# Simple problem turns into a stubborn one **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** pontiac, plug\ **Created:** [December 6, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376 "2010-12-06T22:18:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gjd521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/1 "2010-12-06T22:18:13Z")
My 2007 Pontiac g6 2.4 automatic trans lost some fluid due to radiator switch. Want to top it off but no dipstick. Located the level plug on the trans which I want to remove so I can add until it runs out that hole. To remove that plug it’s required to use a special socket! Mac tools has never had anyone ask for such a socket and I’m looking to buy one and probably never use it again. The plug itself has a raised elongated rectangle which would require a female equivalent. The raised part resembles a large number 1 without the top and bottom. Sorry for this long explanation but I’m stumped! ---
**Author:** ![Carveaholic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@Carveaholic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Carveaholic)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/2 "2010-12-06T22:26:42Z")
I usually don’t recommend this tool, but couldn’t you squeeze a crescent wrench on there? It would be easier if you posted a picture of it. p.s. you will use it again when you drain and refill the trans in 30,000mi. Right? ---
**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/3 "2010-12-06T22:31:37Z")
It sounds to me like you just need the right size standard open end wrench. Perhaps it isn’t the specialty tool required, but a rectangle is a rectangle. An open end wrench can handle one just as it can a hex head. Or you’ll need to try to post a picture. ---
**Author:** ![gjd521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/4 "2010-12-06T22:32:05Z")
Not really much wiggle room. I have cabinets of well used tools but this plug appears to need a “specialty” socket. Thanks for replying. ---
**Author:** ![gjd521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/5 "2010-12-06T22:34:13Z")
The rectangle is approx. 7/16 in width and 3/4 in length. ---
**Author:** ![Carveaholic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@Carveaholic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Carveaholic)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/6 "2010-12-06T22:36:36Z")
cigroller is correct then; just throw a 7/16 wrench on it, or if only the larger face is able to be reached then go with that one. Switch between the 2 wrenches if you have to. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 10:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/7 "2010-12-06T22:39:03Z")
I can’t offer anything above the advice that has been given but once you get this stupid thing out I would recommend one of several things: Find an equivalent threaded plug with a “normal” means of removing it; 3/8" square pipe plug, hex head, Allen head, etc. Have a nut welded to the plug so a socket or boxed end wrench could be used to reinstall it or for removal in the future. Yet another ignorant design idea from the masochists in the engineering department. ---
**Author:** ![gjd521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/8 "2010-12-07T22:22:02Z")
Here’s the scoop on plug. What’s required to remove the plug is a 7/16 FEMALE pipe plug socket and from what I have learned numerous sizes are available. This style of plug is used on transmissions, trans axles and differentials of some sort. Different sizes for different applications. Snap-on and SK(before going out of business) carries this style of socket. Thanks for the tips. ---
**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 10:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/9 "2010-12-07T22:37:33Z")
Pontiac: The Mark of Great Cars! (remember that jingle?) What @#$% designed that plug? ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 1:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/10 "2010-12-08T01:12:28Z")
Watch It With The Pontiac Cracks Or I’ll Run Over You With My Bonneville ! I do really like the Bonneville. CSA ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 6:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/11 "2010-12-08T06:51:16Z")
How about an 8 point socket? They should know where they are. ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 11:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/12 "2010-12-08T11:06:24Z")
Your describing a pipe plug. Nothing fancy, and a 12-point socket should fit on to remove it. Sears also sells 8-point sockets that will grip much better than the 12-point. [![](https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/83/83de1764-4877-4849-a78e-ef417588b98b_300.jpg) ](https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/83/83de1764-4877-4849-a78e-ef417588b98b_300.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![gjd521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 1:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/simple-problem-turns-into-a-stubborn-one/58376/13 "2010-12-08T13:46:44Z")
Only if it were that simple. It’s not a perfect rectangle but shaped more like a blade of a flat screwdriver. 5/16" in width and 3/4 inch in length-I made a clay impression of it! A true plumbers pipe plug is a perfect rectangle. Ordered a socket from the internet and with the shipping it’s going to cost 15 bucks.