Transmission fluid for 97 Legacy

I am assuming that you dropped the pan and replaced the filter, which is why you are re-filling the tranny. When you do this procedure typically 50% or more of the fluid capacity is still retained in the torque converter so it could indeed be full with only 3 quarts of fluid added. Also make sure the engine is fairly hot and after you add a bit of fluid with your foot on the brake go through all the gears to churn the fluid abit or just zip the car around the block to get your final level.

Just remembered that my old subie automatic has a drain plug on the tranny in which you will get even less fluid out than dropping the pan.

Didn't know about the filter. I was just using a Chilton manual to change my transmission fluid after I realized that I'm supposed to change it after so many miles. I've always had manual transmissions before and this is my first automatic transmission so it's new territory for me.

I did go through the gears though, and the level did go down a bit.

Thanks, Wayne

Good idea.

Wayne

While a total fluid exhange is the right idea, it is not always easy for the normal do it yourself guy to perform. Each transmission is a bit different, so make sure you really know how to drain or suck the fluid out of the torque converter before you try something on your own.

There were instructions posted here some years back about a trick to doing a total fluid change without the need of the machine. The OP would need to do a Google search perhaps, but the general idea involved disconnecting the fluid lines and using the transmission itself to pump old fluid out while pumping new fluid in. I think it required two persons, as someone had the shift through the gears while this was being done, and I think someone had to watch or pour the new fluid during the process. As I recall, the only parts needed were a case of fluid, a bucket or two, and some hose and hose clamps.

I always just go with the partial change, which is sometimes the best option on an old car like mine . (169,000 miles)

-Matt

I did this back in the spring, and the procedure was great. No tranny improvement, but I 'feel' better. LOL

-John O