Changing the transmission cooling lines on my 2000 Grand Am GT. Is it totally necessary to pull the pan and fully drain the transmission?

Here are the steps to install the transmission cooling line with a rubber seal on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT:

1. Raise the vehicle: Use a jack and jack stands to lift the front of the car off the ground.
2. Locate the transmission cooler lines: The transmission cooler lines are located on the passenger side of the vehicle near the front of the transmission.
3. Remove the old transmission cooling line: Use a wrench to loosen the fitting where the old transmission cooling line connects to the transmission. Slide the fitting away from the transmission and let the old line drain.
4. Install the new transmission cooling line: Insert the new transmission cooling line into the fitting on the transmission. Make sure the rubber seal is securely seated.
5. Tighten the fitting: Use a wrench to tighten the fitting on the transmission. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the fitting or the new line.
6. Lower the vehicle: Use the jack to lower the vehicle back down to the ground.
7. Check for leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks around the fitting on the transmission and around the rubber seal on the new line.

If you need additional assistance or want to see a video tutorial, I would recommend searching for videos on YouTube that specifically cover the installation of transmission cooling lines on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT.

automatic>?
which transmission? the diesel uses a special one.
in what country? we can not guess any of this.
why do you ask this, if automatic. there are 3 capacities.

just draining the pan, this varies, on vast factors.
no a/T drain out all AFT doing this.
the overhauled ammont
the full flush amount..
there are 2 places that do not drain, pan plug out
the TC , the clutch holds about 1/2
the valve body never drains out fully, ever. and does some
and is totally unpredictable.
if just draining the pan??? are you ? or doing an overhaul?

you drain it then measure it. (assumes was right level first)
then put back what you drained.
that is it. but will only get 1/2
if savvy:
drive 10 miles, repeat until fluid runs pink,

this is stated in the FSM, need link?
cant do that until country is stated or exact trans make and model.

It is not necessary, but it is a good idea to service the fluid and filter if over 30k since last service.

if their metal, the could be coming from transmission fluid lines, are they going into radiator ? one @ top & one @ bottom of rad . their cooling lines from trans, supply / return . if rubber lines, they go to a transmission cooler , looks like a small radiator, rectangular , supply / return. power steering has no cooling . these lines don't come from engine, power steering has power steering fluid NOT TO BE MISTAKEN FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID, TOTALLY DIFFERANT !!!!!!

I didn't read about running the engine at all during the transmission fluid change. --- Removal & Installation 4L60E/4L65E To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.
3. If equipped with a drain plug, drain the transmission fluid.
4. If necessary, remove the bolts and position aside the range selector cable bracket for clearance while lowering the pan. It is not necessary to remove the cable from the lever or bracket.
5. Remove the catalytic converter.
6. Remove the oil pan bolts from the front and sides of the pan only.
7. Loosen the rear oil pan mounting bolts about 4 turns.
8. Lightly tap the oil pan with a rubber mallet in order to loosen the pan and allow the fluid to drain.
9. Remove the remaining oil pan bolts.
10. Remove the oil pan and the gasket.
11. Remove the filter by twisting and pulling on it.
12. Remove and discard the filter seal. The filter seal may be stuck in the pump; if necessary, carefully use pliers or another suitable tool to remove the seal.
13. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent, and air dry. You must remove all traces of the old gasket material.

To Install:

1. Coat the new filter seal with transmission fluid.
2. Install the new filter seal into the transmission case. Tap the seal into place using a suitable size socket.
3. Install the new filter.
4. Install the oil pan and new gasket. Tighten the bolts alternately and evenly to 97 lb in (11 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter.
6. If previously removed, install the range selector cable bracket and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Apply a small amount of sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent to the threads of the oil pan drain plug, if equipped.
8. Install the oil pan drain plug, if equipped. Tighten the plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.
11. Check the COLD fluid level reading for initial fill only.
12. Inspect the oil pan gasket for leaks.

4L80E/4L85E To Remove:

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil pan. Drain the transmission fluid and install the plug. Tighten the drain plug to 13 lb ft (18 Nm).
3. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
4. Remove the transmission crossmember.
5. Disconnect the range selector cable end from the transmission range selector lever ball stud. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the selector cable from the bracket.
   
6. Remove the transmission range selector cable bracket. Reposition the bracket and cable.
7. Remove the oil pan bolts. NOTE: The transmission oil pan gasket is reusable. Replace as needed.
   
8. Remove the oil pan and gasket.
9. Remove the magnet from the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
10. Remove the oil filter and neck seal.

