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Check transmission fluid level dipstick

How to change automatic transmission fluid and filter

By Tom Morr
 

Vehicles' vital fluids normally perform two important functions: lubricating and cleaning. As the fluid circulates through the parts, it gathers the dirt and metal shavings that can accumulate over time. If you're lucky, this debris will settle on the bottom of the pan or housing and not circulate through the system. That’s why some auto shops use machines that perform a transmission fluid flush, ensuring that more of this debris is removed before any new transmission fluid is poured into the vehicle.

Nothing prolongs vehicle life more than regular fluid changes. In automatic transmissions/transaxles, the recommended service interval is about every 30,000 miles or 30 months. (Check your owner's manual or service manual for your car's specifics.) The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) should be changed sooner if its dipstick reveals dark or burnt-smelling fluid.

DIY transmission fluid and filter changes

Even those of us who change our own oil often cringe at the prospect of draining ATF. Because many transmission pans don't have drain plugs, changing the fluid can be a messy proposition –the entire pan must be removed. But even on vehicles that do have drain plugs, the pan still must be removed to change the filter.

Changing transmission fluid is one of those messy jobs that someone has to do. Doing the deed yourself will save money, possibly time and fresh ATF can make your gearbox perform young beyond its years. It’s also relatively easy to determine when your ATF may be low. Consider an automatic transmission service if you detect the following signs of low transmission fluid:

  • Transmission slips
  • Transmission shifts roughly
  • Noisy transmission
  • No drive engagement in forward or reverse gears

How to change automatic transmission fluid: Step-by-step instructions

If you can garner some initial patience, learning how to change automatic transmission fluid will only benefit you in the long run. More importantly, you’ll need an automatic transmission filter kit; they normally contain a gasket for the pan in addition to the new transmission filter and its O-ring. Along with some basic shop tools, you’re ready to get started.

  • Automatic transmission filter pan

    Step 1: Transmission fluid drains better at operating temperature, so let your car idle for a few minutes first. After turning your ignition off, raise and secure the vehicle. Then, lay down a tarp, some cardboard or a newspaper under at least a two-gallon catch pan. Next, remove the bolts from one side of the transmission pan, being cautious of hot exhaust parts and fluid.

  • Mechanic loosens bolts on transmission pan

    Step 2: Gradually loosen the other bolts, which should allow the pan to tilt and begin to drain. Once all bolts are removed, lower the pan and dump the remaining fluid into the catch pan. Gently break the gasket seal with a screwdriver, if necessary.

  • Mechanic cleans gasket surface with solvent

    Step 3: Clean the gasket surfaces on both the pan and the transmission housing. Inspect the pan for metal shavings or other signs of internal damage, and then clean it with solvent.

  • Transmission filter and o-ring

    Step 4: Remove the old transmission filter and O-ring. The filter contains fluid, so keep the drain pan underneath.

  • Mechanic installs new transmission filter

    Step 5: Install the new transmission filter, making sure that its O-ring seats in the appropriate orifice.

  • Mechanic attaches new gasket to pan with oil-soluble grease

    Step 6: Attach the new gasket to the pan with oil-soluble grease –not gasket sealer or adhesive.

  • Service manual for using thread sealer on transmission pan bolts

    Step 7: Refer to the service manual about using thread sealer on any or all of the transmission pan bolts, then screw in all fasteners finger-tight.

  • Mechanic attaches new gasket to pan with oil-soluble grease

    Step 8: Torque the pan bolts to spec in a spiral pattern starting at the center. Maximum torque is often about 12 pounds per foot.

  • Bottle of Mobil 1™ transmission fluid

    Step 9: Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with the recommended amount of fluid.

  • Mechanic moving the shifter through all gears to finish up changing

    Step 10: Start the vehicle, warm it up, then shut it off and check for leaks. If you don’t detect any leaks, run the vehicle up to operating temperature on level ground, move the shifter through all gears, return to park and check the dipstick while the engine idles.

Always practice good safety behaviors when working on motor vehicles. To help prevent injuries, use appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include safety gloves, goggles, helmets and shoes.