DIY guide · Moderate
How to change transmission fluid
Fresh fluid can make a transmission last longer, but the exact fluid and fill procedure matter more here than on almost any other job. Look up your own car first.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time in the bay
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Best bay
- 4-post drive-on lift
- Bay cost, plus tax
- $50 to $75
This is a general guide, not a manual for your car. Your vehicle's service manual comes first, especially for torque values, fluid types and capacities. Support the car on the lift locks or jack stands before you go under it, wear eye protection, and if a step feels wrong, stop and ask us. We do not do welding, grinding or painting in the bays.
Look these up before you book
- Fluid specification (not just 'ATF')
- Capacity, fill level and check temperature
- Whether the transmission has a dipstick or a fill plug
Tools
- Drain pan
- Socket for the drain and fill plugs
- Fluid pump if the fill is on the side
- Torque wrench
- Gloves
Parts and fluids
- The exact transmission fluid your car requires
- Pan gasket and filter if you drop the pan
- New crush washers
There is an AutoZone nearby, and during business hours parts usually reach the shop in about 10 to 20 minutes. Forgot a filter or need a different size? Order it, keep working, and do not lose your slot.
The retailer's own vehicle picker confirms what fits your car. Always compare the part number with your old part.
Step by step
- Check the manualSome transmissions are sealed and need a scan tool to check the temperature before you fill.
- Raise the car levelA level lift matters for fill level checks.
- Drain the fluidRemove the drain plug and let it drain. Measure how much came out.
- RefillPump in the same amount through the fill port or dipstick tube.
- Check the levelFollow your car's procedure for temperature and level.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using a universal fluid on a car that needs a specific one
- Overfilling or underfilling
- Doing a pressurised 'flush' on a high-mileage transmission without reading up first
Stop and ask for help if
- If the fluid is dark brown, smells burnt or has metal in it, have the transmission inspected before changing anything.
- If the car has no dipstick and no fill plug you can reach, leave it to a shop that has the scan tool.
Doing it in our bays
A level 4-post drive-on is the easiest way to get the car level for a fluid check.
Every bay has air, power, work lights and jack stands, and the lift bays come with a short safety walkthrough. Bring your own hand tools, parts and fluids. New to lifts? Read how your first visit goes.
Questions
Can I do a fluid flush?
A drain-and-fill is the safer option for most people. Machine flushes are a job for experts.