2003 add transmission fluid
I have a 2003 automatic that I need to add some Vlll ATF to. I know the car needs to be running, but not in gear.I thought I was all set then something did not make since. The fill plug is on the drivers side of transmission case by the shifter linkage ( a pain in the neck to get at). There is also a plug on the drivers side of the transmission pan. Am I suppose to take that plug out with the car running and put the oil in the fill hole until it come out the hole in the pan it does not make since, or do I leave the pan plug in and put oil in until it come out the fill hole on the side of the case? Either way I have to wrap the exhaust to side my arm by, it is a very tight fit. Thank You Fred
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Re: 2003 add transmission fluid
The drain/fill plug lower on the Transmission ( in the side of the pan) is where yo .... duh .... drain and fill it from.
* jack/raise car and ensure it is level. Remove drain plug .... WARNING .... hot transmission fluid will be expelled if transmission is hot.
* Remove transmission pan bolts, then loosely reinstall drain plug.
* Lightly tap pan or pry gently to remove pan
* Remove pan and drain remaining fluid from the pan - clean pan
* Remove all traces of gasket material from pan and gasket surface on transmission
* Inspect oil pan bolts, if conical washers are "reversed" (the outer edge of the washer is closer to bolt head than center of washer) then discard bolt/washers and replace
* install new oil pan gasket
* install oil pan - tighten bolts to 97 lb/inch
* remove drain/fill bolt and start adding DEXRON3 ATF
* when fluid level reaches bottom of drain plug - start engine and leave transmission in PARK
* Continue to add fluid until fluid is again draining from the drain/fill hole - WARNING - you will be working near the exhaust and that will get HOT ... also tranny fluid will get HOT quickly ... BEWARE OF BURNING YOURSELF
* Install drain/fill plug and tighten to 22 lb/ft
* Turn off engine and lower vehicle
* Inspect for leaks
As you can see this procedure is best done with the car up on a lift, it is not easy to do with the car only up on jack stands.
And do torque the drain plug. I have seen to many stripped because they have been ran in with an impact. The high speed of the drive up is what makes them so tight not the gun rattle. Use a 6 point socket for the plug, they are too soft in my opinion.
Rick
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