Does a 6AT Transmission Need Its Filter Replaced?
1 Answers
A 6AT transmission does require filter replacement, as failing to change the filter during transmission fluid replacement may allow contaminants from the filter to mix with the new fluid. During vehicle operation, friction between mechanical metal components in the transmission can generate impurities and metal particles. The transmission fluid filter's purpose is to screen out these iron filings, sediments, and other contaminants, delivering clean transmission fluid to all components for proper lubrication and cleaning. Some vehicle models lack a dedicated transmission drain port, necessitating oil pan removal for fluid changes - this process reveals the filter, which should be replaced simultaneously. Models with separate drain ports feature maintenance-free filters that don't require replacement. Transmission filter replacement intervals align with transmission fluid change schedules, as they're typically replaced together. Automatic transmission fluid requires changing every two years or 40,000-60,000 km, while manual transmission fluid needs replacement every three years or 60,000-80,000 km. The filter gets replaced during each fluid change. About 6AT transmissions: The 6AT transmission can remain in Drive (D) mode throughout operation, only needing shifting from Park (P) to D when starting, and D to P when stopping. While Sport mode can be used for acceleration, it actually provides slower initial acceleration than D mode on flat surfaces. Sport mode delivers superior acceleration performance for overtaking at speed. During driving, shifting the gear lever left from D activates Manual (M) mode, allowing gear selection via forward/backward lever movement. The "6" in 6AT indicates six forward gears, meaning six gear sets with different ratios. Other variants include 4AT, 8AT, 9AT, and even 10AT - while the numbers differ, all represent evolutions of automatic transmission technology.
