How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a 2008 Pontiac GR

Pontiac Grand Am, Grand Prix and the more recent G-series cars, sometimes collectively referred to as Pontiac GRs by enthusiasts, are high-performance cars in Pontiac's fleet. Regardless of their performance level, like any car, Pontiacs require basic maintenance in order to last. Changing the transmission fluid in your 2008 Pontiac involves the same basic procedure as it does in most cars, and it is an essential task in maintaining the performance and functionality of your car.

• 1

  Lift your Pontiac with a 2 1/2 half-ton jack and support it with jack stands.

• 2

  Loosen but do not remove the upper bolts on your car's transmission oil pan, using a ratchet wrench. The transmission oil pan looks like an oddly shaped cooking pan. The upper bolts secure the top of the pan's edges to the bottom of your car. Loosen the bolts so they are about halfway out of their holes.

• 3

  Remove the side and lower bolts surrounding the edges of the pan.

• 4

  Tap on the sides of the pan with a rubber mallet to dislodge and unfasten the pan. The pan will still be connected by the upper bolts. Do not begin this step until you've readied a large container into which you will drain the transmission fluid that will pour from the pan when it is dislodged.

• 5

  Catch all the draining transmission fluid that empties from the dislodged pan.

• 6

  Remove the upper bolts from the transaxle completely to remove the pan entirely from the bottom of the car.

• 7

  Pour any excess transmission still in the oil pan into the container that holds the rest of the fluid.

• 8

  Clean out the oil pan with a rag.

• 9

  Check the edges of the seal on the pan. Any cracks or tears will result in leaks when you replace the pan and refill it.

• 10

  Replace the pan in the reverse order of the steps to removed. Secure the pan in place and attach the upper bolts. Tap the edges of the pan with a rubber mallet to position it flush against the transaxle. Replace and tighten the lower bolts around the edge of the pan.

• 11

  Lower your Pontiac and pop the hood.

• 12

  Add a quart of transmission fluid. The funnel into which you pour the fluid should is clearly labeled "Transmission Fluid" on your Pontiac.

• 13

  Start your Pontiac's engine and check the transmission fluid level. If the level is low, add more fluid to compensate until it reaches the right level.