Changing Transmission Fluid
In order to begin the process of changing the transmission fluid, the vehicle needs to be on a totally flat surface. This ensures a proper oil reading (with a dipstick) after the transmission fluid refill. For maximum safety, make sure that the hand brakes are in use.
Raise the hood of your vehicle and chuck the rear wheels. Jack the vehicle front up and place jack stands under the chassis for safety.
The following tools are needed:
- A socket set
- Two jack stands
- Hydraulic jack
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Phillip head screwdriver
- channel lock pliers
- Torque wrench
- funnel
Place a large pan under the vehicle to hold the fluid.
Disconnect the transmission oil coolant line from the radiator, and direct the line towards the pan.
Start the engine and put the transmission in drive to facilitate the outflow of the old transmission fluid. After drainage of the old fluid, add fresh fluid into the transmission dipstick hole, until the remnants of the old fluid becomes clear. The fluid from the drain pan and converter has now been changed.
Shut off engine and reattach the transmission oil coolant line.
Remove the bolt holding the drain pan connected to the bottom of the transmission. When the pan is removed, you will need to get rid of the sediments, and clean the magnet fixture.
Unbolt or snap off the oil filter and replace it with a new filter, ensuring that the O-rings on the new filter are properly seated.
Depending on your vehicle type, use a gasket or silicon base to seal the drain pan.
Place the silicon around the drain pan, and wait for it to get firm. Or, if your transmission uses a gasket, put a fine layer of silicon around the drain pan to stick the gasket.
Reattach the pan onto the transmission and hand screw the bolt for the first few turns. (Hand screwing the bolt prevents damage to the bolt treading). Then use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the appropriate torque. Over tightening the bolt will result in gasket leaks.
Remove jack stand and lower the vehicle. Please check your vehicle owner's manual for the type and amount of transmission fluid needed for the car.
Start the car's engine and refill the transmission by inserting a funnel into the dipstick hole. Check to ensure an accurate transmission reading. To prevent future transmission problems, it is necessary for you to change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or per the owner's manual.
