Do-it-your-self Automatic Transmission Service
In most cases the transmission shops can do a transmission service cheaper than you can buy the parts and fluid . For you who prefer to do all your own auto service and repair , here are some pointers to be used with the manual .
Check the specifications before buying fluid as it is very important to use the proper fluids for you vehicle . There are several different fluids used in autos these days and the wrong fluid can cause transmission failure . Be sure to have all the proper information the vehicle when you go to buy parts . You don’t want to find the parts are wrong , after you take thing apart !
Exact make , model and year of the vehicle will be needed and the serial number of the vehicle is a real handy thing to have when buying any auto parts . In most cases the wrong parts are a result of the wrong information !
The transmission oil pan must be removed to replace the transmission filter .before removing the transmission pan be sure to clean and dirt or mud etc from the area above at , the sides of the pan to avoid getting unwanted material in the pan when you reinstall it .
Be sure to keep the oil pan bolts separate from any other bolts so they don’t get mixed up . Most transmissions are made of aluminum , and the threads in the bolt holes are easily damaged .some bolts may look the same when they really are not . (eg pan bolts and torque converter cover bolts ?) Before removing the transmission filter take note of the exact position of the old filter . The new filter Must go in that exact location . When the filter is
removed , be sure the filter seal is also removed before you install the new filter and seal .
When the new filter and seal are properly and fully installed . If a bolt or bolts are used to hold the filter in , use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt(s) . If the are to loose the filter could fall off , causing transmission failure . If the bolt(s) are too tight it could cause the valve body to distort , resulting in operation problems and premature transmission failure !
When cleaning the transmission pan in most cases you will find a magnet in the pan . It must be removed from the pan and both must be cleaned separately . remember to reinstall the magnet into the pan before installing the pan back on to the transmission and clean the bolt holes . Brake clean works well to clean the bolt holes . Clean the gasket surfaces on the pan and the transmission and be sure both surfaces are dry when the pan and gasket are installed . Dry surfaces and gaskets will seal much better than is they are damp . Be sure the bolts are clean . When installing the pan and gasket , start “all” the bolts with your fingers before tightening any bolts . Then tighten all bolts lightly starting with the center most bolts on each side and tighten evenly from side to side and from the center toward both ends . This will keep the gasket straight as it seats . Use a torque wrench for the final tightening of the pan bolts. Even torque is very important to prevent leaks . In transmission burnout situations or severly burned fluid the transmission cooler and line should be flushed . In a normal service situation in is not critical to flush this system but it is a better job . Also if the torque converter is serviceable , the fluid should be drained and replaced at this time too .
To refill the transmission it is normal to install part of the fluid and then run the engine to install the balance . ‘Caution’ Do Not lean or work over the engine while it is running ! Work from the side of the vehicle . The fluid must be pumped into some areas of the transmission by its oil pump . The amounts can vary so it is best to refer to the manual of the amounts . Normally about ½ to 2/3rd s of the fluid is installed , then the engine is started and more fluid is installed . It is necessary to shift the transmission into all gears about 5 to 10 seconds each to fill the transmission properly . Be sure to set the park brake and Hold The Foot Brake Pedal ON , when going through the gears. Check the fluid level with the engine running and the transmission in Park . Road test the vehicle to get it warmed up to normal operating temperature and the re check the fluid level.
Most vehicles today have what is called a running level area on the dip stick . The optimum level after a service is slightly below the maximum full mark . The fluid level rises in very hot conditions . Never overfill the transmission as it can cause resistance in the transmission and cause performance and fuel mileage problems .
1953 Ford Dream Car concept