Cadillac STS: Full Transmission Service - Learn How To Replace Your Transmission Fluid & Filter

Changing your transmission filter is probably more important than replacing the transmission fluid. The filter gets clogged over time by doing its job of keeping the fluid clean. I used Castrol transmission fluid because it has III3H, which is required in my transmission. Total time it took me was between 30-40 minutes.
Transmission fluid amzn.to/2ipvRHW
Transmission filter amzn.to/2oYUCCa
Torx bit set amzn.to/2iPvRmg
Fluid pump amzn.to/2iU1rSl
Here is a list of the material I used:
40 Torx bit & ratchet
40 Torx wrench
Drain pan container
Castrol transmission fluid
ACDelco Professional Air Filter
Fluid pump
Car ramps
Tire block
Towels
Gloves
Movers blanket & tarp

[@colinmccauley3301]

another outstanding video. have to get my 2007 STS into the dealer for this work and now I know what I have to have done. Thank you very much.

[@Defundemorats]

Clear instruction without unneeded bulshit you helped me out in changing my fluid thank you.

[@PopInAPizza]

Great video man! One question though, I was under the impression that in order to know the correct fluid level you were supposed to fill it until a small stream flows out, put the fill plug back in, cycle through the gears a few times then go back under and fill it until a small stream pours out. I guess when you do this it pulls the fluid up and you have to add more.

[@SHAKA38]

Great video Oxman. I didn't think I'd need a basic fluid pump like that, but I'm gonna have to put one in the toolbox. Thanks. 😎

[@oxmanagain]

You're welcome, any reason to get another tool in the toolbox is a good one. Thanks for watching, much appreciated.

[@TrumpLoves]

I use Transmax in my Nissan CVT. Works great!

[@NeverBeenARookie]

Great video. The only thing I would argue is that in the owners manual the capacity for a Transmission (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) is 7.4qt for a 5-Speed Automatic. 7.3 qt for a 6-Speed Automatic & 6.5qt for a (V-Series).

[@kaadauwgg]

But the problem lies in how much fluid is left inside the torque converter after draining.

[@dsdaniel6867]

Good job - nice explanation - good cat help. My kind of mechanic.

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks.

[@ericjones3236]

Thanks homie I hope I didn't mess my transmission up

[@JokersGamingFrenzy]

For the side fill plug, just use a torx bit and wrench.

[@sharonkirven9570]

My Goodness Your AWESOME!! So thoughral in explaining and Showing with your hands EXACTLY What your talking about. Absolutely love this video and Thank you for sharing.. However there is only One Problem for me, It should Of been for a 2005 V-6 SRX..😁😊❤️ Thank You Again!!

[@garrykrause2375]

good video ox-- i was wrong in my comment-- it was missing-- it was'nt transmission-- it was fuel injectors not firing--soo got it all fixed, and it flies now.

[@mackfar27]

Nice, I did view your first video regarding your transmission fluid change. Nice video. I am going to tackle changing my daytime running lights which is also the front turn signal lights. May God himself help me.

[@oxmanagain]

Haha I don't think it's that hard. Thanks.

[@codeyhanna767]

Mack124 Right on. Everyone starts somewhere. I was so happy to change a tire the first time. Things become so clear when you start to see that you just take things off and put them back on the same way. Good luck with the lights.

[@mackfar27]

Codey Hanna Thank you, stay blessed.

[@oxmanagain]

I just remembered I did a video on removing my radiator. I had to take off the entire front bumper which houses all the front lights. If you are working on a similar car this might help you out. Either way let me know your outcome. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5vceatnlt9pmLs

[@mackfar27]

oxmanagain Yes we have the same car. It is because of you why I purchased my car.😁 I am one of your subscribers and because of your videos, I have been able to do many things with confidence. As of right now, I am having a trusted mechanic whom I have known for a long time, replace my tie rod ends and I included the turn signal lights as well since it's sort of in the same area.

[@eznum1]

I would recommend taking the fill plug off first before you drain it, gonna save you a potentially huge headache if it’s drained and can’t take the fill plug off

[@steve6548]

Thanks for the very well thought out video. You really helped me out a lot.

[@joemartinez6182]

Your video was of great help, thank you.

[@blainelandry8527]

Thank you for showing me. Very good tutorial. Thanks again.

[@oxmanagain]

You're welcome and thanks for watching. I appreciate you letting me know you enjoyed the video.

[@wilsondominguez9906]

great great well explained video ...really helpfull

[@kaadauwgg]

I really couldn't make this work. I couldn't find the filler plug. I had got in a wreak. Had to replace the fender and something went through the radiator. While changing the radiators I couldn't make the cooling lines quick connects, disconnect. So I cut the cooling lines midway of the rubber, close to the radiator so I can pull the whole thing out and make it easier to disconnect. 2" metal tubing & a four clamps and the coolant lines were back together and I'm putting the car back together. So I disconnected the bridge over that I created and fill the transmission up through the cooling lines, without having to raise the car off the ground. Even though I had done so already. Just had to remove the air Inlet. But of course to change the filter you still have to lift the car off the ground. PS. Out of two quarts of transmission fluid about one-fifth of a quart ended up on the ground, so you will need a pan. The fluid was low because when you stop, you had to wait about three seconds for the car to get all the way into first gear, or there was a jerk. That was fixed.

[@cantstumpthetrump5987]

Thank you for the video. You are doing Gods work my friend.

[@oxmanagain]

I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching.

[@stevenpaige2005]

Thank you, i have an 05 srx, realy helpful

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks for watching and you're welcome.

[@pkalldayeveryday8354]

Awesome vid easy to follow

[@jimveteto9850]

Very informative video. Thank You!

[@JoseLopez-qf3ks]

gracias muy buen video,muy bien explicado me fue de gran ayuda

[@l.a.theplayer9128]

This video is the gospel! 💯💪🏽

[@oxmanagain]

I thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@THSeaNotes]

Great video! You go above and beyond to explain everything you are doing. Do you know how to change the vapor canister vent control valve on your 2005 4.6L V8 STS? Is that something that a DYI should do, or should it be done by a mechanic?

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks for the compliment and it can be a little tricky to do the first time. I would suggest you at least talk to a mechanic

[@sawyerbarnes7439]

What a great video. Thanks dude

[@SplashCuash]

Excelent video and explained!!

[@gpslightlock1422]

Great video. Thanks for the good work!

[@holakoalbina2111]

Thanks for the video I respect your ideas and job

[@leahrolan1265]

Can you come here and do mine??? I need to have this done to determine if it fixes my shudder or I need a new torque converter.

[@oxmanagain]

Most likely if you're feeling up vibration it is the linkage and not your torque converter. But without a hundred percent knowing all your problems but without knowing all the problems it is hard for me to pinpoint what the solution could be.

[@josemauriciomorales7687]

Thanks for all the information

[@fredericknorwood3008]

how can i check my transmission fluid on a 2008 cadillac sts v8 4.6liter engine and how will i know thats its low

[@celebritystreetmuscl]

Real talk

[@israelnieto2147]

What's causing the little clinking noise when you're putting it in gear??

[@oxmanagain]

That is the shifter linkage.

[@pleasureislandphoto]

Question, what is the clicking sound when you shift?? Mine just started doing that recently- more so from Park to Reverse. Sometimes more of a clunking for lack of a better way to describe. It sounds like if I service my transmission there will be no improvement with that issue? Also noticed transmission gets stuck in gear when I am accelerating hard and then let off the pedal. Not slipping yet. 2005 STS w/ 90,000 miles Great video by the way. I will def do service after I watch a couple more times. Thank you man!

[@oxmanagain]

I made another video speaking on exactly what you're dealing with. Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PMq2unpMucfZYsi=VsUEVLyORnkH0xjr

[@2005llyduramax]

Great Video, Just curious if you ever found out what was clanking when you shift the gear lever. Mine is doing the same thing, and I'd like to fix it.

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks. Yeah its called the shift linkage.

[@2005llyduramax]

@@oxmanagain Thanks Much!!

[@yuliireyes7599]

I have the same problem on my Cadillac STS. I'm glad someone brought it up.

[@williamiwaniuk5561]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@bossjapz8877]

nice video! great help...any idea how to reset trans oil life?...06 sts v6...thanks!..

