It’s recommended that every driver drain their transmission fluid around every 30,000 miles. Use our step-by-step guide below if you wish to drain transmission fluid from your vehicle as your next DIY task.
Step 1. Find The Transmission Dip Stick
- Begin by opening your hood and finding the two dipsticks.
- One is for motor oil and the other is for transmission fluid.
- Your transmission fluid dipstick will either by labeled as “TRANS” or “ATF”.
- If it is not labeled, it is likely colored red as opposed to the yellow color for motor oil.
- Motor oil will be brown or amber and the transmission fluid will be red or gold.
- The transmission pan is located under the car on the same side as the dipstick.
Step 2. Raise The Car
- The use of car jacks or drive-on ramps can raise the car, allowing easier access to the underside.
- Follow all safety procedures at this time.
Step 3. Locate The Transmission Pan And Drain Plug
- Lay down a mat and slide under your car to locate the pan.
- The location will be based on where the dipstick is located.
- Find the drain plug, which will usually be a nut configuration.
- This can be turned using a wrench.
- It is possible that you’ll need an allen wrench for this step.
Step 4. Drain Fluid
- Position your drain pan beneath the plug.
- Remove the plug and place it aside.
- Prepare for the fluid to drain immediately.
- Position yourself in order to avoid fluid pouring down your arm.
- Allow the fluid to drain to a slow drip at this time.
- Replace your plug while ensuring not to over torque the nut.
- Lower the car and get ready to refill the transmission fluid.
Step 5. Replace Transmission Fluid
- Remove the transmission fluid dipstick and insert your transmission funnel.
- These funnels will feature an extra-long spout.
- Add 3 or 4 quarts of the transmission fluid.
- Start your car with your foot on the brake shift through all the gears, including reverse all the way back to the parked position.
- While the car is idling in park, check your fluid level using the dipstick.
- Fill with additional fluid all the way up to the full line.
- Depending on the vehicle model, this could be up to 12 quarts.
Step 6. Recycle
- Refrain from pouring or disposing the used transmission fluid into the street or soil.
- This fluid must be taken to a local recycling facility.
- Transfer the transmission fluid to a sealable gallon container(s).
- Washed out plastic milk jugs can be ideal for this task.
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