How to Replace a Transmission Pan Gasket

by John Stevens J.D.

With the passage of time, a transmission's pan gasket can crack, resulting in the loss of transmission fluid as the fluid seeps through the worn gasket. Hiring a professional to replace the transmission pan gasket is one way to remedy the problem, but can be an expensive fix. Thankfully, replacement transmission pan gaskets are readily available at most major automotive supply stores. Follow the steps below to replace a transmission pan gasket.

Step 1

Ensure that the engine and transmission are cool to avoid burns.

Step 2

Raise the vehicle with a jack and support the vehicle with jack stands.

Step 3

Place a drain pan under the transmission pan. The transmission's pan is located at the very bottom of the transmission and faces the ground.

Step 4

Loosen the bolts which hold the pan to the transmission with a wrench by turning the wrench in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 5

Wedge a flathead screwdriver between the transmission and the pan and turn the screwdriver to slowly pry the pan from the transmission.

Step 6

Allow the transmission fluid to drain into the drain pan.

Step 7

Remove the bolts that were loosened in step 4. This will free the pan from the transmission.

Step 8

Clean the lip of the transmission pan and the surface of the transmission that that pan attaches to with a clean rag, then allow both surfaces to air dry.

Step 9

Lay the new transmission gasket onto the lip of the transmission pan.

Step 10

Hold the transmission pan against the transmission and tighten the pan's bolts through the pan into the transmission.

Step 11

Fill the transmission with fluid through the transmission's dipstick tube. A transmission's dipstick is usually located underneath the hood on the passenger's side the engine.

Step 12

Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.

Step 13

Shift the transmission through its gears several times.

Step 14

Turn the engine off, then check the transmission's fluid level on the transmission dipstick. The fluid should be between the "full" and "add" marks at the tip of the transmission's dipstick.