Can you change transmission fluid yourself or do you need to take it to a mechanic?

Answer 1

With simple hand tools and a good set of jack stands, you can change your fluid and filter yourself. Jack the car up and make sure it is held safely with jack stands. Put a large drain pan under the transmission pan and gently loosen the bolts holding the pan on. Do not remove the bolts yet, just loosen them slightly. remove one bolt from the lowest point on the transmission pan. If no fluid comes out loosen the bolts on either side of the one you removed. You want to allow the fluid to come out somewhat slowly (trust me, if you pop the pan off quickly you will have a large mess!!)

Once some of the fluid is drained, loosen the pan bolts some more, and allow more fluid to come out. When the flow stops, start removing the pan bolts and the pan itself. Be careful to avoid spilling too much fluid!

Clean the gasket off of the pan and the transmission. Remove the filter, being sure to remove the o ring if there is one on the filter. The filter may be held in with small bolts, or it may just snap in.

Replace the filter (using the new o ring if needed) and then put the gasket on the pan. (Some transmissions do not use a gasket, they are just sealed with a silicone sealer) Replace the bolts, and gently tighten them by hand. After they are snug, start tightening them using a cross pattern. Tighten one on the left than one on the right and continue untill all are tight.

Add fluid to the transmission, and let the car get to operational temperature. Check the fluid level and look for leaks. Take the car off the jack stands, and put away your tools!!

Used transmission fluid can be recycled the same as used oil, so dispose of it properly!

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Of course you can but you have to drop the pan and replace the gasket when you reattach pan prior to refilling. I have never understood why the manufacturers cannot put a simple drain plug on the pan like is for the engine oil (probably because the trans fluid shouldn't need changing under normal conditions). There is sometimes a magnet in the pan that will collect metal shavings and prevent them from circulating and causing more damage these shavings can come from torque converter etc . I don't know why you want to change the trans fluid but a word of advice if you take it to just any transmision shop, you may return to find that the shop has removed and disassembled the transmission claiming the unit was living in gloom and doom and $1,000 later you want be satisfied.

Answer 3

You can do it yourself if you have the right equipment (jack and jack stands, collection tray and some sockets. Changing transmission fluid is not like changing oil. Most new cars don't have drain plugs. You have to full the pan. This was to insure the filter (which is in the pan) gets cleaned. You will also need about 8 quarts oe fluid and a trans pan gasket.
I find it easier to look in the paper for deals on this service (and I have a lot of experiance)

Answer 4

Yes you can.
But there are 3 things that you'll need first.
The proper trans-pan gasket.
The proper trans filter. (A surprising amount of people don't even know that this exists on automatic transmissions).
The proper trans-fluid (yes there is a difference).

You also need to control spillage and ensure proper disposal of the old fluid. As used automotive fluid has been proven to be a carcinogen (cancer causing agent).

Answer 5

yes you can change transmission fluid yourself.make sure you get the right transmission pan gasket and the new fluid that goes to your make of vehicle.better get a good size drip pan too ,it gets a little messy.GL

Answer 6

You definitely need to have a professional mechanic change your oil because they have all the tools and knowledge to check if your transmission oil really needs to be changed or if there is a problem by looking at the color of the oil.

Answer 7

with a straight drain and fill, a lot of old fluid stays in the torque convertor, so i prefer to have it flushed, the pan screen cleaned, and done at the shop.

Answer 8

If you have the know how on the subject, better do it your self to save some cash. But if not, better send to the qualified service centers and save money, in case you've done the wrong thing if you tried.

Answer 9

if its a dam ford ur better off not to take it to a trans shop the only charge like 60 to80 bucks with peace of mind and youll drv away happy trust me

Answer 10

if you dont want a big mess i would take it to a shop to have it done, there is no drain plug in a tranny, you take out all the bolts and it just all comes poring out, they can put it up on a lift and use a spill drain to catch it all. i would'nt do it myself.