Transmission fluid change-which method is better? - READ ONLY

99 messages, Last post on Jul 10, 2002 at 6:37 AM

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#1 of 99 Tranny fluid change methods by doitmyself Feb 24, 2002 (2:05 pm)
This question was asked about a year ago, but everyone got off the subject. What are the pros and cons of the two transmission change methods:drop the pan, change filter, change half the fluid versus pumping out 100% of the fluid with no filter change. I have a '99 Ford Escort and the manual just says "service the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles". The Ford dealer wanted $120 dollars for the pump out method.
#2 of 99 100%? by pjksr Feb 24, 2002 (4:02 pm)
Do you know how Ford claims to be able to pump out 100% of the fluid? Aren't there cavities and crannies and torque converters where fluid can't be reached without disassembly? I've found transmission shops can service your fluids for about $50. You can drop the pan and change it yourself for a lot less than $120, too. Even multiple times. Just be sure to spread out a bunch of dropcloth and wear goggles! Also, there are "oil extractors" out there...I hear they work. Search the net under "oil extractor," or check out the Edmunds forum under "oil changes."
#3 of 99 You can also get a drain plug kit for the pan by zr2rando Feb 24, 2002 (4:36 pm)
You can get a kit to install a drain plug for the pan so you can empty it before dropping it to change the filter,,,but you have to drop the full pan the first time to install it..oh well, so much for the easy first time huh!! While under warranty I would do what the book says to do. After the warranty I would do the 100% fluid flush about every 30k and change the filter after every other flush. Keeping newer fluid in the transmission helps keep seals in good shape and keeps the fluid properties at new fluid levels and avoids any heat related decomposition from being a long term issue. The transmission filters I have seen did not have any blockage issues, the main issue was the fluid condition
#4 of 99 by alcan Feb 24, 2002 (5:16 pm)
Remove the pan. Replace the filter and reinstall the pan. Add about 4 quarts of fluid. Remove the cooler return line (from upper fitting at rad) at trans and attach a length of hose to direct fluid into a catch pan. Have an assistant start the engine and pour fluid into the trans at the same rate it's being pumped out. When the discharge is clean fluid, shut the engine off, reinstall the cooler line and top of the trans in the usual manner.
#5 of 99 by kmag Feb 24, 2002 (7:23 pm)
Maybe Ive just been lucky. My 94 escort GT has 115K miles with 1 transmission service at 75K. I had it pumped at the local oil change place. Tranny shifts just as rough as when I bought it at 20K miles CLick & Clack, the guys on NPR, said that if you have 75-100K, dont open it up, its just as likely to cause problems.
#6 of 99 Drain and Fill by armtdm Feb 25, 2002 (5:29 am)
Many newer cars have a drain plug for tranny fluid. I have a toyota, Merc, Isuzu that have plugs my GM product does not. So a drain and fill is very easy. On my 92 Toyota I did the first drain and filter change (dropped the pan) at 25,000 miles. I have only drained and filled via the plug every 30,000 since then (have not changed the filter since 25,000) and now have 142,000 on tranny. Granted you only get about half the fluid each time but that is fine. I use synthetic ATF A "flush" (not a pump out change ) is fine but "no one does it properly" due to cost. After flushing the system the pan should be dropped as the gunk is removed and sits in the pan and can and has caused problems. Now, if you are simply pumping out the old fluid via the cooler line then that is fine. However, overall I think this is overkill. For the cost of fluid (if you have a plug) drain and fill yourself. Measure the amount taken out as this is much easier then filling up and overfilling as it is a pain to remove the fluid if overfilled. Remember, check when tranny is hot and engine running.
#7 of 99 by alcan Feb 25, 2002 (6:19 am)
"A "flush" (not a pump out change ) is fine but "no one does it properly" due to cost." No one does it properly? Not one? Nobody at all? Anywhere? Ever? Btw, some newer models of flushing machines attach to the trans at the pump suction port normally occupied by the filter. They make a bit of a mess but they replace all of the fluid. Every drop. How one could attach one of these flushers to the trans without first removing the pan and filter is beyond me.
#8 of 99 Never by armtdm Feb 25, 2002 (6:52 am)
The reason no one does it properly is cost. After flushing the tranny with their solvent they refuse to drop the pan saying it is not necessary due to cost (and they claim the flush got everything out) . It would add more time/labor plus new filter gasket etc. and they already overcharge for the service and the customer does not wan tot pay more as well.
#9 of 99 by alcan Feb 25, 2002 (7:03 am)
Who's this "they" you refer to?
#10 of 99 by 8u6hfd Feb 25, 2002 (7:13 am)
$90 for a drop the pan, change the filter, etc. for our 93 Caravan at a Arlington, VA shop sounds good to me. A drain and refill at the dealership costs almost as much. For the Caravan, it's cheaper than a new transmission.

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