How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[RyleeDella]

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.

[VanMason]

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.

[Judith]

It's recommended not to change transmission fluid by yourself, it's safer to leave it to professional repair shops. The transmission internals are very delicate. If mistakes occur during operation, such as incorrect fluid levels or contamination, the repair costs could easily exceed tens of thousands. Repair shops have specialized equipment to completely drain old fluid and clean the system, while also replacing filters and inspecting seals. The entire process takes about half an hour, with prices ranging between 300 to 800 yuan depending on the vehicle model. Regular fluid changes prevent transmission overheating and wear, extending its lifespan. Neglecting this during driving could lead to sudden failures, which are not only dangerous but may also cause accidents and disrupt your trip. Spending a small amount for safety is definitely worth it in my opinion.

[SanRiley]

Oil change isn't too complicated and can be handled during routine maintenance. When I go to the 4S shop, the mechanic first warms up the car, then lifts it to drain the old oil and replace the filter. After about ten minutes, new oil is added, and a test drive is done for inspection. The cost depends on the brand - around two to three hundred for regular cars, higher for luxury models. Change it every 30,000 km to prevent transmission hiccups. Doing it yourself is a bit troublesome; taking it to the shop is convenient and worry-free, plus you can get other inspections done at the same time.

[VanElizabeth]

The process of changing transmission fluid can be roughly divided into several steps: First, warm up the vehicle to bring the fluid temperature to its operating state, which improves the flow of the old fluid. Then, lift the car, locate the drain plug underneath the transmission, unscrew it to drain the old fluid, and wait until it completely flows out. If the transmission pan has a filter, remember to replace it with a new one simultaneously. After tightening the drain plug, pour new transmission fluid through the fill hole. Start the engine and perform gear shifting tests to ensure the fluid circulates evenly throughout the system. Finally, check the dipstick to confirm the fluid level is appropriate. Throughout the process, use the transmission fluid model recommended by the manufacturer to avoid mixing different brands.