Easy Cadillac CTS-4 Simple Transmission Fluid Service | Netfix Original Series: CTS-4 Build | Ep 4

Today we are making the daunting … easy. Transmission service how-to with in pan filter replacement. This can be done with some very basic tools, the hardest job is filling the transmission as you will need a method to pump the fluid into the fill hole or push it up through the level check hole. Make sure your screwdriver has a fresh tip when popping out the seal or you will probably be fighting it. I used a quick jarring/banging motion to help with bending the seal. Wasn’t super easy but it worked well, I’m happy how it turned out. If you don’t have a scan tool to read the exact temperature of the fluid you can use a laser thermometer to get a close measurement. With the Cadillac it is nice because the temperature for checking the level is fairly cool compared to a lot of other vehicles out there. Like if you did this whole job in 30 degree Celsius weather then you’re already at the temperature. BONUS. This job can be done with jack stands, you’ll just want to make sure it’s on 4 jack stands. It’ll be a pain in the rear end but it is possible. As you can see the torque sequence is wild so just be patient don’t forget any bolt torque and she will be money. CRISS CROSS - RICK ROSS. Just follow along and your transmission will be a very happy camper. I believe that these transmission drain and fill with filter replacement is the best way to service your transmission. Some mechanics prefer a fluid flush but you don’t get to see if there is any metal or clean your magnet and you still have an old filter stuck in there. My tranny has 130,000 kms on her and this is the rough time frame I would recommend you also replace your fluid and filter. So far the amsoil synthetic oil seems to be working wonderful, I do feel like it needs a little more heat for the shift feel to be there. All in all extremely happy with this video and with the cars transmission service. Please like, subscribe and comment down below. Thank you from all for your support.

[@IHOR-qf1nu]

THANK YOU FRIEND! I'M FROM UKRAINE AND I HAVE A 2008 CADILLAC СTS 4 3.6 ALL WD, I'M TRYING TO REPLACE ... THE CAR'S REVIEWS ARE ONLY ON THE BEST SIDE... THANK YOU AMERICA! GLORY TO UKRAINE! 🇺🇸🇺🇦

[@Netfixandbuild]

You are welcome. Good luck over there. 💪🏽

[@kevinogorman6282]

Excellent presentation and detailed steps to do the job. Very informative for the DIYer. It is a job for the hoist. You can do it on the ground but it is much more awkward. Great work!

[@StephenMarlow-l9v]

Great video! Very thorough instructions, wish I had a lift but jack stands should do , thank you!!!!!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thanks for you wonderful comment, hope it works well for you.

[@tonyscott7946]

Great video,I just done mind today 2008 CTS 81,155 miles. Got it at 63,958 miles one owner

[@Netfixandbuild]

That’s awesome, I love mine.

[@sharonkirven9570]

I only have one problem with this video and that is it’s NOT a 2005 V6 SRX!! Guy you are AWESOME so thoughtful and take so much pride in ur work.. I really appreciate a clean working Technician, you truly take pride in your work and the customer.. your video will help me somewhat And Thank you for sharing ❤️😊

[@SirGolfalot-]

Excellent Video. Good direction, and torque info. The bolt tightening sequence pic is something most videos do not shoow. Thanks very much. I subscribed

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

Perfect video. Thank you sir.

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thank you very much. 😁

[@ИванМладенов-н5ф]

Great, next week will do the same! Thanks for the video!

[@KevinKevin-uz4wy]

Thank you for generating these videos, I am sure it takes you and your cameraman time to edit them down. This information gives the average weekend mechanic the confidence to tackle some of these maintenance issues & mods. I look forward to the “Catch Can” information when you make that video, as it seems a lot of 3.6 owners are doing this mod. Keep the videos coming!!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thank you 🙏🏽 your feedback is exactly what we strive for. We will do our best to continue to provide these videos. Catch can will be a must as your correct there are a lot of people doing that mod. 😃

[@KevinKevin-uz4wy]

@@Netfixandbuild My vehicle is a 2012 CTS4 Did you have a cross member transmission support going across the transmission pan right over the drain plug towards the back of the pan? If so can I remove that cross member without dropping the exhaust ? and would I need to support it if I drop this crossmember?

[@joseiglesias7430]

tanks for your imput we are great full to have guys like like you .jose iglesias

[@GTSam]

Good stuff! Trans fluid and filter changes are some of my favorite repairs so my Coupe RWD should be similar or easier since there is no AWD.

