How to Change the Transmission Fluid on an Automatic
You need to change your vehicle's automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your type of vehicle. A few vehicles have a drain plug on the transmission to make changing the fluid much like changing the engine oil. However, most vehicles don't have such a plug, so you have to remove its pan. You should change the fluid immediately after driving the vehicle, as the hot fluid drains easier with any sediments and contamination in the fluid. The amount of fluid varies, ranging from three quarts for cars and five for trucks
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Things You'll Need
- Jack stands
- Wrench
- Drain pan
- Plastic scraper
- Solvent
- Compressed air
- RTV sealant
- 3-5 quarts automatic transmission fluid
Instructions
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1
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands so you can access the drain pan from underneath. The drain pan's exact position can vary, depending on the vehicle, so it can also vary as to whether you should raise the front or rear end.
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2
Place a collection pan in position under the vehicle to receive the fluid; make sure it's big enough for the amount of fluid your vehicle uses. Remove most of the bolts on the fluid pan. Leave the three bolts in the corner closest to the driver's side. Loosen these bolts by about two turns while keeping them attached to the transmission.
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3
Separate the pan from the transmission; use a plastic scraper to carefully break the silicone gasket seal, trying not to spill fluid. Tilt the fluid pan to pour the fluid into the drain pan.
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4
Remove the remaining three bolts to completely disconnect the fluid pan once all the fluid has been drained. Scrape away all the silicone gasket material from both the pan and the transmission case on the car. Clean the pan's surface with solvent and blow it dry with compressed air.
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5
Detach the fluid filter by removing its bolts. Install the new filter in place with a new seal, which should come with the new filter.
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6
Apply RTV sealant to the fluid pan's flange and position it on the transmission case. Reinstall the bolts for the pan in a criss-cross pattern. Lower the vehicle and wait for the sealant to bond; the exact time needed will be stated on the sealant bottle.
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7
Add the new transmission fluid through its filler neck under the hood. Make sure you have the proper fluid for your vehicle. Add the fluid a little at a time and use the filler neck's dipstick to check the level until it has enough fluid. Allow enough time for the fluid to drain all the way into the pan.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the fluid pan for leaks around the sealant after driving the vehicle for a few miles.
Wear thick gloves made of leather or other non-porous material, because the fluid will be very hot.
