In order to perform a complete a transmission fluid change you may want to take your time and make sure you do the job properly. The first step is to remove your transmission pan and pull your car on some sturdy jack stands or an even better idea is to use some good and strong ramps and chock the rear wheels to be sure your car stays in place. If you have a driveway you prefer not to get stained, you may consider lying something down to absorb the fluid when it hits the ground. If you plan to just remove the pan, leaving a few bolts on either side partway in, the fluid will run out in waves and may go outside the area of your fluid receptacle. A more efficient way to do this is if you have a proper fluid pump. Run the hose down into the dip stick tube until it hits the bottom. Start pumping until you no longer have fluid coming out.

Now is the time you can remove the pan so that you can change the filter, this also allows for any left behind deposits or sediments to be washed away. Once you have replaced the filter you can reinstall the pan by hand tightening each bolt for a few threads. Then you are safe to tighten them all. If your pan seems to leak then you can always use something to flatten the pan dimples back out, thus preventing any leaks. You may also consider using a little thin layer of gasket sealer or adhesive in your cork gasket in order to help keep it in place while you are trying to tighten the bolts.

Be sure you have the right kind of transmission fluid to put in your car. Some older cars require a certain type to run properly. There are some types of fluids that are considered generic and when they are replaced by a better quality fluid the vehicles seem to help cure some unwanted shifting problems. The best advice is to always ask a professional if you are not sure on what kind to use or if the process seems a little too complicated for you to venture on your own.

If you do have a lot of buildup of dirt and old oil circulate through your transmission just means a shorter lifespan for it. The advice most mechanic will give you is to change your ATF often to prevent any problems with your transmission. You will do yourself a lot of good and maybe save your car from many problems by just taking the advice of your mechanic and be sure to maintain your car the best you can to ensure it will run longer and better for you. Read the rest of this entry »