How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[ArianaLee]

Remove the screw on the automatic transmission fluid pan, drain the old fluid, and then add new fluid. Use a dedicated transmission cleaning device to fully circulate and discharge the old fluid during the transmission operation, and then add new transmission fluid.

[LaAllie]

That day, I helped my neighbor change the automatic transmission fluid using the gravity drain method. I popped open the engine hood and located the transmission oil pan, then loosened the bolts with a 10mm socket—don’t forget to place a large bucket underneath to catch the old fluid. Once the fluid drained completely, I meticulously cleaned the metal shavings stuck to the oil pan magnet—those are telltale signs of wear. Applied a fresh bead of sealant around the pan’s edge before tightening it back, then poured new fluid through the dipstick tube. Here’s the critical part: you must run the engine for five minutes, cycling through each gear for ten seconds to ensure proper fluid circulation. Finally, top up the fluid to the dipstick’s midpoint with the engine running—skip this step, and you risk transmission issues. DIY saves about $300 in labor costs, but honestly, if you lack experience, it’s better to leave it to the pros.