Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to change the transmission fluid & if there's a filter I need to get? I finaly checked my transmission fluid since I bought my car & the fluid level was high with tiny little bubblesscattered on the dip stick making it hard to get a accurate reading. Doesnt seem to be normal! I'v never changed trany fluid before & I'm on a tight budget so any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

There is a filter for the tranny, but it doesn't need to be serviced really. To do a flush and refill, you have to drive the car for about 5-10 minutes so that the fluid can get warmed up. Run the gears from the first to park. Jack up the front and use jackstands! Locate the drain plug on the driver's side. Use a 0.5 inch ratchet or breaker bar to remove the plug. Careful because the fluid is hot! Drain the fluid completely and replace the plug. Then fill, checking the dipstick every quart or so. Guys, help me out if I've missed something or this is totally off.

 

THANK YOU! That's exactly what I was looking for. Do you think the bubbles are a big problem?

 

What does the fluid look/smell like (brown or red, metal shavings, burnt)? I don't know what to say about the bubbles since I've never experienced that. Someone else might know. Is your tranny shifting badly?

 

Actually a friend told me It looked like someone put something in my trany. It doesnt look bad, just real thin.

 

bubbles in trans fluid means its over filled..

 

I think your right! It's way over full level. Is this going to ruin my tranny or what?

 

I'd almost bet someone put tranny fluid in when it was cold.

 

probably, yah just try to drain some out.. but flush it if the fluid smells burnts or looks brown, it should be a red color if its still ok.

over filled tranny is not that bad, just better to keep it at normal level

 

I agree. Overfilling the trans causes foaming which might be the cause for the bubbles.

But I did a drain and refill about 4 months ago, and whenever I check my trans dipstick, I see tiny bubbles in the fluid. The level is exactly correct as I check it after driving about 10 miles. Does anyone else get bubbles?

I never saw any bubbles in my engine oil dipstick.

 

I get bubbles too. I know that in my car there is a transmission case breather that may be the cause of it, however, I don't know if it transfers over to the 3rd gens too.

 

...I get bubbles too. I have done the drain/fill 3 times in 6 month intervals. I always see tiny bubbles on the dip stick. My fluid level is correct, I just figured this was normal.

Later,
Kevin

 

i`ve never seen bubbles on my trans dip stick,, i dunno? =( maybe mine is bad?