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?

The Fiero was one of the most fun cars I ever had. yes once you weed
through 
the nickel dime stuff it will run for a long time.

"Andy" <me@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:465f407a$0$30615$4c368faf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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
>>
>>
>
>