How Many Liters of Transmission Fluid Are Needed for a Change?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid change requires 6-10 liters. The amount of transmission fluid needed for each change depends on the vehicle model and the replacement method. Here are the precautions for changing transmission fluid: 1. Proportion of new fluid: Generally, when changing transmission fluid, the old fluid is drained by removing the transmission pan screw and then new fluid is added. This method can only replace about 70% of the old fluid. For a complete change, a fluid exchange machine is needed, which can replace over 90% of the old fluid. 2. Replacement interval: Typically, automatic transmission fluid should be changed every two years or every 40,000 kilometers, while manual transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. 3. Viscosity selection: When changing transmission fluid, it is important to choose the right viscosity. If the viscosity is too high, it can cause overheating of friction surfaces and unnecessary power loss. If the viscosity is too low, centrifugal force may cause the fluid to be thrown off the gear surfaces, leading to oil seal leaks. This can result in insufficient lubrication on the gear surfaces, increasing wear and even causing sintering.
When I changed the transmission fluid before, I did a lot of research. There are big differences between different models. A manual transmission car might only need 3 to 4 liters, while an automatic SUV could require over 10 liters. For my old Toyota manual, the mechanic said 4 liters was enough. But never estimate it yourself—you must check the vehicle manual or ask the dealership. Adding too much can cause the transmission to overheat, while too little can lead to wear. Nowadays, many cars require specialized fluids, like CVT transmissions needing a specific type. Using the wrong one could damage components.
