How to Replace the Transmission Oil and Filter

The transmission on a vehicle is located on the bottom of the vehicle connected to the rear of the engine. On the bottom of the transmission is a small metal plug that will need to be removed in order to drain the transmission of the fluid inside of it. The transmission's filter will be inside the transmission on most model vehicles. There is a metal plate on the bottom of the transmission that will need to be removed to gain access to the inside of the transmission where the filter is located.

Things You'll Need

• 2 ramp lifts
• 2 chock blocks
• Drain pan
• Ratchet set
• Transmission fluid (model specific)
• New transmission filter
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Drive the vehicle's front tires onto the ramp lifts, set the parking brake and place the two chock blocks behind the two rear tires. Place the drain pan under the transmission drain plug and remove the drain plug using the ratchet set. Allow the transmission fluid to completely drain into the drain pan and replace the plug to the transmission.

2. Remove the bolts from the metal plate on the bottom of the transmission using the ratchet set. Pull the metal plate off the bottom of the transmission. With your hands, unscrew the transmission filter, which is inside the transmission, and remove it.

3. Fill the new transmission filter with fresh transmission fluid and screw it into the transmission in the same spot as the old one. Replace the metal plate to the bottom of the transmission. Torque the securing bolts for the metal plate to the recommended specifications for that specific model vehicle.

4. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle and drive the vehicle off the ramp lifts. Open the hood of the vehicle and remove the transmission-fluid dipstick. Insert the funnel into the dipstick tube and pour the recommended type and amount of new transmission fluid into the transmission. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid serious burns, allow the transmission to completely cool off before you proceed to work.

References

• "Engine Builder's Handbook"; Tom Monroe; 1996