How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid

PARTS AND TOOLS

Parts needed:

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Tools needed:

Socket and Ratchet Set 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

1 more tool. (Show)

Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $59.49 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $212.49 in parts and labor

Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

1 Contributor(s) to this Article

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Drive your vehicle to warm up the transmission fluid. Park the vehicle on a solid level surface. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.

Using a floor jack, lift up the front of your vehicle. Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. The pinch welds and the frame are the two best locations. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working.

Place a large drain pan under the transmission. Loosen the transmission pan bolts but do not remove. Starting at the rear, remove half of the transmission pan bolts. If the pan is stuck to the transmission, insert a flat head screw driver between the pan and the transmission and pry them apart.

Transmission drain pan bolts loosened to start allowing fluid to overflow and drain

Remove the rest of the transmission pan bolts and pour all of the fluid into the drain pan. If there are metal particles at the bottom of the pan and floating in the fluid, you may need a transmission overhaul.

Magnet in the bottom of the pan will collect any metal particles that show signs of internal wear or damage

Remove any gasket material stuck to the pan or the transmission. Clean the transmission pan thoroughly.

Gasket material may be stuck to the transmission mounting surface of the drain pan surface so be sure to check both

Apply gasket sealer and install the new gasket onto the clean transmission pan. Press the pan against the transmission and reinstall all the mounting bolts.

Torque the mounting bolts evenly to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

Open the hood and locate your transmission fluid dipstick. Remove the dipstick.

Insert a clean transmission funnel (long neck funnel) into the dipstick tube. Fill the transmission with the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the amount and type of fluid.

Pour transmission fluid into a funnel that is inserted into the transmission dipstick tube

Start the engine and insert the fluid dipstick into the dipstick tube. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.

Road test the vehicle and check the transmission for leaks.

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GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to all the contributors who helped make this guide better!
Michael