Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

Normal maintenance and lubrication requirements do not require periodic automatic transmission fluid changes. If major service, such as a clutch band, bearing, etc., is required in the transmission, it will have to be removed for service. At this time, the converter, transmission cooler and cooler lines must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt.

When used under continuous or severe conditions (police or taxi), the transmission and torque converter should be drained and refilled with fluid as specified.

 CAUTION: Use of a fluid other than Synthetic MERCON® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) or equivalent could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.

Refer to Vehicle Certification Label affixed to LH front door lock face panel or door pillar for transmission code.

When filling a dry transmission and converter, refer to Specifications for capacity. Check the fluid level following the room temperature checking procedures.

Procedures for partial drain and refill, due to in-vehicle service operation, are as follows.

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Section 00-02.

2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.

3. Loosen the pan retaining bolts and drain the fluid from the transmission.

4. When fluid has drained to the level of the pan flange, remove the rest of the pan bolts, working from the rear, to allow it to drop and drain slowly.

5. When all the fluid has been drained from the transmission, remove and thoroughly clean the pan. Discard the oil pan gasket.

6. Remove and discard the oil filter assembly and the oil filter assembly-to-valve body gasket. DO NOT reuse or clean the filter assembly. The filter element material will contaminate the transmission.

7. Install new pan filter assembly and gasket. DO NOT reuse the old gasket.

8. Place a new gasket on the pan and install the pan on the transmission. Tighten the oil pan-to-case retaining bolt to 8-13.5 Nm (71-119 lb-in).

9. Add 2.8L (3 quarts) of Synthetic MERCON® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid E6AZ-19582-B (ESR-M2C163-A2) to the transmission through the filler tube.

10. Check the fluid level following the checking procedures.

    If it is necessary to perform a complete drain and refill, remove the residual fluid from the torque converter and the cooler lines.

To drain the torque converter:

1. Remove the lower engine dust cover.

2. Rotate the torque converter until the drain plug comes into view.

   NOTE: It is recommended that this procedure be performed prior to other operations to allow sufficient time for the converter to drain properly.

3. Remove the drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.

4. Flush the cooler lines completely.