transmission fluid change procedure

[Russianblue]

I'd like to do the multiple change method where I drain it two or three times to get all the fluid from the torque converter.

1. can multiple fluid changes all be done in one or two days (over a weekend)? how much driving between fluid changes is required to sufficiently blend all the new oil and circulate all the oil in the torque converter?

2. do you have to replace the gasket and or bolts all three times? I've seen plenty of DIY's and videos for the partial fluid change but very little documentation of the full 3x fluid replacement.

[Attacking Mid]

Drop the pan only for the first change. Install new filter and gasket. Drive around for a bit, shouldn't take a lot to blend the fluid. 5 minutes worth should suffice. Then use the drain plug to drain/fill the subsequent time(s).

AM.

[jsoto]

I will offer you my experience.
I must have done 2 bolt drains, 1 pan drop with filter. On my 4th fluid bolt drain, my trans went bad I feel like 2500-3000 miles later. All using OE fluid. So YMMV. All done around 20'k'ish intervals from from 3 miles on the odometer

[mr_robot]

If you have the 6hp26 it's worth doing the bridge seal and the 4 tube seals for the mechatronics while at it. The seals are pretty cheap.

[bcredliner]

Process depends somewhat on how many miles the fluid has on it. If the fluid has excess of 100,000 miles on it I would change the fluid 3 times. I would change the filter the first and third change. That means I would be dropping the pan twice. I would drive it about 25 miles between each change. If have transmission problems that are not corrected with first change it is unlikely addition changes will make a difference. Save a small amount of fluid from each change so you can compare to new and fluid from previous change. I only use ZF fluid but many use other brands with same specs.