Transmission fluid change

Most cars require dropping the pan, pulling the filter and changing the gasket. It can be messy but fairly easy. At the parts store get the correct fluid for your vehicle. (Should be Dexron) and a new filter and gasket. Loosen all bolts but leave two or three in until you've drained the old fluid into a large pan with one corner lower than the other. Take out the rest of the bolts. Wipe the pan out, put in the new filter (instructions should be in the box.), replace pan and tighten the bolts to specs with a torque wrench but be careful and make sure it's not foot pounds instead of inch pounds. If you don't have a torque wrench try to tighten evenly with LIGHT TO MODERATE tightness. Check for leaks and snug bolts as needed. Take used oil to lube shop. This only changes SOME of the fluid but it's most often the procedure offered at the garage unless they specifiy a total fluid change. If you want to replace it all, if it's completely nasty, dark and burnt smelling you have to disconnect the trans coolant lines into the radiator too. If it's that bad you may want to have it done and replace the whole shebang.

The fluid must be hot before it is drained; a 20 minute drive should accomplish this.

1. To drain the automatic transaxle fluid, the fluid pan must be removed. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Place a drain pan underneath the transaxle pan, then remove the pan attaching bolts except on the four corners of the pan.
   
2. Loosen the four attaching bolts on the corners approximately four turns each, but do not remove them.
   
3. Very carefully pry the pan loose on one corner. You can use a small prybar for this if you work CAREFULLY. Do not distort the pan flange, or score the mating surface of the transaxle case. You'll be very sorry later if you do. As the pan is pried loose, all of the fluid is going to come pouring out.
   
4. Carefully break the other corners loose until fluid is flowing steadily from the entire pan.
   
5. After the fluid is down flowing, remove one corner bolt and attempt to drain any remaining fluid. Remove the remaining bolts and remove the pan and gasket. Throw away the gasket.
   
6. Clean the pan with solvent and allow it to air dry. If you use a rag to wipe out the pan, you risk leaving bite of lint behind, which will clog the dinky hydraulic passages in the transaxle.
   
7. Remove and discard the filter and the O-ring seal.
   

1. Install a new filter and O-ring, locating the filter against the dipstick stop.
   
2. Position a new gasket on the pan, then install the pan. Tighten the bolts evenly and in rotation to 8 ft. lbs. (11 Nm.). Do not overtighten.
   
3. Add approximately 4 qts. (3.8 L) of DEXRON®III or IIE automatic transmission fluid to the transaxle through the dipstick tube. You will need a long necked funnel, or a funnel and tube to do this.
   
4. With the transaxle in P, put on the parking brake, block the front wheels, start the engine and let it idle. DO NOT RACE THE ENGINE. DO NOT MOVE THE LEVER THROUGH ITS RANGES.
   
5. With the lever in Park, check the fluid level. If it's OK, take the car out for a short drive, park on a level surface, and check the level again, as outlined earlier in this section. Add more fluid if necessary. Be careful not to overfill, which will cause foaming and fluid loss.