[@johnboyle6477]

thanks for the help realy got me out of a bind

[@Netfixandbuild]

That’s awesome, sooo happy we have helped you out. 💪🏽

[@edwardpate6128]

I have a 2012 CTS 3.6 AWD. I sure wish GM had put a dip stick on these vehicles!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Yah right! So many more makes and models are coming with these dipstickless designs. Now a days German cars are coming with no dipstick for the engine. 😂😂

[@mahmoodalfahmee7857]

Great job, but I don't know where to put the oil

[@jeremyertel3409]

Wooooooh!!!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Woooh!!! 😁

[@RBZ06LT6]

Good video

[@TT-kh3bj]

Thank you

[@alafrosty]

Terrific presentation and editing. I could've unused the music, but the info was solid. I'd really like to see you change the thermostat on that engine! :-)

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thanks, hahaha challenge accepted. I’m going to start looking into doing that. A healthy engine is a good feeling, I’ve been planning on flushing out the coolant and I’ll do the thermostat at the same time. Thanks for the feedback.

[@alafrosty]

@@Netfixandbuild Pro-tip. Disconnect the driver's side tube from the back of the block before disconnecting it from the housing. The passenger side coolant hose can be done with extensions, but it's blind even after you take the air filter housing off the firewall to gain access to the back of the engine. They should've put it somewhere else! Pick up replacement seals for all the hoses and thermostat before beginning the job. The location gets really hot and age-hardens all those o-rings in a hurry.

[@areyoukidn28]

I own the same car, and I have a question that you may have covered and I missed. If that plug on the bottom of the pan is supposed to be the fluid level, why did it pour out so much when you first pulled it? I'm guessing it was because it wasn't idling? Or was it over filled? I had a leak that I was able to fix and need to check/ fill my fluid and just want to make sure I'm clear about everything first.

[@Mel-t6o]

Also it's a 3.6 rear wheel drive

[@Netfixandbuild]

This car is 3.6 AWD

[@hans2five]

Great video mate. I'm definitely going to use this video as a guide through my trans drain and fill. Question for you though. I was going to use a transfer pump like you did to put trans fluid in. Do you think it would help to use that pump to suck out some/most of the trans fluid that's still up in the pan after you remove 14 of the 18 pan bolts and leave 4 loosened 75% so that the pan hangs down a half an inch or so? I'll be doing this on rhino ramps and Jack stands so shutting I can do to not take a trans bath would be great. Lol.

[@Netfixandbuild]

Yes, you can for sure do that. Anyway you can suck that fluid out will help big time. It’s a good call. Thanks for the feedback. Good luck.

[@davidbrown9689]

AWD 3.6 V6

[@Rebelsmic]

My 2009 CTS transmission delays when I come to a full stop... can anyone tell me what cause this to happen?

[@55785753001]

How did you get the fill plug out ?

[@Netfixandbuild]

If I remember correctly, I think it’s like a push pin. Pop out the middle and then the whole plug comes out.

[@AntonioHernandez-ym9cx]

I have my 2003 Cadillac cts and I don't dare to do this just because I need a special tool, plus the mechanics that I have asked don't want to do it either because they tell me that it is a delicate transmission similar to BMW, is it true?

[@nomoreblahblah]

Good instructional video. Obviously these vehicles are designed to generate dealer service revenue. A simple drain plug to remove most of the fluid from the pan would have been too smart. Of course then a DIYer without a lift could remove the pan without causing a big mess. Can't have that!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Yah you know it, super annoying.

[@anthonynewborn]

Question what will happen if you don’t get that rubber seal. Pushed all the way up in tranny whole like you did?

[@harkiratsingh0521]

I have cadilac cts 2010 when i change gear my car shake. I think transmission problem can you please tell me how i fix it

[@Mel-t6o]

I have a 04 SRX and I had the rear seal replaced but now I got a steady leak coming from the front it even leaks when the car is off, I love this car it was my dad's pride and joy but I'm trying to keep it up but I'm trying to get some input on what could cause it to leak like that? Any suggestions on what u think I should do?

[@Netfixandbuild]

Leaking between the engine and the bell housing would most likely be coming from the torque converter seal. Transmission would need to be removed. You would need to clean the oil off and watch where it comes from, sometimes can be hard to find leaks.

