Transmission Fluid Change DIY

[semcoinc]

Previously posted:

A couple years ago at 82k miles I changed my ATF to AMSOIL Signature Series ATF and changed the filter.

I did an initial fill and then changed the fluid 4X running about 20 miles between each drain and fill. Each drain and fill took about 4 qts. In this way, I got the entire system flushed with good fluid, minimizing or eliminating the old fluid residual rolling around in the converter and other places. A total fill is listed as 10.2 qts, so despite my perhaps overkill, I'm certain that I got to an all new fluid.


AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

At 96K miles now with no complaints with a recent 1200 mile 4,000# trailer pull under my belt.



Updating my previous post: I am at 100,000 miles and continue to experience smooth operation.

[hpy540]

Hmmmm...... i am getting the occasional hard downshift....... 3-2,2-1 187k on a 05 4.4. i am thinking i need to change but was also thinking about solenoids. IDK. really on the fence.

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by hpy540

Hmmmm...... i am getting the occasional hard downshift....... 3-2,2-1 187k on a 05 4.4. i am thinking i need to change but was also thinking about solenoids. IDK. really on the fence.

I flushed mine, no change. The only way I can limit the harsh downshifts is by staying in manual mode and not going into 1st unless I'm at a complete stop. Helps but still has problems. The trannys on these things really piss me off.

[frank944]

Hi,

My car is at 48K, dealer ask me to change transmission fluid and coolant and xdrive oil (diff and transfer case). wonder any DIY instructions? and where can I get the parts from?

Thanks

Frank

[Westlotorn]

Those having harsh downshifts and odd shifting should look into air leaks in the PCV system. Positive crankshaft ventilation. There are hoses that feed from your valve covers into the intake manifold right at your throttle body. If you remove the hose from the intake manifold and look inside it should be dry and clean. If you have oil in there it is a sign of air leaks causing the vacuum to pull oil into the intake manifold. These will cause your engine to use oil but they will also cause the tranny to shift funky because it is not seeing proper vacuum in your engine.
Air leaks can be at many sources, Valve cover gaskets, Orings on the Valve cover where the valve timing motors reside. The dip stick has o rings that can leak, the oil fill cover has a seal on it. The vents at each valve cover has diaphragms that can leak.
The upper timing covers and the sensors plugged into them can leak.
Many of these will show oil seeping if they are leaking but if oil is getting out, air can be leaking in.

[Comptonasskerry]

So I was under the x and noticed build up of fluid on the trans pan. I have no hard shifting issues at this time. My question is with 165k am I risking a lot to drop the pan and change the filter, gasket and new fluid?

Thanks

[Crowz]

Originally Posted by smokeyyank

I flushed mine, no change. The only way I can limit the harsh downshifts is by staying in manual mode and not going into 1st unless I'm at a complete stop. Helps but still has problems. The trannys on these things really piss me off.

Hard shifting = solenoids. Slipping can be bands and such and is baaaad. Sometimes solenoids can help on that too. Harsh shifting is the better of the two symptoms to have from a fixing standpoint IF you get it fixed soon.

[Crowz]

Originally Posted by Comptonasskerry

So I was under the x and noticed build up of fluid on the trans pan. I have no hard shifting issues at this time. My question is with 165k am I risking a lot to drop the pan and change the filter, gasket and new fluid?

Thanks

I cant see a fluid change ever being a bad idea as long as the correct fluid is used. That's a normal fluid change not some trans shop using a flush machine.

[bcredliner]

There are two stanch points of view on changing trans fluid. BMW states the fluid is lifetime fluid. And, some say new fluid will loosen up debris that will cause damage to the transmission.

The other does not believe any transmission fluid is good for a lifetime. I change the transmission fluid and filter about every 50,000 miles.

I suggest you loosen the fill plug a little, let the engine run for a few minutes and then remove the plug. If the transmission is full you should some run or drip out of the fill hole. I would also clean up the pan and then drive it a few days to verify where the fluid is coming from. Source of fluid leaks can be very misleading. Always clean the engine and than check later to see the highest point on the engine you can see traces of fluid.

If you decide to change the fluid, remove the pan and change the filter as well.

[cn90]

Hi guys,

- 2004 X3 2.5i with 85K miles. I plan to do a simple drain + refill.

- What is the latest recommended fluid, is it still Dexron VI?

- Brand name: Castrol vs ___?

- I guess 5-6 qts is probably enough.

Thanks in advance for any advice!