Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?

Bill Wilson, the owner of Express Transmissions, explains the different colors of transmission fluid and when it's time to leave it alone.

Bill Wilson, the owner of Express Transmissions, explains that when your fluid is nice bright and red, we can change the filter and install a new pan gasket for you.

Once it becomes brown, you can have your fluid completely changed out. We can flush and completely exchange the fluid.

However, if your transmission fluid is black? Leave it alone.

[KyleCorwith]

FINALLY someone, after seeing numerous videos, along with multiple mechanics, explains when and why not to change the fluid!

[jackuzi]

NEVER do a flush. Just empty out the pan (usually around 4 quarts), replace filter if there's one accessible, and fill it back up. This way you're only ever replacing about half the fluid at any one time.

[TexasFishinGal]

I have a 2004 Silverado with 395, 000 miles and it’s on its third transmission. First one wore out and the second was a crappy job with no warranty. Like most, I was always told that the transmission fluid was the only fluid you don’t change. In my older years, I started hearing it both ways. My current mechanic told me the same thing as you just explained in your video clip. He put my current transmission in and he gave me a lifetime warranty as long as I change the transmission fluid out once a year. I just had my fourth transmission fluid change and my truck runs as good as it did when I bought it in 2004.

[robertjohnson]

2014 Jeep Compass. No transmission dipstick. Changing fluid is extremely difficult. Bought car at 105, 000 miles. Brought car to Jeep dealership asking for a transmission fluid change. Two dealerships said they do not recommend changing fluid as it can cause transmission slippage. I decided to follow their advice as I know they were talking from experience.

[jamesb]

Exactly what every old school mechanic has told me... I once made the mistake of changing black fluid in a $200 beater for the sake of changing it, and it wrecked the transmission. It was running fine before then.

[totome]

I did a full flush (15L) on my Mitsubishi pajero at 130000km, through the front cooler lines.
Transmission is the same as A750F.
Not a big difference, but now I am more confident 😊

[jaymelee]

It doesn't wreck the transmission. If a transmission fails after a change then it was on it's last leg and the dirty fluid was masking it for the time being. Grit/contaminants were allowing the transmission components to still have some grip (masking the transmission failure). It was more than likely never maintained with clean fluid at intervals. Owner's manuals are wrote to get owners through until the drivetrain warranty expires. You won't find many recommendations in yours due to that! There's no such thing as lifetime fluids! There are additives and detergents in fluids that break down due to heat and several other things.

[jerrypolverino]

I drained and flushed the transmission fluid in my Buick. It was clunking when it shifted. After a day of driving with the clean fluid, the transmission operated like new.

[robertbell]

My FIL was one of these never change the fluid guys, and then would spend thousands on replacement transmissions. One time the MILs minivan left a trail of parts as she coasted to the shoulder.

[UQRXD]

You do need to change some fluid, many components of the fluid dissipate. Long ago the converter had a drai plug, I always drained the converter and transmission. I did this ever 25, 000 miles my Ford truck transmission lasted over 350, 000 miles and was still working fine when I sold truck.

[patmason]

Service mine every 40, 000 miles tow regularly had my 2003 f150 260, 000 miles and still rolling. Service your transmission!!!

[nidepengyou]

Wow! Best explanation ever given on the subject.

[bobbyjolee]

For those who want a Complete (Trans, Torque Converter, and Radiator-Cooler) fluid exchange vs an approx 40% pan exchange, the following 2007 RAV4 approach SHOULD be applicable to Most makes and models:
1.) Remove the plastic shield under the front of the vehicle. Note, new assorted plastic push-clips are recommended.
2.) The radiator cooler transmission fluid out-fall is on the drivers side approx 3/4" OD, 3/8" ID rubber hose with spring clasp clamp -- EASY to see and access!
3.) Disconnect the hose and attach an extension line to a translucent 1gal jug in an catch pan (for overflow/spills).
4.) The steel return line may drip into a second catch pan.
5.) Snuggly attach a clear extension line to the dip-stick tube with a funnel. (I inserted a clear plastic kitchen "baster" keeping the refill level from overflowing at top of the "baster"/funnel).
6.) Start the engine and put in gear (automatic) until approx 1/2 gal OLD is collected and turn off engine.
7.) Fill approx 1/2 gal NEW.
8.) Repeat for approx 2 1/2 gals until bright pink is dispensing.
9.) Reattach radiator/trans Return line.
10.) Adjust fluid level to the low side of the "Cold" mark on dip-stick (so you can top-off to the Hot mark).
11.) Drive vehicle until transmission is up to approx 115 deg. F and adjust fluid level to "Hot" mark.
12.) Reattach the plastic shield using new plastic push-pins.
13.) This should replace the Trans, Torque Converter, and Radiator Cooler with ALL New Fluid.
NOTE: For Sealed transmissions attach an extension line with funnel to the steel Return line (instead of the non-existent "dip-stick tube").
Happy motoring!

[melissarandazzo]

Thank you for honest advice. I hate when people bs you when your transmission fluid is old. They’ll tell you to change it knowing damn well that will cause more harm than good and mess up your transmission.

[alwolschleger]

Notice that this entire video is discussing transmission flushing, which is far different than dropping the pan and doing a gravity drain. Flushing is pretty much always a terrible idea, as it's prone to dislodging junk that will get caught in valve bodies etc.

Dropping the pan and changing fluid and filter, though? I'll always do it. I've done it on fluid that was black as midnight and (as I discovered by presence of the white plug in the pan) had never been changed in 186, 000 miles on a Lincoln Town Car. That car ran like a dream afterwards; literally drove it across the country. Same story on an old Astro van that lost Reverse-took a couple changes, but that thing was on the road for at least another 4 years afterward.

My current F-150 even has a drain plug for the torque converter; I got it at 191, 000, immediately changed the fluid. Eight years later, it still shifts like a champ and the torque converter stutter has not returned.

[c]

In all fairness if the fluid is black, it's time to start shopping for a new transmission.

[vincecarnevale]

I had an old Dodge tradesman 200 years ago that slipped when going into high gear, changed fluid and filter, car had no problems after that minor maintaincee.

[squangan]

I’ve owned a Ford Fusion and Escape since new. At first I was in disbelief when the dealer told me Fords recommended ATF fluid change interval for them was only 50, 000 km / 30, 000 miles. However they have no detachable pan and an internal non serviceable filter (without splitting the transmission case). It’s a straightforward drain and fill process so I do each one every second year, a jug of ATF and an hour of my time is well worth it to keep the fluid from deteriorating in the first place. On AWD’s the “Lifetime” PTU fluid is worth your while to change as well.

[buffystclair]

I always ask WHY, being suspicious when a customer would ask for a transmission service. First thing in my mind is it must be slipping or other issues that a customer might ask for this. As you say, check it out before agreeing and also explain to the customer all the points you mention about condition of the fluid. 45 ish years ago I started my apprenticeship in a transmission shop. There were no scanners. If we dropped the pan and seen brass, aluminum or metal filings and the customer didn’t want a rebuild we would put old fluid back in. Explained as you point out the detergent of new fluid and consequences.

[stoneyswolf]

I got a 22 Durango 5.7 8spd. No dip stick tube and the owners manual says nothing about changing the fluid. Asked the dealer and they said it's a lifetime fluid? WTF does that mean because to me when the transmission dies that's the end of it's lifetime and how long is that expected to be. Doesn't feel right not being able to monitor the transmission fluid to look at it smell it etc.