[@on-site4094]

A really disappointed is when manufacturers started removing transmission dip sticks😡🥶. Same method @ the Lexus straw method for measuring fluid level @ proper temperature

[@RSAW73]

Thanks for the video, very helpful! When is that X-pipe exhaust modification coming?

[@Netfixandbuild]

Your welcome, thanks for your response. The x-pipe hasn’t been done yet. Hoping it will be soon, I’m also going to be adding a wide band oxygen sensor into the side of the x-pipe so I can get my tuning and afr gauge installed. Shouldn’t be too much longer I just purchased the sensor so now just gotta get it done. Sorry for the wait. Keep on following along 😁

[@wrxstidima4287]

Nice keep it up!

[@Netfixandbuild]

Appreciate it, thanks for watching. We will do our best. 👍🏽

[@playboysosexy1]

Whats the name of the transmission oil you used ? You didnt want to go with the Ac delco brand which one is it the Dexron V1?

[@Netfixandbuild]

Yes the transmission uses Automatic transmission fluid Dexron VI. I used Amsoil because they have a higher quality synthetic fluid. AcDelco Dexron VI will work just fine. Acdelco is the OEM replacement fluid and it is synthetic blended. I was just wanting to try to use a higher quality fluid and see how well it performs and lasts. Thanks for your questions.

[@michaelmillerii6640]

Can you reuse the seal?

[@Netfixandbuild]

Yes you can reuse the seal. If it looks damaged and/or their is corrosion/rust on the rubber section of the seal I would advise replacing it.

[@TEXAZPITBULL]

My transmission cts4 has 150,000 miles can I still change it or just leave it along

[@jameswhite1319]

I would not change it !

[@samtohidi1631]

whats the name of background song?

[@davidbrown9689]

I have a 2012 CTS coupe it has a crossmember under the transmission by the fill plug. No idea how to remove the pan to replace the filter

[@Netfixandbuild]

Sorry to hear that, is your coupe AWD with the 3.6L?

[@davidbrown9689]

The video on the rear diff and transfer case were very helpful. My car is a 2012 Coupe CTS all-wheel-drive 3.6. Unable to find any videos in regards my vehicle with the crossmember

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thank you for your kind response 🙏🏽 is there any chance you can take a picture of the crossmember for me. According to my online service manual the instructions are the same as my CTS4 sedan. I would hope the crossmember is bolted in and removable. But if not then how much room do you have between the pan and the cross member. Sounds like it might be a nightmare. I’ll keep looking around to see if I can find any information that would help you.

[@travispreble]

@@davidbrown9689 I know this comment was over a year ago but just replaced the transfer case and driveshaft bearing and I'm about to do the tranny fluid on my coupe and here is my suggestion: Use a jack with an approximate 12"x12"x2" piece of wood on top of your jack and put it under the pan. Slightly jack the transmission up. Remove the cross member. Slowly lower the transmission. It will drop but will be ok as long as your motor mounts arent shot. Now the entire transmission pan is accessible.

[@arturocalderoncarrillo9597]

En el Cadillac cts 2007 es el mis procedimiento verdad ?

[@Netfixandbuild]

Sorry I only speak English.

[@Anthonythesider]

What about the rest of the transmission fluid

[@Netfixandbuild]

Sorry I don’t understand the question.

[@stevenstoll2016]

Fucking insanity. Why isn't there just a drain plug and a spin-on filter that is the same as the oil filter? OEM's WANT your transmission to fail.

[@Netfixandbuild]

Insanity is true. They are all going this way now. Dumb

[@shad0wTM]

Mighty Mouse solutions catch can

[@robbypro3370]

Why can't they give us a F-ing drain plug at least. We do it ourselves because we don't trust the new generation to work on our stuff.

[@SteveXNYC]

Its better to take the car to Goodyear service station and have the transmission fluid flush with a machine for a complete 100% clean transmission internals.

[@Netfixandbuild]

Thanks for your feedback. This is one of the most controversial services in the auto industry. I like to be able to replace the filter and just have a mixture of old and new oil without the chance of having a piece of contaminant get caught up in any valves. Agreed that 100% fluid replacement is really good. I mean not owning a flush machine might be swaying my opinion. Just doing what I can do. 👍🏽🤷🏽‍♂️

[@playboysosexy1]

Hows the amsoil tranny oil doing for u now better shifting and how many quarts in transmission is it 8 quarts ??