A transmission fluid change on most automatics is a drain and fill: drain the old fluid from the pan or drain plug, replace the filter if the pan comes off, refill with the specified fluid through the fill point, and set the level the way your manual describes, usually with the engine running and the fluid at a specific temperature. A single drain and fill replaces only part of the fluid, because the torque converter and cooler hold the rest.
What you need
- The fluid your transmission specifies; see transmission fluid types by transmission
- A new filter and pan gasket if you are dropping the pan
- A drain pan, the right sockets, a funnel or fluid pump and a torque wrench
- A way to read fluid temperature if your transmission has no dipstick: a scan tool or the dash display on some trucks
How to change transmission fluid: drain and fill
- Warm and level: drive briefly so the fluid flows freely, then park on level ground and support the vehicle safely.
- Drain: remove the drain plug, or loosen the pan bolts and lower one corner of the pan to drain it. Measure what comes out.
- Filter and pan: if the pan is off, replace the filter, clean the pan and its magnet, and fit a new gasket. Torque the pan bolts to specification; over-tightening distorts the pan.
- Refill: add about the amount that drained through the dipstick tube or fill plug.
- Set the level: start the engine, move through the gears, and check the level at the temperature and engine state your manual specifies. On sealed transmissions this usually means a check plug at a set fluid temperature.
- Check for leaks and recheck the level after a test drive.
How much fluid does a drain and fill replace?
Usually less than half, because the torque converter, cooler and lines hold the rest. Two or three drain and fills over a short period exchange most of the old fluid. A machine fluid exchange replaces nearly all of it in one visit; see transmission flush vs change.
Mistakes to avoid
- The wrong fluid: it can change shift feel or cause shudder.
- Overfilling: fluid foams and can push out of the vent; underfilling causes slipping.
- Checking cold or in the wrong gear: the level reads differently with temperature; follow the manual exactly.
How often?
Intervals vary widely, and towing or heavy traffic call for shorter ones; see how often to change transmission fluid. If the old fluid is black and burnt, or the transmission already slips, read transmission slipping first, and check the fluid color chart.
Replacing the whole unit? Every transmission we carry comes with a torque converter; find yours on our transmissions page.
More guides: transmission fluid chart · how to change a transmission filter · how much transmission fluid do I need?.
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