Home » How-to » Transmissions & Drivetrains » Automatic » How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter

How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed: Suggest Parts
Automatic Transmission Filter Kit Automatic Transmission Fluid
Tools needed: Suggest Tools
Scraper Socket and Ratchet Set
(Show)
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $61.82 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $280.79 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

Contributor(s) to this Article - Add to this Guide
Print this page
1
 
Open the vehicle’s hood and locate the transmission fluid level dipstick. edit step - submit photo
Transmission dipstick
2
 
Check the level of transmission fluid while the vehicle is running. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. edit step - submit photo
Example of dipstick level indicators
3
 
Place a drain pan under the transmission. Make sure the drain pan is larger than the transmission pan, as fluid will drain from all edges. edit step - submit photo
4
 
Break loose the transmission cover bolts but do not remove. Starting at one end, remove half of the transmission pan bolts. If the pan is stuck to the gasket, insert a flat head screw driver between the pan and the gasket and pry them apart. edit step - submit photo
Transmission drain pan bolts loosened to start allowing fluid to overflow and drain
Bolts removed to lower the pan and drain the remaining fluid
5
 
Look at the fluid after it has been drained into the pan. If there are metal particles at the bottom of the pan and floating in the fluid, you will need a transmission overhaul. edit step - submit photo
Magnet in the bottom of the pan will collect any metal particles that show signs of internal wear or damage
6
 
If there are no metal particles or flakes, proceed to changing the filter and adding new fluid. edit step - submit photo
7
 
Remove any of the gasket material that may be stuck to the pan or transmission. edit step - submit photo
Gasket material may be stuck to the transmission mounting surface of the drain pan surface so be sure to check both
8
 
Remove the transmission filter mounting screws. Remove the old filter. Install new filter. Torque the mounting screws to manufacturer’s specifications. edit step - submit photo
Old filter mounting bolts to be removed
New filter installed
9
 
Apply sealer and install the new gasket onto the clean transmission pan.  Press the pan against the transmission and reinstall all the screws to hold the pan in place. edit step - submit photo
Drain pan mounted with new gasket in place
10
 
Torque screws to manufacturer’s specifications. edit step - submit photo
11
 
Insert a clean long neck funnel into the transmission dipstick tube. Add three quarts of automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for the recommended type of fluid. Start the engine and check the fluid level on the dipstick. Add fluid if necessary. edit step - submit photo
Pour transmission fluid into a funnel that is inserted into the transmission dipstick tube
Did you find this guide helpful?   Helpful   Not really
 

Your Garage

We'll align your AutoMD experience to your current vehicle.

Select your vehicle so we can provide exact information, estimates and recommendations that match your vehicle