[@frosty0219]

At what mileage did you change it at or recommend it at? Years ago I lost my owners manual for the 08 North Star model so I’m sure this process is exactly alike

[@oxmanagain]

I changed mine at 120k. But I believe you should do it at 100k

[@kaadauwgg]

That could also depend on how hard you have been pushing the car over time. About 100,000 is not average. Some people Let It go longer. A lot longer.. most new vehicles won't let you push the car to destroy the transmission nowadays. To 100 every now and then. Like more than 10 or 15 times a, a regular 100,000 a year. But if you never ever push it past 80? There's a good chance it'll never need changing. Especially on the newer cars and especially cars with sealed transmission.

[@berardia4]

Nice job very knowledgeable. Thank goodness I have a trans with a dipstick just get a funnel and pour it in. So on a dipstick it shows full cold or hot but you only fill the sealed trans up to the plug. Is the trans supposed to be cold to be filled correctly?

[@longhairdontcarealwaysslay6232]

a dip stick on a cadi ??? NO WAY

[@Snowman3g]

If the transmission starts sputtering is it to late to change the filter? My car has 262k miles

[@davidbasho9128]

That's a great video . Thank you! Any idea on how to change the heat censor for the transmission?

[@oxmanagain]

You're welcome, thanks for watching. Sorry, I haven't had to change one before.

[@juliocesarvargas5128]

VERY GOOD, but I have one ask : The converter torque have oil? How get out ?

[@oxmanagain]

You can't get that out unless you go to the dealership and they hook it up to the machine and they suck all the transmission fluid out. Then you can have it put back in. When you go to the dealer they don't change the filter or drop the pan they just suck all the fluid out.

[@josephbailey1995]

Good video!

[@Defundemorats]

Good job

[@jasonacosta7512]

How did you jack up the rear end? Where exactly did you put the jack to jack it up?

[@armaleyvaten]

for anyone watching in the future- the answer to this is the rear diffrential

[@Greg-kc1dw]

good video bro. 😎

[@longhairdontcarealwaysslay6232]

does this brand of transmission fluid have a particular brand that also seals???? thankie

[@oxmanagain]

Not to my knowledge.

[@jeffreynick3227]

your videos about the 2006 cadi are very helpfull. what is the part number for the trans filter and where to buy it.

[@oxmanagain]

If I remember right I either went to AutoZone or the Cadillac dealership. Thanks watching I appreciate you comment.

[@jyippidy]

Is that transmission a 5L40-E ?

[@oxmanagain]

No I have the 5L50e because i have the V8. I believe the 5L40e is for the V6.

[@Willbemeful]

Great video Man, much gratitude. Hey, have you had any problems or hick ups with the transmission after changing the filter and fluid? Also I did the throttle body clean as from your other video and it definitely helped. Thanks

[@oxmanagain]

No, I haven't had any issues, actually the car is shifting smoother and the fluid stays cooler. Like I said in the video I would definitely change the filter with the fluid change. Thanks for all the support and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[@javig6991]

@@oxmanagain hey oxmanagain how much fluid in total did you use for the complete filter and fluid chanhe? Like quarts or gallons?

[@optpr1119]

Hi. Can a clogged filter cause the tranny to not work? My car currently doesn’t move at all in any gear. Any ways to determine if it’s the filter or if it’s a different issue with the transmission?

[@martinjason5630]

Great video! Quick question- how much fluid goes on a 05 sts V6 ?

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks, it depends on how much fluid comes out.

[@CuttyAll]

A this recommend for my old 2000 sts ? I’ve read that it not so good idea to do so on an old car But I’m thinking about doing it why I’m here like most of you. What y’all recommend me do ?

[@oxmanagain]

I understand that messing with your transmission might cause problems. If that's how you feel I wouldn't do it. For me I had a hundred and something thousand miles when I did the transmission fluid and filter change and the car is still running with over 160,000 miles.

[@superstreet65]

Good job ty

[@Usmanthemecano]

Great video. I'm in a bind though. I tried opening the fill plug without success. I ended up stripping it though I was using the same tool you use in the video. It was so tight it fell like it was welded. So I proceeded with the filter change anyway thinking I could undo the lines and fill it from there. Unfortunately it cannot be filled at the lines either.... Any suggestions?

[@oxmanagain]

That is a pretty bad predicament you're in. What I would do is get some form of a breaker bar or a pipe that can go over the Allen wrench and see if that will give you more leverage to break off the fill plug.

