How to Change Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Videos for Car
What Is Transmission Fluid, and Why Is It Important to Me?
Automatic transmission is important and critical component that is very complex. It consists of many parts under electronic & hydraulic control, so fluid is imperative to its operation. As per manufacturers, you must go for periodic automatic transmission fluid changes.
There are some newer automatic transmissions that are sealed & also require minimum maintenance, most automatics rely on automatic transmission fluid, but still fluid needs to be changed to activate various clutches that assist in changing gears.
Things You'll Need
Transmission Fluid
Transmission oil pan gasket and filter
Step by Step: Transmission Fluid Change Instructions
Step 1: First use a car floor jack to raise the vehicle off the ground, understanding you won’t have to damage it. You can use a jack to lift the car but also secure the vehicle with jack stands, ramps, or cribs.
Step 2: Place a container so it can contain an oil pan to catch the old oil. Clean the transmission plan & mating surface so it can remove the old filter grommet and transmission pan gasket to install new parts.
Step 3: Loosen the pan bolts to allow oil draining. Keep a tip to help keep things clean & also open the last four bolts to let oil completely drain out.
Step 4: Once the oil is completely drained, install the new filter and gasket in place, then tighten the transmission pan bolts.
Step 5: Fill the new fluid, open the hood and pull out the automatic transmission fluid dipstick. Now insert the funnel & insert the new transmission fluid through the funnel. You can also find this information in your car manual.
Step 6: Pull the funnel out and reinstall the dipstick & close the hood.
How to Check Transmission Fluid
Step by Step: Transmission Fluid Check Instructions
Step 1: Open the hood of your car & locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
Step 2: Pull the dipstick out using the handle and wipe away any oil residue off the stick.
Step 3: Check the oil level to make sure it’s in the right operating range, which will be indicated on the stick. If it’s low, top it off with the manufacturer’s recommended oil.