How to Change Transmission Fluid with a Flushing Machine?
3 Answers
The method for changing transmission fluid with a flushing machine is as follows: 1. Remove the underbody cover and loosen the drain plug; 2. Drain the old fluid through the drain plug hole and by removing the oil pan; 3. Expose the automatic transmission and remove the oil pan; 4. Clean the oil pan with a degreaser; 5. Reinstall the oil pan and refill with transmission fluid; 6. Open the drain and fill holes on the automatic transmission, then insert both the inlet and outlet hoses of the flushing machine into the transmission; 7. Start the flushing machine; 8. Start the vehicle and cycle through all gears; 9. When the fluid in the inspection window turns clear red, the transmission fluid flush is complete.
Last time I changed the automatic transmission fluid using a flush machine, and the process was quite interesting. First, park the car on level ground with the engine running in park mode; then connect the flush machine to the cooling lines, remembering to wear gloves to prevent burns; next, add new fluid to the machine and start it, which will pump fresh fluid into the system while slowly pushing out the old fluid; observe the color of the old fluid as it drains, stopping when it changes from murky to clear—this may require several liters of new fluid. The whole process takes about half an hour, saving money while learning a new skill. It's recommended to change the fluid every two years or 30,000 kilometers to keep the transmission smooth and reduce wear. Before doing it yourself, check your car's manual to match the correct fluid type, as mixing fluids can damage components. If unsure, it's safer to ask a friend for guidance.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, let me share some technical details. Using a transmission flush machine for automatic transmission fluid replacement is highly efficient: park the car on level ground with the engine running, connect the machine to the cooler line's inlet and outlet; add the appropriate amount of new fluid and start the machine to circulate new fluid and push out the old; monitor the outflow until it runs clear, indicating completion—typically 90% of the old fluid is replaced. The key point is to maintain equal amounts of old and new fluid to avoid air pockets that could affect shifting. The equipment can be rented online, and ensure proper ventilation during operation due to high fluid temperatures and fumes. This method is far more thorough than manual changes, extending transmission life and preventing issues. Remember, the vehicle model determines the correct fluid type—don't get it wrong. For first-timers, watching video tutorials to learn the basic process is advisable for a smoother experience.
