Transmission fluid change questions

[RallyEclipse98]

'96 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 3800 V6, transmission has about 150,000 miles on it.

I'm wondering if it would be better to do a fluid change or just top off how much it's low by (if it is). Also, where's the plug, reservoir, filler, filter at? I'm trying to put off buying a Chiltons/Haynes manual as long as I can. Why I'm needing to check it is because it hasn't been changed for a long while and I got a CE Light and the transmission won't shift as easily and won't even want to go into overdrive. Anyone know the answers? Thanks! Sorry of the noobiness.

[hoofit]

Check the trans fluid after it warms up and if needs some, put some trans repair fluid in. auto zone has it i think the best is marvel mystery oil or perhaps an auto zone brand. to change the fluid you know u have to drop the pan and get a gasket and filter kit. ( very cheep ). take down the pan, without making a mess, the filter is right there staring at you. replace the filter, clean the pan gasket and replace. use some gasket or rtv to help seal the pan. tork bolts from midle bolts outward and go over the bolts 3 times DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts. fill and run and check the fluid that you spilled all over the place and hopefully some got in a good clean pan. If here is shavings that SPARKLE in the oil GOD BLESS. good luck

[RallyEclipse98]

Originally Posted by hoofit

Check the trans fluid after it warms up and if needs some, put some trans repair fluid in. auto zone has it i think the best is marvel mystery oil or perhaps an auto zone brand. to change the fluid you know u have to drop the pan and get a gasket and filter kit. ( very cheep ). take down the pan, without making a mess, the filter is right there staring at you. replace the filter, clean the pan gasket and replace. use some gasket or rtv to help seal the pan. tork bolts from midle bolts outward and go over the bolts 3 times DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts. fill and run and check the fluid that you spilled all over the place and hopefully some got in a good clean pan. If here is shavings that SPARKLE in the oil GOD BLESS. good luck

Is there a dipstick for the trans fluid? I suppose there is.... I'm going to go with the OEM brand fluid/filter though because it's proved itself this far. No sparkles or else I'm going to !!!!!!!!

[RallyEclipse98]

Originally Posted by hoofit

Check the trans fluid after it warms up and if needs some, put some trans repair fluid in. auto zone has it i think the best is marvel mystery oil or perhaps an auto zone brand. to change the fluid you know u have to drop the pan and get a gasket and filter kit. ( very cheep ). take down the pan, without making a mess, the filter is right there staring at you. replace the filter, clean the pan gasket and replace. use some gasket or rtv to help seal the pan. tork bolts from midle bolts outward and go over the bolts 3 times DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts. fill and run and check the fluid that you spilled all over the place and hopefully some got in a good clean pan. If here is shavings that SPARKLE in the oil GOD BLESS. good luck

WTF? I just priced a filter from Napa Auto Parts and it was $25 just for a filter!

[maxwedge]

Usually includes the seal and gasket, I believe.

[RallyEclipse98]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Usually includes the seal and gasket, I believe.

The one I priced only came with filter. Anyone know of a site I could go to get the filter etc. or could I just use the filter that's on it now??

[maxwedge]

AZ was 21.00, for entire kit, I just called, you cannot leave the old filter in there!!

[RallyEclipse98]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

AZ was 21.00, for entire kit, I just called, you cannot leave the old filter in there!!

Sorry, I meant to say old gasket, but I'll just find a complete kit.