DIY: Full Flush for Automatic Transmission

Well the ambient temp was already like 90 degrees here in Florida and also I think I let it idle too long while I was re-reading my printed instructions. After a 45min cool down, I ended up adding 3/4 qt and then draining out 1/2 qt so I think it's good now. I lost my crush washer for the check plug (just reused old one) so I'll get a new washer and re-check the fluid level while I'm installing the new crush washer in a few days.

 

Couldn't find it while just looking, but swear I saw someone post that you are supposed to remove the wire once in temp check mode

 

Just took it out for a test drive after a full flush with Valvoline MaxLife. Drove about 18 miles. Shifting seemed a little smoother except now it occasionally gets a noticeable shutter around 40-45 mph. Happened 3 times during my 18 mile drive. What the hell? I will double check the fluid level tomorrow to make sure I don't have too much or too little. Tranny was running fine before with 125k miles.

 

Put some Lubegard in

 

Should I use Lubegard or Lubegard Platinum? And what size? The 10 oz bottle?

 

They have an instant shudder fix. Try that. I put the regular Lubegard in mine.

 

Question for those who have a service manual. I read on here that people are pinning the transmission thermostat when doing the flush? If that's better, do you keep it pinned for the fill level check?

I'm putting on a bigger trans cooler when I do the flush. How do I go about getting all the air out of the system? The long tru-cool radiator instructions state that it can be mounted in any direction. I plan to mount it with ports facing the side, fill at the bottom and return at the top.

 

I removed the wire as soon as it went in check mode and it didn’t run a little rough like it does with the wire left in.

 

Of all the parts needed, I'm struggling with finding a cheap graduated pail/bucket. Anyone know if Homedepot/Lowes/Autozone/Etc. stock one? Don't want to order an overpriced bucket!

 

I used 2 one gallon milk jugs. Pumped old fluid out into one, placed the other one next to it and filled it with the new atf to the same level. I then filled a quart bottle from that so I could pump it in.

 

LegacyPro Translucent Graduated Pitcher for Darkroon Chemicals, Automotive and Pool Supplies, 128oz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0118HYDK...olid=33YO0W9ZKB9SA&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Not sure what you consider "overpriced", but I'm picking this one up. Or "having delivered" to be more precise.

 

Some drain pans have marks on them, I already had one that did. But you could make your own with a sharpie.

 

This is perfect and it’s cheap

 

I think $27 is a bit on the high side for a bucket.

Edit: I just found these 5 gallon translucent buckets with measuring lines for $6.70 each. I will go this route.

https://www.grainger.com/product/43...2125!&ef_id=W5BR5QAAAJcblG3M:20180907181052:s

 

I just marked each pint of water adding it to a used washer fluid container and marked each one along the way up. I dumped out the water and began the flush. Cheap!!

You can see each 1/2 quart graduated mark here if you look closely

 

IMHO, 5 gal is way too big. If it’s not perfectly level you won’t get good measurements. Remember that you’re dealing with 2-3 quarts at a time. Gallon jugs are perfect. 60 cents each at WalMart with distilled water in them.

 

Yep, Its easy to make your own graduated container , It’s common sense to you and I and others. But there is a good percentage that try to do a flush or drain and have no clue on how to measure what they take out or put in. Your simple explanation will help some millennial

 

I used a paint measuring thing from Home Depot

 

Ahh, I see. Thanks, I'll use jug method.

 

gotta ask.... why the big deal with tracking what comes out? You have to check the fluid level when done, anyway, right? Mine was well over a quart low, so putting in what I took out wasn't a good option.