You're Going to Laugh/Cry

Mysteries of the universe.

 

Regardless of what vehicle I work on, I tend to take some time to ponder at the components once it is on the lift. It really is hard to drain the incorrect pan but I understand how it could be easily overlooked as well.

The oil pan is much more narrow and deeper at the drain location and aft/forward of the vehicle. The transmission pan is always more flat and elongated and will be more rearwards.

Lesson learned, we both know you won't make the same mistake again

 

You drained about 2 3/4 quarts of oil out of the transmission. Put 3 quarts back in and after you fix the real oil level, do the temperature thing on the tranny and go from there.

 

This!

 

Lay the tools down and step away from the truck.

 

Kudos for admitting the mistake but always check the dipstick/level markings when refilling any component that has one.(oil, brake fluid, PS, etc...) I'm so OCD that I have drained some oil after refill when the level is at the top full line. Installing a fumoto oil drain valve will prevent this in the future.

 

Beautiful kids you have(I'm not a pedo). Most parents are too busy to take the time to show their kids anything. That's why we are where we are today. My girls, much older, had to be able to change a flat tire and tell me how to change the oil in the cars we bought for them before they could get their license. Parents need to spend more time with their kids teaching them things.

 

Speak for yourself.

I'm an electrician, and had helped perform two motor swaps by the time I finished high school, in addition to all kinds of basic maintenance. I've done several more as an "adult" including two on my own vehicles. The most interesting so far was my MR2 where the motor had to be removed from underneath the vehicle.

That said, just keep learning. You'll save money doing your own maintenance and feel better knowing it was done right. The fact that you caught your own mistake before any real damage occurred shows that you can learn this stuff. If you need help, this forum and Youtube are your friends.

 

Halp

 

I think it’s crazy that this happens often LOL!

 

Not that you'll make the mistake again, but if you install a Fumoto valve you definitely won't make that mistake again.