When to Change Your Car's Transmission Fluid

!±8± When to Change Your Car's Transmission Fluid

Your owner's manual may claim that you don't need to change the fluid in your automatic transmission. However, this is one area in which it pays to err on the conservative side. If you understand what happens to the fluid as it courses through your transmission, you'll appreciate why changing it can prolong the assembly's life. Given that the cost of overhauling or replacing a tranny can rise to ,500 or more, it's worth taking the time to check the level and quality of the fluid.

This article will explain why the ATF needs to be changed periodically, despite what your owner's manual may suggest. You'll learn how to check the fluid, and identify signs that indicate it has degraded past the point of serving its purpose. We'll also explain how to purchase the right type of ATF for your vehicle.

Why The Fluid Needs To Be Replaced

While you're on the road, your transmission generates friction among its moving parts. The torque converter, gears, clutches, bands, and other pieces, are in near-constant motion. The friction they cause generates a substantial amount of heat. This heat is the reason ATF degrades over tens of thousands of miles.

Most ATFs can tolerate temperatures up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit without suffering significant degradation. Under normal driving conditions, the temperature surrounding your tranny should stay well below this marker. As long as it does, the ATF can last 50,000 or more miles without needing to be replaced.

The problem is, most of us drive in conditions - even if only occasionally - that cause the temperature around the assembly to rise higher. For example, we might drive up inclines, at fast speeds, or while towing heavy loads. This can cause the temperature to rise to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher. When this happens, the ATF undergoes oxidation. It breaks down, and loses its ability to lubricate the individual parts inside your transmission. At that point, if you neglect to change it, the assembly will eventually suffer damage.

This is the reason many technicians recommend replacing the fluid every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. If you regularly tow heavy loads, or drive in extreme conditions, change the ATF on an annual basis.

How To Check The Fluid

Most people are accustomed to checking their oil level with their engines turned off. When you check the transmission fluid, let your engine idle while the gear selector is in "Park."

You'll find the dipstick located near the oil dipstick. Have a paper towel handy. Withdraw the dipstick, and wipe it clean. Then, insert it back into its housing, and withdraw it again. You'll see two lines on the bottom end. One will be marked "Full"; the other will be marked "Add." If the level is at "Add" or below, put more ATF in the reservoir.

Take the opportunity to check the color and consistency of the fluid. Even though this can be done by looking at the dipstick, both qualities are easier to determine by placing a few drops on a clean surface. If the ATF has a reddish tint, and runs easily (similar to table syrup), it's in good condition. If the fluid has a brownish tint, and muddy consistency, it needs to be replaced.

Choosing The Right Fluid For Your Transmission

There are dozens of ATFs you can purchase. However, your car's transmission is designed to use a specific type. For example, Type CJ should be used in certain kinds of Ford transmissions; Chrysler 7176 is designed for that particular automaker's front-wheel drive vehicles; and Mercon V should be used in most Ford models built after 2000.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the wrong fluid can set the stage for premature wear and damage in your transmission. Look in your owner's manual to find the appropriate ATF for your vehicle. Stick closely to that type.

Don't neglect to periodically check the fluid in your automatic transmission, and change it if necessary. It is one of the least expensive ways to ensure the assembly lasts as long as possible.

When to Change Your Car's Transmission Fluid

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Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

!±8± Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

To keep your car's transaxle running smoothly you need to keep the fluid checked and changed regularly. Before we start a fluid and filter change, let's check the transaxle fluid level and condition. Let's start by checking the transaxle fluid.

The transaxle should be at operating temperature. The transaxle is considered hot after 20 miles of highway driving time. To keep your car's transaxle running smoothly you need to keep the fluid checked and changed regularly. highway driving time. To check the fluid, park the car on a level surface with the engine idling. Put the transaxle into P and set parking brake. The transaxle dipstick is located in the engine compartment. The transaxle dipstick is marked on the head of the indicator. Remove the dipstick and wipe clean. Reinsert dipstick firmly to be sure it has been pushed all the way in. Remove the dipstick and check fluid level while holding it horizontally. All models have a hot and cold side to the dipstick. COLD -- The fluid level should fall in the cold range when the engine has been running a short time. HOT -- The level should fall in the hot range when the engine has reached normal operating temperature. The automatic transaxle dipstick shows the type of fluid and the level indicators.

If the fluid on the dipstick is not a bright red color, and is discolored (brown or black) or smells burnt, this means serious transaxle trouble, probably due from overheating, and should be suspected. The transaxle should be checked out by a qualified service technician to locate the cause of the burnt fluid.

Under normal operating conditions your transaxle fluid and filter should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If the fluid is a bright red we can proceed with the fluid and filter change. First we need a list of what tools we need to do the job:

Jack
Jack stands
Gasket scraper
Wrench set
Torque wrench
Socket set
Funnel
Pliers
Service manual
You may need a few other tools depending on make and model.

All 2WD models use DEXRON II or III Mercon fluid, or its superseding type ATF Fluid.
All 4WD models use type T ATF fluid.

Now let's get started with the task at hand. First jack up car and put jack stands under the frame. If the transaxle has a drain plug, remove it and let all the fluid drain out. Put the drain plug, with a new gasket, back in the pan. Next, remove all the bolts around the transaxle pan. Make sure you take care to hold the pan when you take out the last bolt some fluid may remain. Take down pan slowly, taking care not to spill remaining fluid. Next, remove the strainer. Some strainers have two different size bolts. Some strainers have wires attached to the side of the valve body; remove them.

Be sure to remove all old gaskets, including the strainer gasket from the valve body, and the gasket from the transaxle pan. Inside the transaxle pan you will see two or three magnets, remove and clean. Wash all parts very clean. Replace gasket and strainer and be sure to plug in wires. Be sure to put bolts in proper place on the strainer. Next, replace the transaxle pan and be sure the magnets don't interfere with fill tube. Replace pan gasket making sure all bolt holes are aligned slowly. Put pan in place being sure to snug all bolts. Torque bolt in a crisscross pattern to service manual specifications depending on make and model. Next, let car down and add fluid to dipstick tube up to COLD mark; do not overfill. Next, start car at a idle and slowly run car through the gears. Run car until it is at normal operating temperature. Check fluid and add as needed up to HOT mark. Do not overfill. Now we are finished with transaxle fluid and filter service. This is a good task for a week end.

© Jesse H. Vibbert 2010

Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

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