How often should I Change my Trans fluid?
The single most important thing you can do to head off big-bucks transmission repairs is to change the ATF on a regular basis. Some carmakers have backed down from the unrealistic 100,000-mile trans fluid change interval recommended in the past. Every 30,000 miles is much more reasonable.
Do you have to remove Pan to change transmission fluid?
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.
When to flush your transmission fluid for maintenance?
If you wish to flush the fluid because you suspect it is in dire need of changing, be certain to confirm this suspicion by checking your transmission fluid prior to performing any maintenance. If you have reached 100k miles or more and that is your reason for flushing, feel free to skip ahead to Step 2.
How big of a drain do you need for automatic transmission?
Place your drain pan underneath the transmission fluid pan and remove the 14mm drain plug. You may want to gather the “used” ATF so you can measure exactly what had been drained – in my case it turned out to be 2.9 liters (3.0 quarts).
When to do a ” drain and fill ” transmission fluid?
With a drain and fill, you are only removing about half of the fluid from the transmission via the drain bolt, replacing it, and then adding the same amount of new fluid that came out. Then, drive the car for a day or two, drain the fluid again, and replace with new fluid. The idea here is that you’re weening the car off the old fluid.
How can I change the transmission fluid in my car?
Allow the fluid to drain to a slow drip. Replace your plug, being sure to not over torque the nut. Lower your car and prepare to refill your transmission fluid. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick and insert the transmission funnel. Transmission funnels have an extra long spout. Add 3 or 4 quarts of transmission fluid.
How many quarts do you need to drain a transmission?
You will need about 7 quarts to do two drain and fills as I did. Begin by supporting the car with your jack and jack stands safely or getting your car up onto ramps. Be sure to set your parking brake! Using a 24mm box end wrench or socket, break loose the transmission drain plug (see white arrow).
Where do you dispose of used transmission fluid?
Do not pour or dispose of used transmission fluid by pouring it down any drains or into the street or soil. Transmission fluid must be taken to a recycle facility. Transfer the transmission fluid to your sealable gallon containers.