Well finally got around to putting this fine car in drive and she is not doing much. Figure I need to change the fluid and service the screen. Any tricks here? I have read that you can't get new screens. Is that right?

 

I thought someone, somewhere (here?) reported FATSCO Trans had the filters?

 

Fatsco had them, here is their site: http://www.fatsco.com/
You have to call them to order, cost me $64.00 about a year ago. You'll also need a pan gasket. Good luck.

 

Yep - they have them - $64 for the filter and $10 for the gasket. Anything else I need to do while I am in there?

 

I think Fatsco www.fatsco.com makes a run of SlimJim filters every so often and you have to catch them when they make them. Be glad Pontiacs also use SJ or they might not think it was worthwhile to make these filters.

SlimJim can be kinda sensitive to fluid level. Make sure it's full with warm oil. Still won't hurt to change fluid and filter if you can get a filter.

Will it engage Drive at all or just sluggish off the line? If it makes a weird shudder-clunk-lurch shift out of low gear, that's kinda par for the course with these things.

 

It will just nudge when it goes in gear then stop. It will move a little if rpms are increased. Acts like low fluid or a clogged filter.

Fluid looks good - check in park with engine running right?

 

well I've got the weird shudder-clunk-lurch shift out of low so I think I am in business