Thread: 04 Comp G trans filter question?

So I've been meaning to change or flush my transmission fluid for a few months now as it is a pale yellow color now and I've already bought about 5qts of fluid and the filter/gasket kit. My concern now is that I read somewhere, I don't recall where, that the Comp G came with a different filter from the standard GTP's, so I'm not sure if the one I bought for the HD trans is actually going to fit/work well? Even if I do need to somehow find another of these different filters, I also haven't been able to search for parts specific for the TapShift trans anyway, or at the very least confirm that the parts are for sure the same for both transmissions. Also, when I was originally looking for just the gasket, they showed both a 20-bolt and 17-bolt option that supposedly would both fit the GTP trans - so which one does this one use? I only ask because I haven't been able to get my car jacked up to see for myself yet. I'm just curious since it shows the 20-bolt gasket/pan applies to almost all the transmissions the GP and others used, so who on earth requires the 17-bolt version that popped up for me?

Also since I'm already creating this thread on the same topic... I'm guessing people will say I should just change whatever fluid I can remove from dropping the pan and not do an entire flush because it will most likely damage the trans. I'm confused as to why this is always the assumption of what's going to happen? I understand how this could happen with either A) a transmission that already has damage and has NEVER had the fluid and filter changed, where the fluid appears dark, sludgy, with metallic specks and/or a burnt smell confirming the condition; or B) if you take it to a shop that uses one of those machines that either force the new fluid flowing in the opposite direction or with too much force that could damage seals/lodge crap in places they shouldn't be thus causing problems. But what if the fluid still looks clear/isn't burnt smelling or dark and you don't use one of those machines to do it?
Right now the only "issue" I experience with my transmission is if I drive around a lot it does get to around 206 degrees and when it does get around those temps it shifts a little harder around first and second gear, especially if I don't give it enough time between downshifting to first and taking off again (I guess one of the marvels of living in the city)
I still think my trans is in pretty good shape compared to others I've seen and I'd like to keep it that way, because I reckon another TapShift transmission isn't too easy to come by (I haven't seen any Comp G's in any of my local junkyards) and also not cheap. I really do not want to have to go through what my mom did with her Bonnie - having to use a credit card (when she already has enough debt to deal with) to buy a rebuilt trans. Oh, I remember how bad poor Dulce De Leche got before we had it replaced... I was literally stranded one morning on my way to school when he stalled on me at a traffic light and then wouldn't drive anymore.

I guess I'm open to hearing all your opinions on whether or not to do just a change or a complete flush - which if I do the flush I'll probably do it myself with my dad disconnecting the cooling line or something, definitely not taking it to a shop to be ripped off and probably have them not even change the filter for me.

The filter is the same for all 4T65's.. Comp g is no different. Same filter fits all the 4T60's as well.

If you are doing just a pan drop and filter you need at least 7 quarts. GM FSM states 6.5, I've found on tons of them that it's more like 7-7.5. If your trans is in good working order then a flush will not hurt anything. The only difference between a service and flush is you have less clutch material suspended in the fluid when you are done flushing. A flush should never hurt a trans.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

The filter is the same for all 4T65's.. Comp g is no different. Same filter fits all the 4T60's as well.

If you are doing just a pan drop and filter you need at least 7 quarts. GM FSM states 6.5, I've found on tons of them that it's more like 7-7.5. If your trans is in good working order then a flush will not hurt anything. The only difference between a service and flush is you have less clutch material suspended in the fluid when you are done flushing. A flush should never hurt a trans.

That's what I thought...I figured it only made things worse if there was already substantial damage or if one of those savage machines were used..haha. Yeah, I actually forgot about that - I did hear somewhere you could get about 70% of the fluid with just a change (the whole trans takes 10qts, correct?) so that's actually not too bad... I guess I still don't know which I will be doing but at least neither option would hurt much either. I just have to wait on finding another job so I can actually buy the rest of the fluid XD

it took about 14 qts to fill my new tranny, the tc takes 6-7 or so on its own. pan drop is 7-8 qts. iirc i bought 16 to be safe.

Oh deer... I guess I might have to take a loan out in order to buy enough thanks for the info, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Actually, my dad has been wanting to flush his trans as well (he has an '06 base model) so IF his can also take Dexron III/ doesn't require the 4/5/6 (whichever really is the one available that is newer than 3) maybe we will just buy several of the 4qt jugs together for both of the cars. His trans is definitely overheating though, sometimes getting up to around 220 degrees and shifting hard quite often once it's warm, and that car is at a little over 192k miles. I am a little concerned about a him flushing his trans, though I also haven't found his fluid to be too dark/containing any metallic specks or a burnt odor (yet)... it was overfilled when he bought the car too, air bubbles on the dipstick whenever you'd check it. I feel like he might have a clogged cooling line or just old filter that is causing this (that and the fact that he drives it a LOT, he loves that car, I tell you).

what color is the fluid now? if its dark dont flush it. if its acting up now, fluid change wont help any.

I would say on my dad's car its about a medium clear red (if that makes any sense)

On a 192k mile transmission I think I'd only want to suck 3-5 quarts out the dipstick tube and dump the 3-5 fresh quarts back in it.

Then just run it and see how it drive, the new fluid mixing with the old should give it some life back and maybe help with the heat.

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

On a 192k mile transmission I think I'd only want to suck 3-5 quarts out the dipstick tube and dump the 3-5 fresh quarts back in it.

Then just run it and see how it drive, the new fluid mixing with the old should give it some life back and maybe help with the heat.

I see, so no pan drop or filter change? I'll let him know

edit:
So it has 194k mi, I was off by a bit, but anyway today it was at 159 degrees when it already started shifting hard...ugh. My dad said that actually when he bought it (in 2016) he had to add some new fluid anyway as apparently it was low. The car was sitting in a backyard for years (I'd say at least since 2010/2011 as it had an expired inspection sticker from then). He said he added about 2-3qts and apparently it ended up being more than what it really needed because after that when checking the dipstick there were air bubbles in the fluid. I think since then we have siphoned out approximately 2qts but I don't recall if that got it to the right level or not...I'll have to check the fluid level/condition again later - and this time I will take a picture or two as well.