Auto. Transmission Fluid Change Procedure

*MEDIUM*

To change your automatic transmission fluid (ATF), follow this procedure:

  1. Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK. Be certain the transmission has reached normal operating temperature prior to parking the vehicle. {This temperature, generally 150°F. to 170° F., can be achieved by driving the vehicle about 15-20 miles in the city if the outside temperature is above 50° F.} Place old newspapers underneath the transmission to soak up any minor spills.
  2. Place a low profile container of adequate capacity under the transmission pan and loosen the transmission drain plug (if so equipped) in a counterclockwise direction with a combination wrench. Do not confuse the transmission pan drain plug with oil pan drain plug. Confirm the location of the transmission pan drain plug using your owner's manual if necessary. Wear rubber gloves to avoid being burned by hot transmission fluid and engine parts. Also use eye protection to prevent foreign particles like undercar dirt from entering your eyes. ATF must be drained when hot so contaminants remain suspended in the fluid and do not cling to transmission parts. Do not accidentally drop the drain plug into the container.
  3. If your transmission pan does not have a drain plug, the transmission pan must be removed. In this case, it is best to elevate the car's front end on safety stands or wheel ramps to permit convenient and direct access to the pan. Block the rear wheels. Loosen all transmission pan bolts (usually 10-12). Remove all but 3 or 4 at one end; this will allow the pan to tilt and empty most of the used fluid. These bolts may require a special hex head wrench.
  4. If the transmission pan is stuck to the transmission, do not pry it loose; this could gouge the sealing surfaces and cause leaks later on. Instead, gently tap it with a rubber mallet, or hammer wrapped in a towel.
  5. Remove the pan and empty all fluid contents but measure the volume of fluid drained before discarding it. Inspect the condition of the pan's interior for deposits. A small amount of residue is normal but if there is a concentration of metal or friction material, the transmission is wearing and needs repair.
  6. Remove the gasket from the pan, but do not scrape it off, since this could damage the sealing surface. Clean any wear debris from the inside of the pan. Wipe the pan dry with a lint-free cloth.
  7. Next, replace the automatic transmission fluid filter or wash the fluid screen, whichever is appropriate.
  8. Install a new pan gasket on the transmission fluid pan. Consult your owner's manual for recommended gasket and sealant. Also, determine bolt tightening sequence. Apply gasket sealant to the transmission pan sealing surface (on the inside rim) then place the gasket on top. Be sure the gasket lies flat and aligns with the bolt holes. Apply sealant to lip of transmission bottom as well.
  9. Align the transmission pan with the transmission and start all pan bolts to hold pan in place. Tighten the bolts in the right sequence with correct amount of torque; refer to your owner's manual for details.
  10. Remove the car from the safety stands. Lift the hood and remove the transmission or transaxle dipstick. Add automatic transmission fluid through the dipstick filler tube. Use a clean, wide-mouthed, long-necked funnel to avoid spilling fluid on other components of the engine. Consult your owner's manual to determine the fluid refill capacity. However, remember that some fluid may not drain completely (for example, from the torque converter), so using the dry refill capacity may lead to overfilling. Instead, replace the same volume of fluid that was drained.
  11. Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick. Start the engine to warm it up along with the transmission. Shift the transmission through all gears while using the foot brake and parking brake to keep the car stationary. This will make the fluid circulate through all parts of the transmission.
  12. Place the transmission in PARK (or other appropriate gear) to determine the fluid level when hot. Keep the engine idling in a well-ventilated area (or OFF if appropriate). Read the transmission fluid level as instructed above. Correct the fluid level as necessary. Close the hood.
  13. Store the used ATF in sealed plastic jugs and take them to a recycling center or service station that accepts hazardous waste.

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