solvent. Inspect reusable gasket for damage and replace as necessary. Using any other type of gasket in place of reusable gasket may result in fluid leaks.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Remove the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. If necessary, remove the bolts and position aside the range selector cable bracket for clearance while lowering the pan. It is not necessary to remove the cable from the lever or bracket.
- Remove the oil pan bolts from the front and sides of the pan only. Loosen the rear oil pan bolts approximately 4 turns. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet in order to loosen the pan to allow the fluid to drain.
- Remove the remaining oil pan bolts. Remove the oil pan and the gasket. Grasp firmly while pulling down with a twisting motion in order to remove the filter. Remove the filter seal. See Fig 1 . The filter seal may be stuck in the pump. If necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal. Discard the seal.
- Inspect the fluid color. Inspect the filter. Pry the metal crimping away from the top of the filter and pull apart. The filter may contain the following evidence for root cause diagnosis:
- Clutch material.
- Bronze slivers indicating bushing wear.
- Steel particles.
- Clean the transmission case and the oil pan gasket surfaces with solvent, and air dry. You must remove all traces of the old gasket material, unless it equipped with a reusable rubber gasket. Clean rubber gasket with solvent and air dry.
- To reassemble, coat the new filter seal with automatic transmission fluid. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket. Install the new filter into the case. Install the oil pan and a new gasket, if needed.
- Install the oil pan bolts. Tighten the oil pan to transmission case bolts alternately and evenly to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- If previously removed, install the range selector cable bracket and bolts. Tighten the bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Apply a small amount of Sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the threads of the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Install the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Tighten the oil pan drain plug to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Lower the vehicle. Fill transmission with appropriate fluid to proper level. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and FLUID CAPACITIES . Check the COLD fluid level reading for initial fill only. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.