[@oxmanagain]

You can also put a little bit of brake fluid on the fill plug and that should loosen up the tightness just a little bit. Then like I said get a pipe or a bar that can go over the Allen wrench and you should have enough leverage to go ahead and take it out.

[@Usmanthemecano]

oxmanagain I actually used a box end wrench for leverage but nothing... It's an 07 and it's its first time

[@Usmanthemecano]

oxmanagain i'll try a chisel

[@oxmanagain]

I used a 18 inch pipe

[@jamestutrain9111]

Hey, I’ve got the same car, and noticed that there was a metal clunk when you shifted. I have the same issue and was wondering if you ever fixed it, and if you did, how you did so. I know it’s been over 4 years but I hope to hear from you!

[@oxmanagain]

Are you referring to the noise when I shift from gears the clicking noise? If so that is the shift linkage it's the little rubber grommet that just deteriorated and you just hear the metal hitting the metal. Or you could be referring to the clunk that's coming from the drive shaft. I did a video on how to fix that one here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PMq2unpMucfZY

[@jamestutrain9111]

@@oxmanagain it sounds exactly like the video after you fixed the bushings, and it has no physical clunk, just the audible sound so I’m pretty sure it’s just the linkage

[@yomamascupoftea9459]

Good video bruh..what did you use to clean the pan and did you use rtv to help seal the gasket?

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks and no the transmission pan already has a rubber gasket on it. I just made sure to not over tighten the bolts. To clean the pan I simply used a microfiber towel.

[@octavioojeda5515]

Le faltó abrir un filtro nuevo para poder apreciar los desgaste del que se va remplazar..

[@besteleben7671]

Which oil filter did you use? I have a 2006 STS 4.6 RWD and look on Rockauto but there a two type: deep oil pan and normal oil pan

[@oxmanagain]

I like mobile one

[@besteleben7671]

@@oxmanagain do you habe a part number ? I al unsure which filter fits

[@JorgeRamirez-mo3cd]

Hey I need some knowledge on my 2006 Cadillac sts v6 .. so my car wont go into reverse but when I put it in neutral it goes forward. People say it could be a bad shift linkage or low fluid. But I dont know what it is for sure . Can someone please help me

[@AbdiReynaga]

How much oil is required with with filter changed?

[@oxmanagain]

@@AbdiReynaga Sent by Copilot: For your 2005 Cadillac STS with a V8 engine, you’ll need approximately 8 quarts of oil when you change both the oil and the oil filter. It’s always a good idea to check the oil level with the dipstick after adding oil and running the engine for a few minutes to ensure it’s at the correct level. If you have any other questions about car maintenance or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

[@christianeduardo7360]

Hey man I was wondering if it was alright to put lucas transmission fluid into this 05 sts. I'm wondering if it will break or if it will work fine to make the transmission last and shift better.

[@oxmanagain]

I have never done it but I have heard people having success.

[@christianeduardo7360]

@@oxmanagain Do you personally recommend to do it?

[@oxmanagain]

If your not having any problems with the transmission, then I would leave it alone.

[@christianeduardo7360]

@@oxmanagain after i did a flush it started slipping and over reving. That was because the fluid was dirty before and i put new one. Now it smells like burned and in the mornings it takes long to engage with the gears.

[@oxmanagain]

After it warms up and then it starts engaging with the gears does it shift smooth in?

[@tjladucer2382]

Does a 2009 Cadillac SRX have the same fill plug? I checked the drain plug and it’s a normal bolt same on an oil pan.

[@oxmanagain]

I don't know I've never looked under an SRX.

[@sonjagomez3262]

Is this the same process for a 2008 sts

[@robertgover3093]

Why did you have to change your transmission and I have 111000 miles should I still change my fluid and filter

[@oxmanagain]

It's recommended at 100k plus, I was getting a trans hot indication.

[@ernestcrooks4514]

Is that the only way you can fill the transmission fluid in a 2007 cts

[@oxmanagain]

I believe that is the way all cars have gone with.

[@ing.franciscolopez7588]

how many quart´s fluid do you put supplied?

[@oxmanagain]

I want to say I did four to five quarts and then I checked it to make sure.

[@Ironman17401]

Okay everyone I have a Sts V8 4.6 and mine has a 15 mm drain plug but the fuel plug can't take off so I fucked up. Have to take it to dealership to change the transmission fuel. Ps the TCM is also in the pan.

