CHANGING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID Changing your automatic transmission fluid yourself is a quick and simple process when you know how! To help you out, we ve put together a quick step-by-step guide for you. Remember, if you re unsure about any of these steps make sure you ask one of our team members or your local mechanic. Procedure Step 1 Warm up transmission Firstly warm up the transmission fluid by idling and selecting through the gears or going for a short drive. What you ll need: Jack stands or ramps Spanner or Socket set Torque wrench Drain pan Automatic transmission oil Automatic transmission filter kit, includes oil pan gasket Rags Step 2 Raise the vehicle Raise the vehicle and ensure it is level and stable. Page 1 of 8
Step 3 Check for leaks Do a visual inspection of the transmission for leaks. Step 4 Locate drain plug Most transmissions have easily accessible drain plugs, however some will require the oil pan to be removed in order to drain. Others may require a suction pump to draw the fluid out of the filling point. Consult the workshop manual for your vehicle to find out the correct procedure. Be careful as the lubricant can be hot enough to cause serious burns Once located, remove any guards which may be in the way and select the correct spanner or socket to remove. Page 2 of 8
Step 5 Drain old fluid Position a large diameter drain pan underneath the transmission to catch the fluid. Remove the drain plug If the bolt does not release, a quick spray of WD40 directly onto the bolt should help loosen it up. Spray and leave for 30minutes to 1hour to take effect.if the filler bolt has become seized or stripped, and will still not release, stop the procedure immediately and book your car into your mechanic to have the gear box oil checked or changed. If there isn't a drain plug, remove all but three of the oil pan bolts - this is the minimum number required to keep the pan in place. Page 3 of 8
The fluid will flow into the drain pan. Once the fluid stops flowing, support the oil pan with one hand and remove the remaining three bolts. Step 6 Examine fluid Examine the fluid for any metal particles. If the transmission was previously overfilled damage may have been caused. Examine the oil pan for metal particles or pieces of clutch material. Any large build up or pieces may indicate a serious problem with the transmission and it should be inspected by a specialist. Page 4 of 8
Step 7 Remove old gasket Carefully remove the gasket. Don't use a sharp tool which may damage the surface. Step 8 Clean oil pan Clean the oil pan with a clean lint free cloth. Step 9 Replace filter Remove the transmission filter. If you have a paper or cotton filter it must be changed every time the fluid is changed. Metal filters can be cleaned with a solvent and reused after drying. Page 5 of 8
Wipe down the transmission using a clean lint free cloth to remove any remaining old fluid. Install the new transmission filter. Step 10 Install new gasket Install the new gasket using the manufacturers specified sealant if required. Reattach the oil pan and tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque. Page 6 of 8
Step 11 Reinstall drain plug Wipe the drain plug......and put it back with a new washer and tighten to the correct torque. Step 12 Refill with new fluid Check your owner s manual for the correct type and quantity of fluid required. Fill the transmission with fresh fluid, pausing after each pump to allow the fluid to flow inside. Page 7 of 8
Check the level on the dipstick and stop when it reaches the cold level. Step 13 Circulate fluid Start the engine, apply the foot brake and move the transmission selector through all of the gears. This will allow the transmission fluid to flow throughout. Step 14 Final check of level Place the fluid in the correct gear for level checking and check the level. Adjust if required. Important: The film and text transcript in this website are intended to be an information source only. Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the films. Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd asserts its full rights under copyright law. The films in this website may be used or reproduced in whole for non-commercial and/or personal use provided that any reproduction is unaltered and that an attribution of the source is included. The film may not be altered, built upon or transformed. Super Cheap Auto Pty Ltd disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including, without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs incurred as a result of the information in any films being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any other reason. Page 8 of 8