To Install:

1. Clean the transmission and the oil pan sealing surfaces with solvent.
2. Install the filter neck seal and filter.
3. Install the oil pan gasket to the pan.
4. Install the magnet into the bottom of the pan, if necessary.
5. Install the oil pan and bolts. Tighten the oil pan bolts to 18 lb ft (24 Nm).
6. Install the transmission range selector cable bracket. Tighten the bolts to 18 lb ft (25 Nm).
7. Connect the range selector cable end to the transmission range selector lever ball stud.
8. Install the transmission crossmember. Tighten the fasteners to 70 lb ft (95 Nm).
9. Install the transmission mount nuts. Tighten the nuts to 30 lb ft (40 Nm).
10. Remove the transmission jack.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Fill the transmission to the proper level with DEXRON® III transmission fluid.

pull plug drain oil take bolts off around pan and drop then clean old gasket off and replace gasket then pan tightening bolts in a random order do not over tighten

Fluid & Filter Change Under normal service (moderate highway driving excluding excessive hot or cold conditions), the manufacturer feels that automatic transmission fluid should not need periodic changing. However, if a major service is performed to the transmission, if transmission fluid becomes burnt or discolored through severe usage or if the vehicle is subjected to constant stop-and-go driving in hot weather, trailer towing, long periods of highway use at high speeds, fluid should be changed to prevent transmission damage. A preventive maintenance change is therefore recommended for most vehicles at least every 90,000 miles (145,000 km).
Although not a required service, transmission fluid changing can help assure a trouble-free transmission. Likewise, changing the transmission filter at this time is also added insurance.

1. Raise the car and support it securely on jackstands.
   

The torque converters on some transmissions are equipped with drain plugs. Because it may take some time to drain the fluid from the converter, you may wish to follow that procedure at this time, then come back to the pan and filter removal.


Before removing the transmission fluid pan, insure that the area is clean of dirt and debris

2. Place a large drain pan under the transmission.


Loosen all of the pan attaching bolts to within a few turns of complete removal

1. Loosen all of the pan attaching bolts to within a few turns of complete removal, then carefully break the gasket seal allowing most of the fluid to drain over the edge of the pan.
   

CAUTION DO NOT force the pan while breaking the gasket seal. DO NOT allow the pan flange to become bent or otherwise damaged.

1. When fluid has drained to the level of the pan flange, remove the pan bolts and carefully lower the pan doing your best to drain the rest of the fluid into the drain pan.

Once the pan is removed, discard the old gasket and insure that the mating surfaces are clean


Inspect this magnet inside of the pan for any large pieces of debris. A light gray coating is normal


Clean the pan thoroughly with a safe solvent and allow it to air dry

5. Clean the transmission oil pan thoroughly using a safe solvent, then allow it to air dry. DO NOT use a cloth to dry the pan which might leave behind bits of lint. Discard the old pan gasket.


The transmission filter is secured by a mounting bolt (arrow). Some models may use two bolts


Remove the filter mounting bolt ...



... then pull the filter free from the transmission

6. If necessary, remove the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) filter mounting bolts, then remove the filter by pulling it down and off of the valve body. Make sure any gaskets or seals are removed with the old filter. The transmission usually has one round seal and a rectangular gasket.

7. Install the new oil filter screen making sure all gaskets or seals are in place, then secure using the retaining screws, if applicable.


Install a new pan gasket


8. Place a new gasket on the fluid pan, then install the pan to the transmission. Tighten the attaching bolts to 71-119 inch lbs. (8-13 Nm).


Fill the transmission with the proper amount of ATF

9. Add three quarts (six quarts if the torque converter was drained) of fluid to the transmission through the filler tube.
10. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the vehicle.
11. Start the engine and move the gear selector through all gears in the shift pattern. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
12. Check the transmission fluid level. Add fluid, as necessary, to obtain the correct level.

transmissions do not have drain plugs u must remove the trans pan assembly slowly from one side to the other and have a large container under it to catch all of the fluid then replace the trans pan gasket

There are two ways to changing the transmission oil. If your going to change the transmission oil and filter, your going to have to drop the transmission oil pan to get to the filter and the oil will drain from there, but keep in mind that it will get messy. The other way to replace the transmission oil if that is all your going to do is to get a large bucket and a small hose the size of the transmission oil line. You can disconnect the transmission oil line from the radiator on the passenger side and connect the hose to the line and the other end to the bucket. Start the truck and try to do this with two people, one to hold the hose and one to start the turn off the engine when the transmission is almost out of fluid. DO NOT RUN THE TRANSMISSION DRY, so make sure the other person understands you when you tell them to shut off the engine. This will ensure that you replace most of the fluid in the transmission, once most of the oil fluid has been drained from the transmission, just reconnect the oil line and refill the transmission fluid through the oil dip stick. Good luck and hope this helps. 
Automatic Transmission, 4L60-E Initial Fill..........4.7 liters
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill 4 speed 4L60-E..........10.6 liters

does this car have an overdrive transmission, if it does you can't check the tranny fluid, it,s a sealed unit, must take it to a dealer