Changing tranny fluid

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May 6, 2008 | 04:09 PM

happeetxn

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Changing tranny fluid

Our 03' is in need of new tranny fluid and I want to switch to synthetic. Are there any tricks I need to know about? Also, since I am switching to syn would I be better off letting a shop swap out the fluids? I hate to pay someone to do maintenance when I am capable , but I also want all of the old fluid or as much as possible out of the system.
Craig

May 6, 2008 | 10:53 PM

sbclemens

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Drain the fluid thats already in it. I hope your tranny has a drain plug. Also drain the fluid from the torque converter. Change the filter, bolt it all back together and add the recommended amount of fluid. I use Royal Purple.

May 7, 2008 | 07:16 AM

DMB

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Do a search - there are plenty of threads and articles on this site about tranny fluid swaps, and it's really a pretty simple DIY. If you have a pan plug, drain the pan. Remove the pan and swap the filter. If you don't have a plug in the pan, install one when you take the pan off to make is easier and less messy the next time (another easy DIY - most parts stores will have a plug assembly). If you have a torque converter plug, pull it and drain the TC. Disconnect one of the cooler lines at the tranny and apply gentle air pressure to evacuate the rest of the system. Button it back up and fill. If you don't have a TC plug or don't want or need to pull the pan, do a fluid swap by disconnecting a coolant line and pumping the old into a bucket.

May 7, 2008 | 08:14 AM

broncoholic

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From: Melbourne, FL

I'd contact a quick lube joint and see if they'll use their tranny flush machine with your oil. A friend of mine has a T-Tech machine and we're going to flush mine in a couple weeks. The tranny takes 4.5 gal, so I bought a 5 gal jug of Royal Purple from Jegs for just over $200.

May 7, 2008 | 08:17 AM

sbclemens

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Quote:

Originally Posted by broncoholic

You still need to drop the pan to replace the filter. Does the flush machine also remove the fluid from the torque converter?

May 7, 2008 | 08:36 AM

broncoholic

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From: Melbourne, FL

The flush machines are a complete fluid change. The only way you could get more complete is if you installed all new components (tranny, converter, lines, cooler, etc.) that were empty. It's hooked up directly in-line with the system. Start the engine and as the tranny pumps the old oil into the machine, the new fluid is pumped back into the system. You're right about the filter though. I'll be changing that after the system flush. Hopefully I won't spill any or too much fluid. Probably have an extra quart or two on hand just in case.