Step 1 of 14. Replacement Parts (service kit) and Transmission Fluid

Start with proper tools, transmission fluid and transmission filter service kit. The service kit includes a transmission filter with seal and pan gasket. All transmission fluid varies from car to car. Consult your vehicle's owners manual for your particular type of transmission fluid.

Step 2 of 14. Identify Components

Most automatic transmissions have a service pan that houses the transmission fluid and filter. This transmission has a heat shield to keep heat from the exhaust away from the transmission. Some transmission pans have a fluid drain plug used to drain fluid.

Step 3 of 14. Drain Transmission Fluid

Drain transmission fluid: 1.) Insert drain plug removal tool and turn counter clockwise. 2.) Loosen the drain plug until easily removed by hand. Some transmission do not have a drain plug. In this case the fluid will exit when the transmission pan is removed.

Step 4 of 14. Drain Transmission Fluid

After the drain plug is loosened, remove plug to drain transmission fluid into oil catch pan then let drain until completely empty.

(always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)

Step 5 of 14. Remove Transmission Pan

When the fluid is finished draining remove transmission pan mounting bolts. Remove all but two bolts to hold pan in place.

Step 6 of 14. Removing Transmission Pan

When all but two bolt remain place your hand under the transmission pan and remove the remaining bolts. Gently lower the pan from the car, you may have to move a heat shield or gear selector cable mount to remove pan.

Step 7 of 14. Checking the pan for Metal Debris

When the fluid pan is removed inspect the pan for metal debris. All transmissions have some metal in the pan but excessive metal can mean you are having more serious problems. This transmission is very well maintained and has little metal in the pan. Most transmission pans have a particle magnet that traps metal and keeps it away from moving parts.

Step 8 of 14. Clean Transmission Pan

Fit Gasket

When fitting new gasket to transmission pan, some gaskets are manufactured with gasket sealer built right in, like this one. If your gasket is made of cork or some other style of gasket you can elected to install the gasket with a gasket fastening cement. Clean pan magnet completely before reassembly.

Step 13 of 14. Remove Transmission Fluid Level Check

Locate and remove the transmission fluid level checker, in most cars and trucks this is where the fluid is checked and added.

Step 14 of 14. Refilling Transmission

Insert fluid funnel and add transmission fluid until the proper amount of fluid level is reached. Let engine warm and recheck fluid level, add fluid as needed. Do not over fill the transmission, it could foam the fluid and cause low fluid pressure causing premature transmission failure. recheck transmission for leaks and recheck fluid level in a couple of days.