Home » Technology » Auto Maintenance » Transmission Service 101

Transmission Service 101

© Garth R. Smith

Servicing your car's transmission is easy and inexpensive. The transmission fluid and filter are often overlooked or forgotten because they do not need to be changed as often as other fluids or filters. The average interval for replacement of transmission fluid and filter as specified by the manufacturer is generally around 50,000 miles. If you are experiencing problems with the transmission it is a good idea to have a specialist take a look at it. . If you have a few basic tools and a basic knowledge of mechanics you should have no problem changing your own filter and fluid.

First, make certain that you have the correct fluid and filter kit for your car. Your owner's manual should tell you what type of fluid to use while your local parts retailer can help you to find the correct filter and any special fluids or additives you may need. Using the right fluid is extremely important as different transmissions need different fluids in order to operate properly. You will also need a drain pan, a ratchet and socket set, a small tube of 3M yellow weatherstripping, acan of brake cleaner or carb cleaner, a scraper, needle nose pliers and a funnel. Keep some rags and oil absorbant close by as well in case of spills.

First of all raise and support the front of the car. Remember, you are going to be under it so you want to make sure that it is secure and will not slip or fall. OK, place your drain pan under the transmission pan and begin loosening the pan bolts. If your transmission pan has a drain plug then go ahead and remove it. After all the pan bolts are loose remove the pan and let the fluid drain into the drip pan. While the transmission filter continues to drip take the pan over to your work bench. Wipe it out and spray it with brake of carb cleaner. If your pan has a magnet in it exmaine it for any large chunks of metal that may indicate trnasmissioon problems. Now take your scraper and scrape away all of the excess gasket from the pan making sure that all gasket material is gone before installing a new gasket. Take the new gasket and make sure that it will fit the pan. Now spread the 3M weatherstripping on the pan where the gasket will sit. This will help to hold the gasket in place while reinstalling the pan. Now lay the gasket on the pan making sure that all the bolt holes line up correctly. While the gasket is setting remove the filter from the transmission using the needle nose pliers if needed. Install the new filter and then re-install the pan. Now all you need to do is to refill the transmission with fresh fluid. It will generally take 3-5 quarts to refill. The transmission holds much more than this and some people like to have all the fluid sucked out and replaced, but that is not always necessary unless the fluid is burned or of a different type.