Today I drained and refilled my tranny.

When I drained it I only got about 2 quarts out of it.
So I checked the fluid level and it was "empty"

I assumed I must have been low on fluid in the first place, and proceeded to fill it with 4 quarts of Redline ATF.

Now the indicator states that I am WAY overfull.

From reading on this board, I thought it hsould have drained 4-5 quarts in the first place, so I thought it was safe to assume that it was low (silly me for not checking first.)

Questions:
How much fluid should come out, and how much should go in on an AUTO Transmission???

Also, should I just re-drain, or will I lose all my fluid I just spent $50.00 on???

Thanks,
IanS

 

when you drain and refill a auto tranny, your only going to get 4 to 5 quarts to drain out. The rest of the fluid is still in the plates and gears in the transmission itself and cannot be passed through without a machine that causes a vacuum and can pass all the fluid out. So when you drain and refill, only put back what you got out.

 

What's interesting is that everywhere on this forum that people talk about drain and refill, they say 4-5 quarts should come out.

That's why I thought I was low and added 4 quarts.

I'll just jack the car up tomorrow and drain again, and that should put me back at a normal level, correct?

Anyone else have any input?

 

Had you driven the car that day? I am just curious if maybe the fluid was warmer for them when they did it so more flowed out easily? I dont know if it c\can be a cause but just a thought.

SuDZ

 

 

You are partially mistaken. About 4-5 quarts is drained if the ATF level is at normal level on a drain and fill. This amounts to the ATF in the sump. Unfortunately, the total ATF amount is 9.5 quarts so you're only removing 1/2 the rest is in the torque converter. If you want to remove all the fluid you need to have the fluid flushed out with a machine (t-tech). If you want to do it yourself, remove the return hose from the oil cooler going back to the sump and start your car and remove 4-5 quarts more (about 10 seconds), then fill to appropriate level.

 

You read my original question incorrectly.

I expected 4-5 quarts to come out, but only 1.5-2 Quarts did come out.

I assumed I must have been low in the first place, so I refilled with 4-5 Quarts.

Now I am overfull, but afraid to drain again to drop it down to correct amounts, because if I lose 4-5 quarts this time, I have to spend another $50.00 on ATF Fluid.

Why didn't 4-5 Quarts come out in the first place?!?

 

I just did a drain and refill today. Got about 4 - 4.5 quarts out (I drove the car on a short trip about 4 miles each way prior to draining). Refilled with 4.5 quarts and drove the car off my wheel ramps. I tried to get a cold reading about 4 hours later but couldn't get an accurate one (always read way high). I had a 15 mile each way trip after that and checked the level after returning (using the hot markings). Now I'm between the markings just short of the top marking.

 

OK...I think what I did wrong was not let the car get hot before draining.

I'll give it another shot tomorrow.

It's strange...all the other posts regarding this subject don't mention getting th car hot first.

IanS

 

Drained and refilled my 99 auto last week. I measured what came out and it was just over 5 Qts. It took 6 (six) qts to get it to proper level on stick. Car was on ramps with the front up high so maybee thats the trick to getting that much out. I am positive of the amounts. car was warm, not hot. And I let it drain for 1/2 hour.

 

I let it drain for 45 minutes, with the car up on jackstands in the front......

I just did it again, and once again, I only got 1 quart out of it!

This makes no sense! Why'd I only get 1 Quart when I'm overfull and 5 quarts should come out!?!??!?

This is getting VERY annoying.....anyone have ideas?

 

Is it possible that I am draining from the wrong plug?!?!?

How many drain/fill plugs are there on an Auto Tranny? It's the plug that is vertical (on the side, not the bottom) on the front driver's side of the car, correct?

It is accessible from in front of the tire under a plastic panel.

Right?!?

Thanks,
IanS

 

That's the one I used and is the one depicted in the Haynes manual.

 

That may explain it.

It's the black bolt, in the middle of a black panel, correct?

I was doing the 1/2" ratchet type bolt on the side of the tranny, as that is the one that the magnetic drain plug I purchased goes into.

It's also what is described as the drain plug by the Nissan Dealer.

So which one is the correct one?

IanS

 

Looking at FSM it says 10 qts WITH torque converter and yes it looks to be on the bottom of the pan.

And yes it says warm up fluid.

 

To measure the fluid level, the transmission fluid has to be at "normal" operating temp (122f - 175f), with the engine running, in Park. If it's cold it will read low.

 

Captain Obvious strikes again.

 

Did you pick up the magnetic plug at a local dealership? Maybe you're in my neck of the woods since you post in the same regional forum. I tried two places in the greater Seattle area (stopped by Performance and called Younkers) and neither had it. The parts guy at Younkers said the Auburn dealership had it in stock but its a long way for me to go. He also said I had the wrong part number (versus the one in the old sticky) so I had my doubts as to if he was right or not.

 

No, I ordered it via mail from Extreme Nissan (a Dealership) in New orleans.

That is the right part number.

IanS

 

Its the BIG plug on the bottom in the middle of the tranny oil pan. Thats your problem. Have fun

 

As in the 19mm Black Bolt on the Black Pan?!?

Thanks.

 

Anyone changing their tranny fluid and missing that drain plug needs to be told at least twice where it is. Wizeazz...

 

Just making extra sure, that's all...not trying to arise conflict.

 

Thanks and yes, it's the 19mm black plug facing directly upwards in the middle of the black pan

 

You need a machine to drain out all the fluid in your tranny. Draning it only replaces a few quarts at a time.