transmission fluid

Dexron III or above. Mobil-1 synthetic is compatible. Don't use ATF+4 which is very different. The job is not difficult but it is messy (just think laying on your back under the car and the fluid is dripping everywhere once the pan is removed).

1. jack up the car and place stand underneath. A drive up ramp makes this task much easier. Remember to block the wheels
2. Drain the fluid from the plug (using 5mm hex key)
3. Turn the torque converter in the direction of engine rotation until the drain plug is seen in the opening at bottom of housing. A long and big screw driver may help. Or turning the crankshaft (if you have the right size socket). Make sure the engine is never turned backward.
4. Drain from the torque converter. A hex key socket with short extension is better than a simple key here.
5. Remove 4 or 6 bolts (13mm) to drop the pan. Try leave one bolt at corner and slowly remove it so the remaining fluid in pan can be drained.
6. Remove 2 (or 3) phillips screws from filter
7. Installation is reverse. Tighten the bolts to spec. The gasket is soft rubber and will allow you keep turning the bolt without too much more torque
8. Put in 3-4 qts of ATF first. A funnel will help. Run the engine and shift through all gears while applying brake firmly. Stay in each gear position for a few seconds.
9. Then add another 3-4 qts. Make sure don't overfill. Slightly under fill is better than overfill.

Total cost is about $45 (gasket, filter, 7 qts Dexron III) and 2 hours

You can skip torque converter if it is difficult to turn engine, but remember that half of the fluid is in it. If you choose to wipe off the ATF to avoid dripping, make sure the wipe is lint-free. Any dirt in valve body will make it malfunction.

Good luck

Bill G. wrote:

Another way to do this job is to just drain the fluid and refill it... then drive around for a while... like 30 miles... then repeat two more time....

The last time you do the full fluid and filter. This way, you don't have to drain the torque converter. Takes a bit more time but this is what I did.

Tiger--

Is this still OK to do if you are switching over to synthetic TF?

I done it with Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF... which is half synthetic. I don't think you need to go full synthetic, but it doesn't hurt to do so.

You will not be able to get all ATF out by draining... there will always be some existing fluid inside the tranny.

The link below is a great tutorial on how to change the transmission filter, and do a complete flush on the transmission.