What is the tutorial for changing automatic transmission fluid?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission fluid change tutorial: 1. Before draining the fluid, preheat the automatic transmission to operating temperature to reduce the viscosity of the fluid and ensure that all impurities and sediment are discharged with the fluid; 2. When lifting the car to drain the fluid, remove the drain plug on the automatic transmission oil pan to completely drain the fluid from the oil pan; 3. Depending on the situation, remove the oil pan and thoroughly clean the oil pan, filter screen, and iron filings on the magnet; 4. If necessary, replace the filter element, then reinstall the oil pan and drain plug; 5. When lowering the car to add fluid, pour the specified brand of automatic transmission fluid into the filler port until it reaches the specified fluid level.
I often change the automatic transmission fluid myself and find it quite simple, but some tools are required. First, park the car on level ground or a slope, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine—safety first, so wear gloves and goggles. Open the hood to locate the transmission, then crawl underneath to find the drain plug and loosen it with a wrench, draining the old fluid into a container. Check the fluid condition for any debris while draining. Once fully drained, tighten the drain plug, remove the filter (if equipped) and replace it with a new one, ensuring a proper seal. Open the fill port and pour in new fluid using a funnel to avoid spills—make sure the fluid meets manufacturer specifications (e.g., ATF4 or ATF5). After refilling, start the engine and shift through all gears to ensure smooth operation. Finally, check the dipstick with the engine warmed up to confirm the fluid level is correct. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, saving money while learning a skill—just be careful not to leak fluid and clean up any spills to avoid environmental contamination.
