ATF precautions when changing
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 14:00
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Roughasguts
Hi Guy's just had a look at the wifes 2003 Camry V6 trans fluid... Ouch it's dark looking smells but not burn't and still changes gears smoothly.
The vehicle has never towed and has no leaks.
Thing is how do I change the fluid without causing more damage. I imagine if I replace the fliuid the dirty stuff will stay in
suspension and cause more problems. Or do I flush the system out remove the pan and wipe clean as best I can. I hear these horror stories of Autos giving up just after a fluid change so not sure what is best. I am even considering leaving it as is.
What is best guy's.
Cheers
Reply By: ben_gv3 - Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 15:03
Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 15:03
I'm not sure on the Camry's but I just changed my Suzuki auto box fluid.
Mine has a drain plug which made it a lot easier. I was going to change the filter/screen as
well but only changed the fluid as nearly all of my fluid drained out when I was only expecting half.
The screen should hold most of the fine particles so if you're concerned change this as
well.
To access the screen you have to remove the sump pan. There is usually a magnet on the bottom of the pan to hold any metal shavings so clean that as
well.
If you are really really keen you could change the fluid once, go drive it for a week or two and then change the oil again. Any particulates should be suspended in the now old oil. I've also seen a Youtube vid of a mechanic disconnecting the hose from the trans cooler, running the engine and adding more fluid as it is pumped out of the hose.
Hope this helps.
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Follow Up By: Roughasguts - Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 05:59
Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 05:59
Thanks Ben I might give the flush idea a go.
Cheers.
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Reply By: Rangiephil - Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 16:31
Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 16:31
In my experience most of the solid stuff sits close to the bottom of the sump, which of course is where the pickup draws from.
I would always change the screen unless it has been changed in the last 10KK or so.
I changed the fluid in my Range Rover ZF 4HP22 about 3KK ago. When you change ATF oil you only usually change the oil in the sump which is about half of the total, as the rest is in the Torque Converter.
Anyway, I over filled it a bit and placed a tube down the filler and used a syringe to draw some fluid out. I was very surprised as the fluid which came out was FILTHY. This was only after a few hundred K.
I do not know whether I would pay the hundreds for a full flush, as I use Castrol Syntrans at $85 for four litres , but I am going to change
mine again in before my next big trip.
What you do really depnds on what material is in the sump, but one of teh points I would make is that by teh time the oil on teh dipstick is discoloured , the oil near the bottom of the sump is filthy. It should never get to that stage with proper maintenance.
Regards Philip A
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Follow Up By: Member - Russler - Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 18:15
Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 at 18:15
Would agree ... if you are going to that effort, change the filter/screen at the same time
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Follow Up By: Roughasguts - Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 06:07
Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 06:07
Thanks Philip think I will give it a flush this time around and see how it goes drop the pan and clean the screen as
well.
I always forget this one is an Auto and needs a service I drive tha manual G/box stuff and never really see this car as it's never
home when I am.
Cheers.
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Follow Up By: Rangiephil - Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 09:43
Monday, Apr 25, 2011 at 09:43
New screen please. If it is like a ZF it is a filter not a screen.
Regards Philip A
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