In the same way your engine needs oil, so too, does your transmission need fluid. This fluid needs to be changed periodically to help ensure the assembly is operating efficiently. As it travels throughout the system, it picks up dirt, debris, and metal particles that can gradually impair its ability to lubricate the parts effectively. At some point, if it is not changed, your transmission can sustain damage.
Experts suggest servicing your tranny and changing the fluid every 30,000 miles (though you should always check your owner's manual for the recommended interval). It's a relatively simple job. With a little patience, you can perform it without the help of a mechanic, which will save time and money. Below, we'll explain the procedure, step by step.
Step 1: Draining The Old Fluid
Once you have purchased a transmission servicing kit (they're available at most auto supply stores), you'll need to locate the service pan from underneath your car. This pan contains the fluid when your vehicle is not running. There should be a drain plug on its underside. If so, place a catch pan under the service pan and use a plug remover to loosen the plug. Once it has been loosened, remove it with your fingers and allow the fluid to drain into the catch pan.
If your transmission's service pan does not have a drain plug, you'll need to remove the pan in order to empty the fluid.
Step 2: Detach The Service Pan
Once the fluid has been drained, loosen the bolts that are holding the service pan in place. After you have loosened the bolts, remove them while your hand supports the pan (otherwise, it will drop on you). With the pan detached, lower it to the ground.
Step 3: Inspecting And Cleaning The Pan
Look inside the pan. You'll see residual fluid that contains debris and metal shavings. This is normal. If the volume of debris is light, there's rarely cause for concern. If, on the other hand, there is a significant amount of debris and metal shavings, it might suggest a problem inside your transmission.
The servicing kit includes a new gasket. Remove the current gasket and clean the perimeter of the pan so that it is free of fluid and debris. Then, clean the inside of the pan and place the new gasket along its edge.
Step 4: Replacing The Filter
While servicing your tranny, take the time to replace the filter. In some cases, it will be located within the service pan. In other cases, it will be attached to your vehicle's transmission. You'll need to remove the bolts and seals holding it in place. Once you have done so, remove the filter.
After removing the filter, use a small towel to clean the edges of the tranny where the new gasket will make contact. This helps to ensure the gasket creates a solid seal. Once the edges have been sufficiently cleaned, install the new filter (included in the servicing kit) and replace the bolts you had previously removed.
Next, replace the service pan. Be especially careful to make sure the seal does not develop a leak. Once the pan is positioned properly, replace the bolts.
The last step is to replenish your transmission fluid, which you can do from above the assembly. Fill the level to full and start your vehicle to warm the fluid. Then, recheck the level and fill as needed. To make sure there are no leaks, recheck the level in two or three days.
A low fluid level and debris-clogged filter will eventually take an expensive toll on your transmission. Use the step-by-step procedure described above to help ensure the assembly remains in good operating condition.
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