Changing transmission oil

Tiny
JUSTJASON
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 BUICK LESABRE
  • 200,000 MILES
I believe I found the transmission oil pan, it looks in good condition with no leaking around the seal, but I can't find a drain plug on the bottom of it. I've looked online everywhere for answers to find out if it is indeed the transmission pan (looks like it's the transmission and it's just behind the oil pan). I need to know if I truly have to drop the entire pan to change it or if there is a bolt I'm not noticing to unscrew to drain. I don't really want to drop the entire pan as I'm sure it will get really messy. I just purchased the car 3 months ago and not sure how often if at all the oil has been changed. Since there is no leaking around the seal and from what I can tell the filter is metal so probably isn't a necessity to change out, just flushed really well. Please help if possible with as much info as you can provide. Maybe even a diagram or site that may provide such.
Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 6:51 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

There is no drain plug for your transmission so to change the fluid you have to remove the pan. Yes, It can get messy if you're not careful. Also, The transmission filter is a replaceable cartridge style that will need to be replaced. It is not cleanable. Here is a tutorial to get you started on how to service an automatic transmission:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

I've attached picture steps below on how to service the transmission and filter on your car. thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
Transmission problem
1998 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 94K miles

I just changed tranny fluid and filter at 94,000 miles on my 98 lesabre. While in "D" transmission will slip under heavy acceleration from a stop, yet however while in "1" there is no problem. I know I took all the metal and friction stuff out and I would like to know if there is a band adjustment or something I can do? There are no service manuals at my local library's with this info so if anyone can show me a website or tell me how to do this I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Dan
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
What did you find in the pan?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
I used the next grade better fluid and it is at proper level. When I cleaned the pan there was dark colored material lightly coating the pan and all over the magnet. I only owned the car for about 15,000 miles so I don't know when it was last serviced.

I also replaced the radiator shortly before I did the the tranny fluid and the coolant level has not changed. If there's anymore info you need just let me know. Thanks alot I appreciate your help

Yours truly,
Dan

PS It's not so much a not holding gear slip it's more like a shudder when you put it in drive and immediatly hit the gas
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TSMITH87
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,500 MILES
I recently bought a 95 LeSabre with 101,000 miles on it. I don't know the history of tranny fluid changes in the car, but my personal mechanic says the fluid is burnt and that I should have it changed, while I do trust his opinion I have run into taking it into a Jiffy Lube and them telling me they highly recommend I don't change it, so I got scared and didn't have it changed. I have an appointment in 2 days to try to get it done again. Do you think I should do it, or leave it be? I get mixed answers from everywhere I look. Some saying it's okay to do, some saying no don't. I can't afford another car if I don't change it and it fails due to previous owner negligence, or thousand dollar repairs either. What is your advice on the issue? The car looks pretty well maintained at purchase time and was driven by an old woman who passed away(don't know if that matters), and I will add that the car was used in a high altitude area. About 7500 feet above sea level, where I live also. Estes Park, Colorado. Thank you.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

At that mileage I would have no problem having a flush done, just doing a minor service only removes a portion of the oil, best to get it all changed rather than add old with new.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOURRIAGUEJA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 BUICK LESABRE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
What would possibly make the transmission slip first thing in the morning when the weather is cold? At all other times, it shifts fine. It's been doing this for some time, so I recently had the trans fluid changed and flushed. Now, it slips a little more, first thing in the morning. Instead of slipping for 20 seconds after starting, now it slips for 30 to 45 seconds.
Any ideas?
Thanks for your help.
Allen
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Would think with milage rubber seals on apply pistons not holding pressure until heat expands metal and makes a seal. Fact that new fluid cause slip to be more pronounced verfys fact ie. Old fluid thicker. May try a Trans additive.
Hope this helps
Thanks for donate
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DMNOPPER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • BUICK LESABRE
99 Buick Lesabre 141k miles 3.8 series 2 engine. I changed transmission fluid, using dextron 3 as recomended Replaced original pan gasket which was leaking. Transmission is operating as always, smooth shifts and forward /reverse engagement. However when accelerating from a dead stop faster than usual the transmission ratchets or shudders but continues to pull. This condition reminds me when as a kid my chain on my bike would slip if I started off fast. This is the only problem noted. Trans dip stick shows full acually a bit low but not excessivly. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LUIS050
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Are you checking the fluid with the car on and in nuetral. If not you should, and you will probably find that its lower than you think. If all this is ok you should check if your TV Cable is ajdusted correctley.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TCCC143
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Check the TCC module. The shudder could be from the torque converter not engaging fully. The TCC module controls the torque converter and power distribution. Lesabres have always had a problem with the TCC module. THis can cause a shudder (especially in overdrive) and when you need power in flooring it. THe TCC module in your model is to small to handle the power from the motor. AAMCO has an upgrade they can install for $300. THey bore out the old TCC hole and input a bigger one. Or you can replace the one you have and get another 30000 miles out of it or so. It fixed my problem.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)

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