In a few weeks I plan on changing the transmission fluid in my '01 SSEi. I wanted to get all the stuff I need ahead of time to avoid any last-second trips to the auto parts store. So those of you in the know, I have these questions:

1. Since I have never changed the fluid and it is an '01, is it safe to assume it has the factory non-synthetic fluid (even though I bought it used last year)?

2. Do I need to buy a transmission pan gasket or does it have the permanent variety already installed?

3. How do I know for sure if I have the T465E-HD or just the T465E? Does it matter?

4. Finally, recommendation on filter since I guess the only fluid to buy is Dex III.

Thanks again everyone.

GO IRISH!!
PASS RIGHT

Gasket is reusable , ssei is T 465E- HD.

Thanks jdq!

GO IRISH!!
PASS RIGHT

Ozark..

Please put your year and model in your signature.

Also pick up a can or two of brake cleaner. It works wonders for cleaning all the oily surfaces that need to be clean for gaskets to seal properly. You'll use that stuff for everything.

clean the magnets if you have them.
replace filter.
easy job.

Ozark,
are you going to flush the tranny too, or just drop the pan/drain?

I did this a few weeks ago, and did both. The gasket is reusable, and I would suggest getting large pan, some plastic sheeting (like painters use perhaps), and if you're going to do a flush, get cleaning bucket and some rubber tubing to connect to the cooler line and route into the bucket.

If you do not have rubber tubing, I didn't, the next bet is one of those yellow flexible nozzles that look like flexi-straws on a gas container. I hope you know what I'm talking about. The fluid comes out FAST if you flush by starting the engine.

I'm planning on just dropping the pan and refilling what I lost rather than a flush. From what I've read it seems to be better to do that 2-3 times over the next few thousand miles than flushing.

GO IRISH!!
PASS RIGHT

CAn you tell me how you set up to do a flush? How did you refill the fluid as the "old" fluid went into the drain bucket?

I wouldn't waste your time, effort, and Dexron III Oil doing this 2 or 3 more times this year. If you want to be on top of things, just drop the pan, clean it and the magnet, replace the trans filter once a year and you're going beyond the call of duty.

Well, it will be awhile before I get to this. It'* at the dealer right now. Changed the coolant last week and checked it the other day. Guess what? No freakin' coolant! Dealer says that the upper and lower intake gaskets need replacing. Sooooo, in the meantime I'm in a loaner and waiting for the car to be fixed. Glad I bought the extended warranty!