Anyone change their own vehicles trans. fluid? - The Hull Truth

Semi · 01-26-2005, 07:00 PM

I would like to learn how to do this myself, but its something I never got around to trying.

Is it overly difficult?
Does it require a lift for the vehicle?
Any way to insure you remove any & all metal particulate?
If you do it wrong, or screw up, are you gonna wreck the transmission?

I'm mechanically capable, and have most ordinary tools, change oil, replace alternators, etc...
Just havent tried any tranmission maintainance yet...

Thanks!

Bailey Boat · 01-26-2005, 07:07 PM

Semi, I feel your pain man. The only thing I'm qualified to do is stick things in my truck (get your mind outta the gutter) #1. the key..... #2. the gas nozzle..... Other than that..... NO..... I am however qualified to watch Mr. Goodwrench and make sure he does it correctly.......

Vectorfisher · 01-26-2005, 07:16 PM

Easy beans drop one corner of the pan to drain off the fluid once the level is down drop the pan entirely the filter is right there should be a couple of bolts holding it up depending on your vehicle simply remove and replace. Depending on how dirty your fluid is will determine whether you do or dont need to remove it from the torque converter, the converter can be drained a couple ways one remove a line from where it goes through the radaitor and start the vehicle it will pump it all out or you could remove the bolt on the converter draining it.

Semi · 01-26-2005, 07:34 PM

Vector,
Is there a gasket to replace once you have dropped the pan? Or would it be good for several 'drainings'?
Do most trans. filters screw on/off? Clamps?

The vehicle I want to start with would be this 1993 Ford F150 4.9 CID

Any specific experience with this type truck?

Vectorfisher · 01-26-2005, 07:53 PM

Vector,
Is there a gasket to replace once you have dropped the pan? Or would it be good for several 'drainings'?
Do most trans. filters screw on/off? Clamps?

The vehicle I want to start with would be this 1993 Ford F150 4.9 CID

Any specific experience with this type truck?[/quote]

There is a gasket and on that year truck I dont believe it is reusable, the filter comes with a gasket it is a kit. The filter has a couple bolts holding it in when you buy a new filter you will see exactly what I mean. I have done so many I can't remember which is which anymore, I will say you should have no problem doing it, if your worried buy a Chilton's. Also don't go to Jiffy lube etc my wife got sucked into there little scam, they say transmission service but what they actually do is suck out the old fluid from the dipstick tube and replace, they leave the old filter and crud just where it lies.

Ben Had · 01-27-2005, 07:04 AM

I've changed the fluid in several of my vehicles in the past. Some other things to remember are...make sure you buy the right type of fluid to put back in. There are several different types, so check your owners manual. There is a small magnet in the pan also (generally round and the size of a quarter), this is where the small pieces of metal collect. After replacing the filter and using a new gasket be careful to not over tighten the bolts and use a cross torque pattern to insure a good seal.

Good luck.

Ben

midway · 01-27-2005, 07:37 AM

I am not sure on the Ford but GM has a seal where the filter fits in the housing that needs changing also, if it is in the Ford it will be in the kit. It is not a difficult job, basically as stated above.

Nolan

twentynine · 01-27-2005, 08:20 AM

Semi

Your in luck! I think Ford has a drain plug on the tranny pan. Which makes it a lot easier and cleaner to drain.

But a good tranny shop doesn't charge to much to do this for you, and they can take care of the used oil. Plus all the mess is in their shop, not your driveway.

Richie · 01-27-2005, 12:30 PM

Save yourself some trouble. Go to Jiffylube or similar type and get a power flush. Cost 100.00 but changes out all the fluid. On my van it was 14 1/2 qts. & 1 hour.

Hooligan · 01-27-2005, 01:15 PM

Another vote for the power flush, you only remove a fraction of the fluid in an automatic when you drop the pan. In my 97 F250 i was able to change 4 quarts of i think the 12 quarts used by the transmission. I did clean the shavings off the magnet but it seems kind of crazy to me to change only a third of the fluid for all that work. The powerflush changes all the fluid retained by the transmission so its well worth the money, just choose a reputable shop to do it. Good luck.

Mist-Rest · 01-27-2005, 01:42 PM

Don't start the truck and pump out the tranny fluid. It's a sure fire way to ruin alot of very expensive parts.
It (tranny service) is one of the worst jobs to do. Makes a friggin mess. Every one of them I did I hated. I would put a drain pan in the GM pans when they were down. Made the job much more bearable. For 80 to 100 bucks I'd let the shop power flush it if I planned on keeping the truck over 75000 miles.

HOTSPOT · 01-27-2005, 08:45 PM

Semi,

Click Here.

74Formula233 · 02-01-2005, 09:58 AM

Semi,

IMO it's not worth doing it yourself. I go to a professional transmission shop (not an AAMCO or one of those scam artists) and he charges me $40-50 to change the fluid/filter in my cars, and about $70-80 for my Burb (that includes checking the TC and topping that etc). To me, it beats having tranny fluid all over you and dealing with gaskets, filters, etc.

And I'm a guy that has been a do-it-yourself-er since day one. But I do realize when it's simply not worth it to do it yourself LOL.

33pounder · 02-01-2005, 08:55 PM

the job is a piece of cake for the average diy'er. if this is a high mile vehicle the power flush could dislodge all kinds of crap in that trans and cause trouble with failing clutch pacs. i've seen it happen before

just my .02

papasage · 02-01-2005, 09:38 PM

i have had a lot of different cars and have never changed the trannie fluid in any of them . my dodge has 200 thousand mile on it judt changed the filter once and that was becouse it quit changing and that was becouse the line sprung a leek . in the time i had it for the secons 100 thousane i never had to add any fluid to it .and havent sinse i fixed the line and changed the filter . change the oil every now and then . 200 thousand is what is showing . dont know that thet is right could be 300 thousand . still running good and the trannie is changing good . i have drove ford and have a gmc .never changed the fluid .dont recomend changing the fluid
papasage

papasage · 02-01-2005, 09:42 PM

P S I WOULD RECOMEND TO PUT A MAGNET ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR TRANNIE PAN . that will hold any mettle partickles and want let it git to the trannie parts .my dodge motorhome has one in it from the factory . papasage

Cincinnati · 02-04-2005, 01:27 PM

On a Ford...

1) Drain torque converter - there is a rubber grommet on the bottom of the bell housing. Remove grommet and use large flat-head screwdriver to turn the flywheel until the drain plug is visible.
2) Drain tranny pan
3) Replace filter
4) Clean out pan and magnet with carb-cleaner
5) If necessary, replace gasket on tranny pan - reinstall pan
6) Put 8 quarts of Mercron V or other recommended fluid (the V after Mercron indicated that it is synthetic - very important)
7) Turn on motor and go through gears then check fluid level
8) put another couple of quarts in (until you've got within one quart of the stated capacity)
9) go through gears again
10) check fluid level - if full or hear full, then go test drive
11) check fluid again - do not overfill or the fluid will get air bubbles