Transmission Filter
Unfortunately, many people forget to change out their transmission filter when they are performing routine maintenance on their vehicle. It is not a complicated process and it can help your transmission last for many years. When your transmission filter becomes dirty or clogged, it can cause a number of problems with the shifting of your vehicle and can cause your car to behave in an erratic fashion.
Most vehicles will give you a recommendation for changing the transmission filter after a specific number of miles are put on the car. Every two years is a good place to start, even if you don't reach the number of miles. It is a simple job that will save you money in the long run. Avoiding expensive repairs to your transmission is a good way to keep your vehicle repair budget low.
Before you begin to replace your automatic transmission filter, you should make sure that the vehicle is stable. If you are jacking up the car, use jack stands to ensure that the vehicle is solid before you get under it. Bring all of your tools and supplies with you to the vehicle where you will be doing the work.
Make sure that you have read through the user manual for your car as well as a vehicle repair manual that is specific to your make and model of vehicle. To get started, take out the dipstick for the transmission fluid and put it aside. Once you have done this, you should jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Your repair manual should tell you if your vehicle has a drain plug in the case or the transmission pan. Put your drain pan underneath the place where the drain plug is located. Some vehicles do not have a drain plug at all. Put your drain pan under the transmission pan and begin to remove the bolts on the pan.
Removing the bolts and keeping two on either side of the pan should begin the flow of fluid. At this point, you can remove the bolts on one side very slowly and carefully. This will continue to allow the fluid to run out of the transmission. The bolts on the other side of the pan can be removed as well. Hold the pan with your hand while you are removing the bolts and allow the fluid to drain into your drain pan. Removing the bolts slowly will prevent the fluid from gushing out and missing the drain pan.
Take a look at the material that has come out of your transmission pan. Look for any large chunks of metal that could indicate a big problem with your transmission. The old filter can be removed from the pan at this point. Compare it with the new one to make sure that you have the correct transmission filter to use for a replacement.
When you are installing the new filter in the vehicle, use some grease at the top of the pan and gasket so that it will form a proper seal and the next time you change the filter it will be easier to remove. Put all of the bolts back into the pan and refill the transmission fluid. You should use care when you are replacing the fluid to be sure that you put the proper amount back in. When you reach the full mark on your vehicle, shift the car a few times and then check the level again. You should also do this by driving the car a short distance and check the fluid level again.
A transmission filter is not a job that will have to be done too frequently. About every two years is usually sufficient to keep your transmission running smoothly.
