Transmission fluid change

[Ghost00TJ]

My 00TJ with an AT has 105k now and I am wanting to do a tranny fluid swap.
Anyone done this themselves, or is it to much of a pita to do?
The only way I know to get the fluid out of the torque converter is pull it and drain-if it even has a drain plug.
Is it worth the money to have a gagrage do it with an x-fer machine?

[Jeffb_79]

I haven't done mine yet, but it looks simple enough. I would think if you can do your engine and diff fluid changes, you should able to handle the transmission.

Cliffs notes directions I have for the change:
Park level
remove skid
drop pan
drain fluid
change filter (assume you can get from dealer or local auto parts store)
clean off pan, use high temp rtv to re-seal
fill to factory specs
re-install skid

[Ghost00TJ]

yea I've done all that on other cars but that doesnt change the fluid in the torque converter, it does eventualy get in there woth the tranny normal fluid cerculation but then only dilutes the 4 or so quarts of fluid in the converter.
Changing all the fluid in the tranny should be around 8qts or so "complete fluid change" or is that not really needed?
I know some garages do it with a pump/x-fer machine but want like $100 plus to do it.

[irish1371]

last time I had a converter flushed it was out of the rig and still cost 80 bucks. flushing is a pita. Rip tranny out flush ect pay 100 bucks. OR change your AT fluid 3-4 times over 2-3 months for 40-50 bucks w/o pulling the tranny and call it good. totally flushing a converter is usually done when a tranny is already being pulled for some other project, not saying you can't flush it just saying over all more hassle then it's worth.

plus unless your on good terms with the tranny shop they more then likely are going to charge ya 100 buck for something they really didn't do or only half assed it.

[crazy4ink]

Typically, unless you know that you have contaminated fluid, there is no reason to drain your torque converter. If you have no indications that you need to, you will just cost yourself more money (having to buy more tranny fluid). A typical auto tranny holds anywhere from 12-14 quarts of tranny fluid.

Normal rule of thumb is to change the tranny filter every 70k miles, more often if you do a lot of towing. When you buy your tranny filter, it should also come with a new pan gasket. Your local auto parts store can also tell you what type of tranny fluid you will need.

[Jeffb_79]

If you drained your tranny then ran another few quarts of AT fluid through and let that drain.... would that flush it out? Sounds a little easier than changing out your fluid 2-3 times once every other month.

[Ghost00TJ]

ok I'll drain a refill like normal, new filter/gasket kit. It is doing just fine.
It had ~50k when I got now its at 105k its due for at least the normal fluid change.