Any way I changed my Auto Trans Fluid today

tools needed
jack & 4 jack stands (unless you are ghetto like me, I used 2 sets of ramps, cause I loaned out mine)
T-30 torx bit ( for the fill plug on the drain plug)
7/8 wrench,(for the drain plug), its probably metric but the 7/8 fit good
8mm socket to remove the pan,and the 2 bolts that hold the filter on.
fluid fill adapter (its nothing more than a tapered pipe that is threaded on one end)
here is where you can buy one, New Fluid,

I chose to use a Quality Synthetic
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx?zo=1667299
and a fluid pump of some sort.
here is the one I have https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/g2039.aspx?zo=1667299
cost was 11 bucks
a drain pan of some sort,

and a new filter if you choose to change it , the WIX I bought looks EXACTLY like the OEM one, same stampings, weird huh?

1.raise car, be sure its level


wondering about how I got the car up there? see post #11
2. remove drain plug, drain fluid



3 remove pan, there will probably be some fluid in it still so use caution., and try not to hurt the gasket, you will be re using it...



4 clean pan, pay attention to the magnet



5 change filter if you are going to





6 re install pan, you can install the fluid fill tool into the center of the drain plug.



7 get your



and your



ready to fill

pump your fluid in, mine took between 4-5 qts.
when you pull the pump hose off the fill adapter,
"allow the fluid to drain when the fluid comes out as a thin stream or a drip the fluid is at the correct level"
that part is per Ford.

oh here is what the trans looks like with the pan and filter removed

 

Very cool. I've never done a transmission oil change. I wonder how much different it is for a manual transmission? I wanted to change it a while ago, and now at 33k miles I wonder if that's still too early?

Side note, what's the shelf life on synthetic oil? I still have my Royal Purple Tranny fluid that I never used.

 

is it mercon V compatable?
if so it should be ok, and make sure you have @ least 5 qts.

 

Why reuse the pan gasket? Didn't one come with the new filter?

 

Nothin like getting a little oil on the hands!

 

no
my 2000 mustang has a rubber re useable one with magnets in it to hold it in place while putting the pan back on,
this one is completely different
its a thin rubber gasket and it is in a aluminum shim of some sort...
here is a crummy photo of it...

 

nice write-up

how many miles do you have? (or how many should you have before you change it?)


(btw, i like your wheels; mags are on my to-do list)

 

I'm @ 60k

and because the trans is the single most expensive part on the car to repair,
I should of done it sooner, not sure if the factory stuff is synthetic, but mine is now

 

Howd ya drive up them ramps?

 

Ok I see now, it is re-useable. The shim probably helps to keep it from distorting and leaking if you over torque the pan bolts.