How do you change transmission fluid of the Chevy astro van 2002?

Answer 1

You need to remove the transmissions lower pan. Start by loosing the bolts around the pans flange. Make sure you hav a container under it to catch the fluid. Once you have loosened all the pan bolts let it set for a while until the fluid stops flowing. Once that's done let one of the corners of the pan down lower to get most of the fluid out of the transmission pan.

Now you can remove the rest of the bolts being carful as not to tip the pan to far or your going to get fluid all over. (The pan still has about two quarts or so left in it.)

You should do this on a calm day so as not to get dirt blown in the transmission. I'd recommend replacing the transmission oil filter also. Most of them just pull off or are held in place with a clip or bolt. Install new filter. Then clean the old pan gasket from the underside of the tranny, and the pan. Put a little gasket sealant on the pan cover. Place the ne gasket on the pan cover making sure it's on correctly. You should be able to see that the bolt holes in the gasket align up properly. Put the pan in place under the tranny and start all the pan bolts. Once all the bolts are in place you can snug them all up evenly. After they are all snug you can tighten them being carefull not to over tighten. To tight will disform the pan and it may not seal. Get about 5-6 quarts of the proper fluid and put in 4, start the engine and check the fluid level. Add more as recquired. There is going to be some old fluid you couldn't change because it was left in the torque converter. A shop removes it all by vacuum. If you have any concerns about doing this yourself I'd take it to a shop and have them do it. Good Luck!