A do-it-yourself transmission fluid change is an affordable way to maintain and lengthen your vehicle’s performance and lifetime and it will save you from waiting at a service station and listening to a mechanic try to sell you additional services that your doesn’t need. Need a replacement transmission? Get
an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. What Transmission Do I Have?To avoid transmission problems, you should check the level and condition approximately once a month using the dipstick. If the color is bright red and it smells sweet, it is still usable, but if it is darker, dirty and/or smells burnt, change it. If the level is low, top it up and check for leaks. In This Guide
It is often recommended that you change the fluid in your car every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (see your owner’s manual for the specific advised maintenance schedule). The frequency should change depending on how tough you are on your transmission and how severe the conditions you drive in are. Tougher conditions include trailer towing, extended high speed driving and driving in cold weather require more frequent changes (every 15,000-24,000 miles give or take). For automatic transmissions, some manufacturers recommend that the fluid be only changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. To tell how hard you’re being on your gearbox, you can install a temperature gauge. How Much Does it Cost?The cost of having your fluid changed at a dealer, service center or independent mechanic ranges from $80-$250. The average is around $100.A do it yourself oil change typically cuts the price in half (at least), and it’s as easy as following a few simple steps as outlined below. To change the fluid yourself, it will cost around $40 to $90 for the filter, gasket and the most important component – the transmission oil. This estimate does not include the cost of the tools required to do the job. Note: A transmission flush is a different process and typically costs around twice as much as a change. How to CheckTo check to see if your vehicle needs an oil change, simply:
InstructionsPut Your Car on Ramps Find the Transmission Pan Check the Gasket Remove the Filter Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. What Transmission Do I Have?Once you have completed your oil change, start the car up and let it run a few minutes. Shift your gears a few times, then put in back in park. Now you can check the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it on a clean rag, reinsert it, and pull it out again. Hold it level and check to see where the oil is sitting on the stick. It should be sitting on the correct line, usually saying full. Once this is complete, you are ready to take it off the ramps, or let it down from the jack. Then give yourself a pat on the back. You just changed your own fluid and saved money! How do you add transmission fluid after changing the filter?STEP 1: Park and elevate the vehicle. ... . STEP 2: Locate the transmission fluid pan. ... . STEP 3: Drain the old transmission fluid. ... . STEP 4: Inspect the transmission fluid filter and change if necessary. ... . STEP 5: Secure the transmission fluid pan. ... . STEP 6: Refill the transmission fluid. ... . STEP 7: Check for leaks.. How much transmission fluid should I add at a time?Ideally, you should only pour about half-a-quart of fluid at a time. It is possible for the dip-stick to show full, even when it is not. Start the engine and let it run for about five minutes.
How much transmission fluid do I add if empty?If the transmission has been drained, you will need 4-12 quarts of fluid to fill it back up. Follow the vehicle service manual for the recommended type and amount of fluid to use. If the fluid is very low when it is checked, then add more fluid and look closely for any leaks.
Can you put too much transmission fluid in your transmission?Transmission fluid will become foamy if there is too much fluid. Excessive fluid prohibits proper lubrication and cooling and slows the rotating crankshaft, similar to the effect of running through water.
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