DIY: Full Flush for Automatic Transmission

Video dude says its for 95-2001 models. His procedure is the same as is mentioned here except he uses different containers. It works for any model vehicle with an automatic trany as long as you identify the proper ATF lines to pull out. What the video leaves out is how to properly measure ATF level. Replacing what you take out assumes the level was correct to begin with.

If you want an alternate way to flush the ATF, see posts 290 & 301. For measuring the correct temp, you can use an IR gun for convenience.

 

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Yeah it's suppose to be red....

 

Swap out that WS to Valvoline MaxLife and don't look back.

 

Did you drop the pan and wipe out all the thick scummy slimminey metal shavings stuff?

 

On my 4 cylinder, I drained 5.5 qts it went from brown to red. Maybe a second time but drop the pan & clean the thick scummy stuff out first.

 

Upgraded valve body, what does the do? Are you having problem or is this a performance modification?

 

That's what the screen is their for, to prevent the chunky stuff from getting into the oil ports and valves.

 

All I can suggest is to make sure the transmission level is correct. It'll give you that delay shifting problem if the fluid level is too low.

 

That washer is to prevent from over tightening the threads, to prevent from striping them, if it's not leaking don't worry about it. By the way those are to be used only once. So many times people ignore this and that's the reason people are stripping their oil pan threads.

 

Thank you everyone who posted here, it was a straight forward service because of all the excellent information. This was the 3rd oil change for this trans, at 100K, so the oil was clean and not broken down. 1st 2 done at dealership, I used the Valvoline Max Life this time. What I did notice was an improvement in the smoothness of the transmission. It was working fine, no known problems, and I thought I was having the placebo effect. No way, it runs better, period. I used a pump I got at Walmart, $13, it works great, comes with hose adapters etc, but the best thing is 3/8" clear hose fits it perfectly , is much sturdier than what comes with it and you can see the oil flow.
I really appreciate the help on this site.

 

How many miles you have in your truck before you did the tranny fluid service?

 

I've been noticing a lag shifting into 4th and 5th gear. It doesnt always do it but sometimes, especially after I've been driving for a while, it will really rev out 3rd before shifting into 4th and then it wont go into 5th until I let off the gas and basically make it shift. Its always done this since I bought it used but it seems to be getting worse/more predictable. I did the full flush a little over a month ago. Dropped the pan, cleaned out the sludge and cleaned the filter, replaced with MaxLife. Everything went smoothly and I'm very certain that I got the level right. My truck is an '06 so I dont think the transmission TSB applies to it. Any ideas??

I'm going to check the ATF level again and disconnect the battery for a while to let the ECU reset but I really thought changing the fluid was going to solve it.

 

Sounds like a pre-existing condition when you bought your truck. Was ATF checked on level ground and with ATF temp 115-130? You may have to take it to a trany shop for diagnosis.

 

What color was the old fluid and did it smell burnt?

 

The fluid didn't look or smell too bad though I suspect it was never changed. It was definitely on level ground and at the proper temp. I disconnected the battery for a couple hours but haven't really driven enough to know if it solved the problem. I will say it shifted kind of rough on my test drive after doing so but then this morning it shifted perfectly.

 

Thank you for the write up. After seeing how complicated it is, I don't believe one bit that the dealership will do all these steps. Unless they know a easier way .

 

The dealership has a machine that they hit a couple buttons on and it does the job.

 

Ohh i see, unfortunately I don't trust then even with the most advanced machine.
Thanks