Long Overdue ATF change

Check it.

How is it?

Black? Change it (don't FLUSH it, just empty it and refill). Still red/pink color? Leave it alone.

 

shouldnt be that bad a job. like 4thgen said, you dont want to "flush" the system, e.g. adding a chemical cleaner. youd just change the fluid. filter.....i dunno could go either way. one thing to think about though, is alot of cars you cant get all the fluid out w/o doing the filter (usually a measurable amount, think liters). you may consider daining and refilling twice a few months apart.

 

Yeah never power flush a transmission no matter the age.

Now a machine that simply does a fluid exchange is fine, as long as its not pressurized (this may knock loose shit).

 

Is there an easier way to change ATF without fillling, driving it to get it running through, draining, and repeating? I have the same issue as Sofo. I dont know if the original owner changed the fluid, but the fluid is brownish so Im guessing it needs to be changed. Any suggestions?

 

There are a few ways to change your auto trans fluid.

1. Drain until it doesn't drain anymore. Refill with fresh fluid. Drive around. Drain again. Fill again. Repeat until fluid coming out is clean.

2. Connect to a fluid exchange system. Typically connects to the cooler lines. As the fluid comes out to run through the cooler, it enters a dirty fluid tank. New fluid is then drawn in from a separate tank. Continue until fluid coming out is clean.

3. Power flush (no no).

 

The first option seems way too tedious.... I talked with a friend and he suggested the second option you said. Only question is, is there a trans cooler on a GTS? I know they are on the Trac's, but im not sure if on the 3S-GE's tranny..

 

yes, all autos have a trans cooler. should be 2 small lines going into the bottom of the rad.

-in fact any replacement radiator will come with a trans cooler (there internal to the rad). if you have a manual you just dont hook anything to it.

 

Thanks J. So I can drain the old out while putting the new in by using the lines from the cooler? Sweet!

 

What I do is a small funnel on the dipstic tube - slow but clean and easy
Don't forget to drain and fill the diff too - autos have a seperate diff case using diff oil

 

A funnel in the auto dipstick is the go.


What about the filter in the box, how often should it be changed ie...... every second fluid change or....... ??


Does the diff oil have to be changed at the same time and if so, WHY ??

 

Stig are you talking about the torque converter inside the transmission? I talked to my dad and he said that a flush of draining the old fluid and putting in new at the same time can cause transmission problems on a high mileage trans.

 

i think you're getting mixed up here

- a flush means it's pressurized, this is what's gonna cause trans problems on a high mileage trans because gunk gets moved.
- if you do a drain/fill, it will be no problem. all you're doing is letting it come out on its own and refilling the lost amount.

- in terms of drivetrain, automatic cars go in the order of: engine>flexplate>torque converter>trans>differential>axles. the differential box also needs it's own oil change. two separate fluid changes.

 

If you can, try to lower the sump and clean it and the filter which is actually a strainer.
Diff oil doesn't need to be changed as often but needs checking as most don't even know it's there
Torque converter is sealed and you can't open it

Filter kit- optional


Diff cover removed


Sealed rear diff, on the lhs casing you can see the hole where the governor lives


Valve body & plungers


Diff drain is at the rear, fill hole is on the removed cover

nb. pics are a JDM ECT-S, yours may look a little different. Ours are full electronic with locking gears.

Consider swapping the governor if it is the governor type - these are all failing and it's $40-$50

 

I didnt know front wheel drive cars had diffs! I guess you learn something new everyday. Ok I think I was a little mixed up. I think that draining and filling at the same time would be the best option. Will I need to have the car running for a drain and fill or no. Im still quite new at this....

 

It helps if your car has just ran before. Oil is warm/hot so more fluid and will drain easier and more effective.

 

Autos hold a lot of oil in the valving, I would drain it warm and then crank it over to pump out any oil still inside the pipes