If you are planning to change your transmission fluid but don’t have an idea how to do it, never worry as we are going to explain the steps on how to change transmission fluid. We shall also add a video too to make the explanation an easy one. Before we start, however, let’s briefly consider what transmission fluid is, the role it plays in an automobile.
What Is a Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid lubricates the components of a car’s transmission to ensure optimal performance. This fluid also serves as a coolant in automatic transmission automobiles. The type of transmission fluid used in individual vehicles and trucks is determined by the type of transmission inside.
Automatic transmission fluid, as the name implies, is used in automatic transmissions. However, manual transmission fluid can be normal motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or automatic transmission fluid. In automobiles with standard gearboxes, the type of transmission fluid to use is typically specified in the owner’s manual’s maintenance section.
Read also: Transmission Fluid Color: What They Mean!
What Are The Different Types Of Transmission Fluids?
There are also a variety of transmission fluids that go beyond the automatic and manual transmission distinction. Use the transmission oil or fluid variety advised by your vehicle’s manufacturer, which is normally located in the owner’s manual, to get the optimum performance under high temperatures and extend the fluid’s life completely:
Synthetic Fluids
These fluids are typically more expensive than Dexron or Mercon, but they are engineered to endure extreme temperature changes and minimize friction, oxidation, and shearing significantly.
Mercon/Dexron
These fluids, which come in a variety of quality ratings, are the most often used automatic transmission fluids today, and they contain friction modifiers to protect the transmission’s interior surfaces.
Type-F
This type of automatic gearbox oil, which does not contain friction modifiers, is almost solely utilized in vintage 1970s model vehicles.
Motor Oil
Because motor oil has a similar composition and qualities to gear oil, it can be used to lubricate manual gearboxes in a pinch.
You may never have to worry about the type of transmission fluid you use depending on the sort of vehicle you possess and how long you’ve had it. This is due to the fact that it is not essential to alter it frequently. Although most experts recommend changing the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, certain automatic transmissions may never require it.
Transmission oil changes are required more frequently with manual transmissions, commonly every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you’re unsure whether your car need new transmission fluid or oil, or which type to use, speak with one of our knowledgeable specialists.
How To Change Transmission Fluid
Here are some things to check before you get your hands filthy and start unscrewing screws to change the gearbox fluid.
Check to see whether your transmission fluid needs to be replaced. Some automobiles include indicators in the instrument panels, while others need consulting the owner’s manual. If you’re unsure whether or not your car’s automatic transmission fluid needs to be changed, we’ll explain the indicators at the bottom of this article.
Allow for a couple of hours for the engine and transmission to cool down before beginning the procedure. The engine can get hot enough to cause third-degree burns in most cases.
Working under the automobile by yourself is never a good idea. Make sure someone is nearby so you can call for assistance in the event of an emergency.
To find out where to drain the transmission fluid and where to refill it, see the owner’s manual or search online.
If you don’t, you risk replacing the transmission fluid with something else, which is the last thing you want to happen to your automobile.
Elevate Your Automobile
The process’s initial step is simple, but it’s also the riskiest. Elevating an automobile is a straightforward task, but it may go horribly wrong if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you go through this process.
Before you start lifting the automobile with a jack, be sure it’s on level ground and not on a slope. Use a jack with a capacity greater than the vehicle’s weight. Put the car in park, apply the e-brake, and use a brick or a wood to block the rear wheels.
Look For Transmission Fluid Pan and Drain It
It’s time to get your hands a little dirty. Check to see if the transmission fluid pan is hot. To avoid spilling used transmission fluid, unscrew all of the bolts holding it in place with a wrench or spanner and maintain a catch container beneath it. Allow all fluid to drain once the pan has been removed from the vehicle.
Choose the one with no drain plug when looking for a transmission fluid pan. It is the engine oil pan, not the transmission oil pan, that contains one.
Replace Transmission Fluid Filter
After all of the fluid has been drained, remove the old filter and replace it with the new one. Check to see if the filter you’re using is suitable with both your vehicle and the fluid you’re using.
Change The Gasket
The gasket that seals the junction between the transmission body and the transmission fluid pan has to be replaced next. To ensure that the new one seals well, make careful to remove all remnants of the old one. If you can’t find a gasket for your automobile, put silicone to the pan before reinstalling it to build a gasket.
Install The Transmission Fluid Pan
Place the transmission fluid pan back in place and tighten all of the screws all the way to secure the pan in place after the gasket condition has been resolved.
Add New Transmission Fluid
Use a funnel to inject the fresh transmission fluid to the transmission after making sure the pan is in place and there is no leakage (and the gasket is properly placed). It’s critical to use the exact transmission fluid recommended by the manufacturer, or you’ll end up doing more harm than good to the car.
Watch the video below to better understand how to change transmission fluid: