Re: Fiero automatic transmission fluid check and empty question 2.8 liter v6 - How to get the transmission dip stick out and where is the drain plug?

Wow, Brian.  Thanks for the thorough and very candid explanation of this 
process.  I elected to take it to the Ponitac dealer since apparently I
have 
an oil leak somewhere too.  God this car is costing me a fortune and I 
haven't even driven it a 1000 miles yet.

Do these cars run worth a damn after doing all the stuff that a 21 year
old 
car needs?  I hate to think if I bought one that hadden't been "taken care

of."  LOL.

Oh well, it is a fun car to drive when I can drive it.  Thanks again!

Andy

"Brian" <bds1computer@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:r7WdnXlHxc2R7srbnZ2dnUVZ_v2knZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>I dont know of ANY automatic transmissions that have drain plugs...always
> wondered why???
>
> You have to pull the pan. while you are there change the filter. The pan

> is
> the one that says metric on it. You will anso need a pan gasket. Get
those
> before you start
>
> You WILL get dirty in this task
> Make sure when you remove the pan to LOOSEN all the bolts then start
> removing them from ONE SIDE ONLY!!. Put the drain pan under that side as

> you
> remove the bolts and it makes the least amount of mess. Once the pan is
> drained enough to remove you can remove the rest of the bolts and dump
the
> remaining fluid in the drain pan
>
> Remove the filter at this time and replace, it should be fairly
> straightforward on how it comes off and goes back on
>
> Remove all the gasket material from the pan and transmission or it will 
> leak
> when you put it back together. A paint scraper works well for this but
be
> careful not to gouge either surface or it will leak also. If you have
> problems getting the gasket off there are solutions you can get to help
> remove the old gasket. Once it is clean (both surfaces) put the gasket
on
> the pan so the holes line up and hold in place with two bolts and mount
to
> the transmission. Don't tighten the bolts until all the bolts are in
> otherwise some of the gasket holes might not line up and it will
> leak...Notice I keep mentioning that it will leak. I stress this because

> its
> important to do it right so you don't have problems later down the road.
> Tighten all your bolts and you are now ready to add fluid.
>
> Reposted, hit the wrong send button (sorry labtech_one)
>
> As far as the dipstick goes if it is stuck you can try twisting it but
you
> can also remove the entire tube. There should be one bolt mounting the 
> tube
> to the motor and it seals to the transmission with an o-ring. You may
have
> some luck getting the dipstick out that way if it is really stuck. Worse
> case you replace the whole tube which you should be able to match up at
a
> local salvage yard (maybe E-Bay too) or check with some of the other
Fiero
> owners to see if they have one laying around. This is where you would
add
> the fluid and it's easier if you have a transmission funnel too. It has
a
> long skinny end that fits into the tube to minimize spilling (some even 
> have
> flex hoses to make it more convenient)
>
> If this sounds too difficult I recommend getting the transmission
flushed 
> at
> a transmission shop (not a quick lube!!) It will get you the same
results
> for about $80-130 depending on where you live
>
> Hope that helps
>
>