Transmission fluid needs to be changed from time to time to extend transmission life, usually every 48,000 - 97,000 km (sometimes more, check your user manual for service intervals). When the transmission fluid is too old, you may experience problems shifting gears or the car may slow down or stall at a red light. You can check your vehicle's user manual to find out how often the transmission fluid needs to be changed and you can also learn how to diagnose and diagnose the problem yourself.
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Method 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Check the transmission fluid level using a dipstick
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the fluid used by vehicles with automatic transmissions. Generally, this fluid is red or green in color, to distinguish it from engine oil or other fluids in the vehicle. In most vehicles, the transmission fluid level can be checked with a dipstick while the engine is running.
- Look for a transmission fluid dipstick, which usually has a red handle. This wand is usually clearly labeled and easily accessible on most cars, and is located near the oil dip wand. This dip stick has hot and cold indicators. If your vehicle's engine hasn't been running for about an hour and you don't live in a very hot climate, use the cold indicator to get the measurements right.
- If your transmission fluid level is low but looks clean, you may just need to add it. If the liquid looks discolored or dirty, you should replace it. If you're using the mileage benchmark for a transmission fluid change, it's fine to change the fluid even if it still looks good.
Step 2. Lift and support the vehicle with a support jack
Make sure you have enough room to fit under the vehicle and that the jack stands are firmly supported.
Always park the vehicle on a level and level surface when working under the car and use a suitable jack support, gripping or bracing device, to ensure your safety in the event the jack malfunctions or the vehicle shifts out of its lane
Step 3. Locate the transmission fluid tray
This tray will be attached to the bottom of the transmission with six to eight bolts so you have to crawl under the vehicle to find it. For vehicles with front-wheel drive, the transmission is generally located from left to right at the bottom of the engine block. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, the transmission generally hangs under the center console area, pointing from front to rear.
- Check the transmission fluid tray. On most vehicles, you can drain the transmission fluid by removing the drainage cap in the center of the tray and allowing the liquid to spill into the container. However, on some vehicles, you may have to completely remove the transmission tray. The liquid bin will have several smaller bolts around the edges that secure the bin to the transmission, which you can open and remove.
- If you want to inspect the fluid filter, gasket or other component, it is a good idea to remove the bin all at once to examine the installation more closely.
Method 2 of 3: Draining Transmission Fluid
Step 1. Place the holding tray under the drainage holes
To catch the transmission fluid that comes out, you will need a tray large enough under the drain bolt. You can use inexpensive, plastic containers that are available at most auto shops.
If your transmission doesn't have a drainage cap, the draining process is likely to be quite messy. Because the liquid will be drained through around tray (instead of through drainage holes), you will need a holding tray that is at least as wide as the transmission tray itself to keep it from falling apart.
Step 2. Drain the liquid
To drain the transmission fluid, you can unscrew the drain bolt or remove the tray and the fluid will start draining immediately. There's a good chance that you'll get some liquid on your hands (it's impossible to avoid this), but you can make sure to keep your face and chest away to reduce spillage. Place the holding container underneath, open the lid, and quickly pull it away so it doesn't block the liquid escape.
- If the transmission bin has a drainage cap, remove it to drain the liquid into the collection bin. Use a tray that can hold up to 10 liters of transmission fluid, although it's likely that the amount drained won't be that much.
- If you need to remove the entire transmission fluid tray, unscrew the top two bolts halfway, then unscrew the other bolts all the way through. As soon as the last bolt is removed, the bin will drop slightly and the transmission fluid will begin to drain. It's also likely that you'll need to exert a bit of force to pull it off.
Step 3. Check for drained fluid
Most automatic transmission bins have magnets built into them to collect metal debris that is present as a result of wear and tear of the moving parts of the transmission. Discard these debris along with any remaining liquid in the tray. This metal flake is normal and reflects the degree of wear and tear of the gears. However, large chunks or oddly shaped flakes are not normal. Save this piece of iron and consult a mechanic to make sure the transmission doesn't need immediate attention.
About 50 percent of the fluid will stay in the transmission when it is drained. To drain all fluids, including the fluid in the torque converter, you will need to drain the fluid completely, a process that is usually part of more comprehensive maintenance
Method 3 of 3: Changing the Transmission Fluid
Step 1. Check the fluid filter and transmission gasket
When you are changing the transmission fluid, you should also check and evaluate the condition of the filter and transmission gasket, and replace them if needed. These filters and gaskets do not need to be replaced every time, if they are cracked or leaking, these parts need to be removed and replaced with identical ones, and you can buy them at automotive supply stores. To find out what replacement is needed for your vehicle model, visit a repair shop and talk to a technician.
If you do this, or decide not to, attach the lid and tray assembly, securing them with a socket wrench or torque wrench. Do not over tighten the bolts
Step 2. Add new transmission fluid
Once the tray is back on the vehicle, you can lower the car from the stand jack and replace the vehicle's transmission fluid with the appropriate type. There are many different types of transmission fluid so be sure to use the type recommended by your car manufacturer. Check your vehicle's user manual for the correct type of fluid.
On most vehicles, you will add transmission fluid through the hole where you removed the dipstick. In general, the new liquid will be able to be directly inserted into this spout. You will need to use a funnel. Pour in less liquid than the drained amount so it's not too full. Check your vehicle's user manual for the correct amount
Step 3. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes
Check the transmission fluid level. If the level is still low, add more liquid. Repeat until the transmission fluid is at the correct level. Make sure the liquid does not overflow. Some transmissions can only be checked if the vehicle is in neutral or parked. If the position of the car is not correct, the amount of liquid displayed is also wrong. Check the dipstick and user manual for the correct vehicle position.
Step 4. Dispose of the transmission fluid properly
This fluid is a hazard to the environment, and you should not release transmission fluid into the environment. Always wear gloves and wash skin immediately to remove residue after changing transmission fluid.
Auto repairs and parts stores may have a fluid recycling program that allows you to provide engine oil, transmission fluid, and other used vehicle fluids. Try to find this repair shop or parts shop in your city
Tips
- Some manufacturers do not recommend changing the transmission fluid except when the transmission is being repaired. These transmissions tend not to have the traditional dipstick to check the transmission fluid level, and instead feature sensors instead.
- Find a transmission fluid disposal facility before You start the fluid replacement process. Find out how to remove used and dirty liquids. Protect the environment.
Warning
- Transmission manual requires an entirely different process to replace the transmission oil. The wikiHow article above is for transmission vehicles only automatic.
- Changing the transmission fluid can extend the life of the transmission even if the fluid is still red when checked with a dipstick. If the liquid is dark red or brown in color and has a burning smell, it should be drained completely. There may be significant damage to the transmission.
