What is the method for changing transmission fluid using a circulation machine?
3 Answers
The method for changing transmission fluid using a circulation machine is: 1. Remove the protective plate and loosen the drain plug; 2. Drain the used 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 cleaning agent; 5. Reinstall the oil pan and add transmission fluid; 6. Unscrew the drain and fill plug holes of the automatic transmission, and insert both the fill and drain hoses of the circulation machine into the transmission; 7. Start the circulation machine; 8. Start the vehicle and shift through all gears; 9. When the color in the oil sight glass turns clear red, the circulation machine fluid change is complete.
Last time I changed the transmission fluid myself using the flush machine method, and it went pretty smoothly. First, I warmed up the engine for a few minutes to bring the oil temperature up, then located the transmission cooler line connections and attached the flush machine hoses to the inlet and return lines. Be careful not to reverse them—I made that mistake once. Next, I started the engine to let it idle, turned on the flush machine pump, and watched as new fluid flowed from the reservoir into the lines while the old fluid was gradually pushed out into the collection tank. The whole process took about 10-15 minutes, and I stopped it once the fluid coming out looked clean. After the change, the transmission shifted much smoother. This method saves time compared to the traditional drain-and-fill and removes more debris. I recommend doing it every 50,000-60,000 km to extend the transmission’s lifespan and save on repair costs.
As someone who frequently works on cars, I prioritize checking the transmission fluid level and condition, ensuring the temperature is appropriate. Then, I set up the circulation machine equipment, connecting it to the transmission's cooling line fittings, making sure they are tightly secured to prevent oil leaks. Start the vehicle at idle speed, activate the pump to circulate the new oil and replace the old oil, while monitoring the oil pressure and color changes throughout the process, which typically completes within 15 minutes. The process should be smooth, avoiding sudden engine acceleration. An oil change can remove over 90% of the old oil residue, extending the transmission's performance. After the change, test the smoothness of gear shifting, and it's recommended to use professional equipment for safe and efficient operation.
