Changing Saturn Tranny Fluid

I need to change the transmission fluid and filter in my 2001 Saturn SL1 with the automatic. Is this as simple as an oil change? Just drop the transmission drain plug, pull the filter, replace filter, replace drain plug, fill with fluid, then check fluid level and top off accordingly? Or is it more complicated? Any hints or advice for a first-timer?

Thanks a ton!

David

Haven't done one myself, but from what I've heard, yes it's that easy. Saturn was smart with that spin off trans filter. Wish the rest of the industry caught onto that one.

Yea, just remember to check the fluid level with it running.

Spin on transmission filters are an excellent idea.

My Wife's Grand Caravan has the standard filter but I think they made the pan from tin foil. I went to the dealership for a new filter and gasket and they gave me a filter and a small tube of sealant. Nope no gasket just scape off the old stuff and squeeze on a new one.

I have an 04 saturn, but its the V6, so don't know if its the same.

If you have the external filter and a dipstick/drain plug combo, it is that easy. If you're proactive drive it 500-1000 miles and change again.

Unfortunately our saturn needs the pan dropped to access the filter and there is no dipstick. It took exactly 6 quarts, which is exactly what I drained. That was a hard number to find and made me uncomfortable for a while because I couldn't double check. (some sources said 4 quarts, others 7...)

Yeah, I just noticed the spin off filter. It is a good idea to keep that fluid fresh, those auto transmissions are known to be made of glass.

Yep, ya'll were right. It's an easy job. At least, as long as you ignore the owner's manual. It says remove the air filter box and "resonator," whatever that is, in order to gain access to the filter. I tried that, and there would have been a lot of removal and PITA. Going from underneath is a little circuituous, space is tight and the anti-roll bar is in the way. Nonetheless I was able to spin it off, BY HAND, from underneath. So while the job itself was easy, I lengthened it by some unnecessary R&R of the induction system. And then I lengthened it some more by overfilling the fluid. Grrrr. But anyway, it's done and it should be simple next time.

Shift behavior improved immediately. Yay!

Thanks for your collective wisdom.

David