How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid?
2 Answers
The method for changing automatic transmission fluid is as follows: 1. First, add the AMSOIL Transmission FLUSH cleaner into the transmission; 2. Lift the vehicle and switch between D and R gears for 5 to 10 minutes; 3. Drain the old fluid; 4. Add 2 to 3 liters of new transmission fluid and circulate it again; 5. Remove the transmission pan and continue adding new fluid. The transmission generally refers to the gearbox, which is a mechanism used to change the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixing or shifting the gear ratio between the output and input shafts. The transmission consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism, and some vehicles also have a power take-off mechanism.
Changing automatic transmission fluid is something I enjoy doing myself as a car enthusiast—it gives a real sense of accomplishment. First, you need to warm up the vehicle by driving it for about 10 minutes to get the fluid flowing better. Then, either use a lift or crawl under the car to locate the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission. Use a wrench to remove it and let all the old fluid drain into an oil pan. If your car model has a filter, this is the time to replace it—remove the old one and install the new filter. Next, reinstall the drain plug and slowly pour fresh transmission fluid through the fill port on top, preferably using a funnel to avoid spills. After that, start the engine and shift through all gears (P, R, D, etc.), pausing for a few seconds in each to circulate the fluid evenly. Finally, check the dipstick to ensure the fluid level is within the normal range. Doing it yourself can save you a few hundred bucks, but if you rush it—like not tightening the plug properly or using the wrong fluid—you could damage the transmission, which would cost way more. That’s why I usually only recommend this to hobbyists with some experience.