[@oxmanagain]

Thanks for the tip and that sucks you had to go and had the dealer finish the job. But, the goal was to get the fluid changed and you got that done.

[@eddiedigital1517]

if the engine on a 2002 cadillac dts is jerking hard when i switch gears is that the transmission going or possibly the filter?

[@oxmanagain]

It could be your transmission mounts or the bushing on the drive shaft. Does it make a clunking noise? If you haven't changed the fluid in a while maybe you're right and it's the dirty fluid and clogged filter.

[@mauriciobarco6784]

Tengo un auto de esos hace poco lo compré y no sé para qué sirve l almarcha que tiene el número 4 😅

[@juliorodriguez2446]

I have a question... Comment back if possible

[@em1j797]

Hey oxmanagain I love your videos! Iam a subscriber and just last month bout my wife a 05 sts with the 4.6 like yours...I watched this video and you say you had 4 quarts came out so you put 4 back in...well mine had like 5/1/2 quarts came out but I could only get 4 back in...I leveled the vehicle like you did and even made the back higher than the front...but can only get the 4 quarts bak in before it starts to run out again ...wat you think? That be ok or wat happened lol

[@oxmanagain]

Did you cycle through the gears? Plus you can drive it up and the street and then see if the fluid has had a chance to work itself deeper into the transmission. I appreciate the support, thanks.

[@em1j797]

Ok no I haven't done that yet but I will next....thanks for the response

[@oxmanagain]

Ok cool, let me know the outcome.

[@em1j797]

Hey I just got a chance to get back on it...it didn't want to pull off right away but I kept going bak up and down the driveway and then I was able to put the same amount back in..all is good.....thanks again and I love all your videos very detailed and easy to follow

[@oxmanagain]

I'm glad it worked out and thanks for letting me know. I appreciate the compliment, you have a good one.

[@channeltimeout7164]

Nice man. We just uploaded a Best Car Enthusiasts vid you might enjoy. LIKED!

[@oxmanagain]

I checked it out and I did like it. Thanks

[@imatter4619]

Great video, but you really need to put more ads. Sarcasm

[@nadz109]

My transmission is acting up on my Cadillac

[@y2k6507]

It's called fill plug

[@Ironman17401]

Aye man is the tcm also located in the pan?

[@oxmanagain]

No, I didn't see it in the pan.

[@Ironman17401]

oxmanagain thx anyways man still helped alot,might have to replace the tcm on my car.

[@oxmanagain]

If you do let me know how it turns out. Thanks and you have a good one.

[@larryfresquez9058]

How often do you change the transmission fluid?

[@oxmanagain]

I would do whatever the manual says for your car. I change mine every 100k

[@arciua]

@@oxmanagain Cadillac CTS 3.2L (2003) manual says: Automatic Transmission fluid is lifetime and should not be replaced EVER. Does it actually makes a sense and I should keep running without changing? I would be leaning on still to change fluid and filter. Car has 173.000 kilometers.

[@oxmanagain]

@@arciua you should call the dealer and find out what do they mean when it says lifetime. Do they recommend changing the transmission fluid.

[@javig6991]

How much oil total did you use? Please reply oxmanagain

[@oxmanagain]

It all depends on how much you take out. I put the same amount back in.

[@javig6991]

@@oxmanagain thanks for the reply man. I really appreciate it. I have a 2005 srx 4.6 5l50e trans and I've done my radiator front struts and now I'm going to do the trans oil n filter and I've watched your videos on all of them they were really helpful. Once again, thanks.

[@likebutton7601]

What about the torque converter?

[@oxmanagain]

It is hard to get the fluid out of the converter unless you have the entire system sucked out. I prefer changing the filter.

[@likebutton7601]

@@oxmanagain what's your opinion on leaving the old fluid in the converter? Do you believe it'll somehow "taint" the new fluid?

[@likebutton7601]

Or make the new fluid less efficient

[@orestkoval3228]

👍🇪🇸

[@jaycarden5466]

Mine says “idle engine, trans hot” after hard acceleration. Any idea what’s up with it?

[@oxmanagain]

Mine used to do that but it stop after I changed the trans fluid and filter.

[@montyeaster1907]

7⁹the first thing I know is Monty python how