I have to disagree with Dawn. Transmission fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals just like any other maintenance item. No transmission is sealed for life. Some luxury cars say they have lifetime fluid but even those can be serviced. If transmission fluid is not changed it becomes oxidized and contaminated and will eventually cause transmission failure. 169 is a small price to pay for a little preventative maintenance. You should be fine with a fluid and filter change. Just don't do a flush, the cleaning agents used can clean out all the varnish and deposits that are now actually helping to seal everything. Putting new fluid in an old trans will not damage it or cause issues.

The 4T45E Transmission in your Grand-Am is NOT a sealed transmission! (there is a difference)

(It just doesn't have a dip stick)

It has a fill plug in the top of the case and a level plug in the side of the case.



Checking procedure:

Ensure that the transaxle case temperature is 70° to 90° F (21° to 32° C). With the engine running, shift transmission through all gears. With engine idling in PARK, remove the check plug from the transmission. If transmission has been overfilled, allow fluid to drain out. If no fluid drains out, add fluid through the TRANS FLUID fill cap under the hood on the driver side in 1 pint (0.5 liter) increments until it slightly flows from the check plug. Reinstall the check plug.

nothing is sealed yes you can change the transmission fluid. and recommended to change it. transmission fluid can break down just like motor oil. some models are change and fill only since you can't get to do the filter with out pulling the transmission apart . but your Pontiac you can do the fluid and filter. find local shop at ATRA.COM for more help

transmission fluid may not get oxidized as fast bc it sealed but heat, clutch disc fiber, metal shavings still affect the fluid's condition.

Actually when I changed my sealed transmission fluid after 100k, it was ok. The fluid was not dark and the metal smudge the magnet caught was minimum. But I have no regards for changing it for the peace of mind.

Drop pan, clean pan, change filter, new fluid and likely not have to do it again. No flushing machine please.

My advice: Leaved this drive train component to the pros. If you can determine whether or not the tranny fluid is synthetic or not, that would be my first priority. If there is a time when it needs to be opened by the qualified mechanic, I would insist that the correct and quality synthetic be installed.

My opinion: I would prefer a transmission that is not sealed so that it can be maintained more easily.

i wouldnt mess with it if its working correctly .. transmission fluid doesnt get contaminated with fuel blow-by and things like that, like engine oil does .. if you put fresh slippery fluid in an old trans you'll most likely shorten its life ..

2001 pontiac grand am gt... 6 cyl. 1 owner. Probably had routine maintainance. Runs GREAT !!! I DID TUNE UP... COILS... OIL AND FILTER....EGR VALVE... PVC VALVE. NEW FRONT TIRES. I havent touched trans.... is sealed... gotta pay $169 for them to do it... or Do I leave it alone since its made to be sealed... they say they can change fluid n filter... Jiffy Lube cannot.