changing tranny fluid

n00b on demand · #1 06-01-2004, 03:25 PM

ok guys from now on im going to attempt to do the minor things on my svx myself in an attempt to save money so i can keep my svx. I have a ramp in my garage that my dad used when he changed his oil. I guess i can use that for the SVX too. I want to change my tranny fluid because its a light brown color. I need DETAILED instructions on how to do so, so any input would be appreciated.

Chiketkd · #2 06-01-2004, 03:36 PM

Always a good idea to do your own maintenance if possible. Ensures nothing happens to your baby!

I'm sure the ramp will be OK to do work on your SVX. I haven't changed my ATF yet, but the process would be similar to other cars...

1) After having your car up on the ramp, let it cool down for some time.

2) Pop the hood, and remove the ATF dipstick.

3) Locate the ATF drain plug which will be right infront of the secondary cat. Remove plug and let fluid drain into an oil catch pan... (this will take some time)

4) Put the drain plug back on

5) Pour new ATF fluid back in transmission. Only way to fill it, will be through the hole where the dipstick goes. After adding about 3 qts, check level with dipstick - keep adding fluid until required level is reached in trans.

Good luck!

-Chike

#3 06-01-2004, 03:40 PM

Thats a nice observation chike that doing your own work saves your baby...

LOL...

Chiketkd · #4 06-01-2004, 03:42 PM

Saved my 300ZX TT years ago - mechanic forgot to put in new oil during a regular oil change! Luckily I checked my oil level before driving off!

I'll never go back to Jiffy Lube again!

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by tancred
Thats a nice observation chike that doing your own work saves your baby...

LOL...

Landshark · #5 06-01-2004, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
Always a good idea to do your own maintenance if possible. Ensures nothing happens to your baby!

I'm sure the ramp will be OK to do work on your SVX. I haven't changed my ATF yet, but the process would be similar to other cars...

1) After having your car up on the ramp, let it cool down for some time.

2) Pop the hood, and remove the ATF dipstick.

3) Locate the ATF drain plug which will be right infront of the secondary cat. Remove plug and let fluid drain into an oil catch pan... (this will take some time)

4) Put the drain plug back on

5) Pour new ATF fluid back in transmission. Only way to fill it, will be through the hole where the dipstick goes. After adding about 3 qts, check level with dipstick - keep adding fluid until required level is reached in trans.

Good luck!

-Chike

maybe i'm lazy, but here are my adiitions to the above procedure:

i don't use ramps - i just lay on my back and reach under to get the drain plug off.

you get dirty and it may bust your back/arm/shoulder a little, but its quick n' easy. same deal with oil changes - all by feel.

i have a catch container with a nice pour spout. after you drain the tranny, steal a BIG measuring cup type thing from your wife, then pour the tranny fluid you drained into it to see how much came out. now just add that much fluid. (do not put the big measuring cup back in the kitchen - it is now yours to keep!

)

n00b on demand · #6 06-01-2004, 04:35 PM

im only 20 im not married guys ! LOL

Chiketkd · #7 06-01-2004, 04:38 PM

Enjoy the single life while you can buddy!

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by soobiesvx93
im only 20 im not married guys ! LOL

SVXer95 · #8 06-01-2004, 04:42 PM

Hmmm...

I don't know about everyone else, but I always change the internal filter with every tranny fluid change. After draining with the drain plug, I drop the pan, change the filter, and reinstall with a new gasket. With a hotbox like the 4eat, I would most definitely do this at least every 25-30k miles. If you are changing the fluid on a more regular basis, ok, just do the fluid. But every so often, drop the pan!

I always clean the pan really well.

I have 70k on a remfgd trans (my first one, previous owner had it changed) and the fluid comes out a very nice ruby red when I change it and the filter every 25k miles.

Landshark · #9 06-01-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVXer95
Hmmm...

I don't know about everyone else, but I always change the internal filter with every tranny fluid change. After draining with the drain plug, I drop the pan, change the filter, and reinstall with a new gasket. With a hotbox like the 4eat, I would most definitely do this at least every 25-30k miles. If you are changing the fluid on a more regular basis, ok, just do the fluid. But every so often, drop the pan!

I always clean the pan really well.

I have 70k on a remfgd trans (my first one, previous owner had it changed) and the fluid comes out a very nice ruby red when I change it and the filter every 25k miles.

my pan filter was changed at 50,000, got the car at 55,000, and now i have a whopping 67,000 on it (i need to go on a road trip or something

). i just did a few fluid changes to get some Mobil1 in and the old stuff out. i'll get the filter at around 70-80,000.

svxhunter · #10 06-01-2004, 05:42 PM

While you are at it, consider switching to better ATF. I use Redline high temperature. It's pretty pricey ($7-8 per qt), but stands up great. It's what we've been racing the SVreX on.

Some will debate switching. I've had good luck.

Bobb · #11 06-01-2004, 07:30 PM

Hi Soobiesvx93, As Alan said you don't have to put the car up on ramps. But, if you've got them why not use them. I would say that having the SVX level would help. Also, since you should check the tranny fluid when the tranny is hot and the engine is running, measuring the fluid at least will get you back to what was in the tranny before you drained it. Then you can check the level per the owners manual. Take care and happy draining, BOBB