Changing Automatic Transmission Oil and Filter

Changing the fluid in the automatic transmission in your vehicle promotes proper operation and helps the transmission last longer without failure. All car manufacturers have different service intervals for their particular transmission. In a typical transmission service, the fluid is completely flushed (including the torque converter), a filter is changed, the transmission pan is cleaned and a new pan gasket installed. When refilling, use manufacturer specified fluids.

Step 1 - Replacement Parts (service kit) and Transmission Fluid

Tools and Parts Needed for a Transmission Service

Start with proper tools; transmission fluid and transmission filter service kit. The service kit includes a transmission filter with seal and pan gasket. All transmission fluid varies from car to car. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for your particular type of transmission fluid.

Step 2 - Identify Transmission Components

Automatic Transmission Pan

Most automatic transmissions have a service pan that houses the transmission fluid and filter. This transmission has a heat shield to keep heat from the exhaust away from the transmission. Some transmission pans have a fluid drain plug used to drain the fluid.

Step 3 - Drain Transmission Fluid

Locate Drain Plug

Insert drain plug removal tool and turn counter clockwise. Loosen the drain plug until easily removed by hand. Some transmissions do not have a drain plug. In this case the fluid will exit when the transmission pan is removed.

Step 4 - Drain Transmission Fluid

Remove Drain Plug

After the drain plug is loosened, remove plug to drain transmission fluid into oil catch pan then allow to drain until completely empty.