I've got a 2000 with about 201k miles on it right now. So far the only things I've had to do to it has been replacing 02 sensors along with regular filters/fluids. The transmission fluid hasn't been touched since I got it with 160k miles because I wasn't sure and afraid to risk it invade it's never been changed. I tow roughly 1800-200lbs frequently and I've had a trans fluid leak on the rubber hose. I added some fluid last week and noticed my fluid is pretty brown. It functions 100% but I'd like to change it when I fix the fluid leak. Would it likely be ok to drain at this point and refill? Also is there an actual drain or just drop the pan? And does anyone know what size the trans cooler line is? I'm wanting to add a heat sink cooler and new fittings with the stainless wrapped hoses.
Have a few questions on trans fluid/coolers
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gamefreakgc
Elite Member
A drain and fill is always safe to do, much safer than not touching it at all and burning the fluid. Up to you if it's worth removing the pan and dealing with the mess to replace or clean the filter or just taking out the drain bolt.
But if it's brown, you need to replace that fluid ASAP. You'll cause extra wear on the transmission that is irreversible.
But if it's brown, you need to replace that fluid ASAP. You'll cause extra wear on the transmission that is irreversible.
fourfive
Senior Member
Mine always takes 4 quarts with a drain and fill and the 1 time I dropped the pan it took 6 quarts. Start with 4 quarts & add as needed from there.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Use milk cartons or half gallon bottles and when done draining, pour them in the cartons to see how much came out. Then replace same amount. I used just under 4 quarts.
jgue467
Senior Member
I'd forget dropping the pan to clean the "filter" - it's about the same as a window screen material - only catches big chunks.
Instead I'd drain/fill and add a magnefine filter (3/8"), about $20 on ebay. They ends unscrew so you can check how much crap it caught when swapping for a new one after about a year.
Magnefine 3 8" Inline Magnetic Power Steering Filter | eBay
Instead I'd drain/fill and add a magnefine filter (3/8"), about $20 on ebay. They ends unscrew so you can check how much crap it caught when swapping for a new one after about a year.
Magnefine 3 8" Inline Magnetic Power Steering Filter | eBay
dont waste your money on Royal Purple. Use the Valvoline MaxLife full synthetic trans fluid. About $20 per gal at WalMart.
Dropping pan and replacing filter is about 4.5Qts.
thegipper
New member
There is a drain plug, just drain it from there. I usually get 4 to 4.25 quarts every time I do a drain and fill (fill through the dipstick).
do not just put in what you get out since you have a leak and you may already be low. Use the amount that comes out for reference but always check it on the dipstick (once it's up to temp and while running). Do not over fill it either.
I would do 3 changes over the span of a few days. You will have mostly new fluid after the third change. Dont forget to torque the drain to spec, replace the crush washer if you want (mine was reused several times with no leaks).
do not just put in what you get out since you have a leak and you may already be low. Use the amount that comes out for reference but always check it on the dipstick (once it's up to temp and while running). Do not over fill it either.
I would do 3 changes over the span of a few days. You will have mostly new fluid after the third change. Dont forget to torque the drain to spec, replace the crush washer if you want (mine was reused several times with no leaks).
StreetCreeper
New member
Yes.
And for everyone who is terrified of flushing out all the old fluid for fear that their tranny will suddenly die — I did a full flush with about 16 quarts at around 387,000 miles. My transmission currently runs flawless at @ its current milage of 415,000 miles.
I used the transmission to pump/flush out the old fluid and not some machine at the shop that just blast the fluid all to hell and back.
Valvoline Maxlife for the win.
