The transmission filter is designed to help isolate any debris from getting into the workings of the transmission. The filter needs to be changed when you change out the fluid. This will ensure the transmission shifts smoothly for many miles to come. Changing out the transmission filter is a detailed job that requires dropping the pan and changing out the fluid. When cleaning out the pan, you will need to ensure you pick out any debris that is sitting in the pan. Take the vehicle to a mechanic if you notice large chunks of debris in the transmission pan.
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Pull the transmission fluid dipstick and place it to the side for now.
Park the car on a flat surface and ensure the parking brake is set. Place a chock or cinder block under the back wheel to prevent the car from rolling back.
Raise the vehicle by jacking it up from the front axle. Raise the vehicle high enough to place jack stands under the axle and lower it onto the jack stands.
Locate the transmission under the vehicle. The transmission is attached to the back of the motor.
Unbolt the transmission pan bolts with a socket wrench. Unbolt all the bolts with the exception of one bolt on each side. Ensure you have a drain pan standing by before you take out the last two bolts.
Unbolt the last two bolts with the socket wrench. Push up on the transmission pan with your hands while unscrewing the bolts. This will prevent the fluid from seeping out.
Pull the transmission pan down and pour the old fluid into the drain pan. Clean the transmission into the drain pan with brake cleaner and a clean rag.
Clean the old gasket material off the surface of the transmission pan and the bottom of the transmission.
Hold the new filter up to the filter at the bottom of the transmission. The old filter will be visible once the transmission pan is down. Match the new filter to the old one to ensure it is the same size.
Unbolt the old filter from the bottom of the transmission with a socket wrench. Pull the filter down and allow the fluid to drain into the drain pan. It will take up to an hour for the fluid to drain.
Place the new filter up into the transmission. Bolt it in with the socket wrench.
Align the new gasket to the transmission pan. Ensure the bolt holes match up to the bolt holes on the pan. Pull the new gasket off the pan and place it to the side.
Squeeze a tube of weatherstrip cement around the mating surface of the transmission pan, going completely around the bolt holes. Lay the new gasket onto the transmission pan and ensure the bolt holes are lined up to the bolt holes on the pan. Press the gasket onto the cement to help it seal.
Place the transmission pan up to the transmission. Start threading all the bolts to mount the transmission pan to the bottom of the transmission. Do not tighten any of the bolts until all the bolts are started.
Raise the car up and move the jack stands out from underneath the vehicle. Lower the car to the ground.
Insert a funnel into the transmission fluid dipstick tube. Pour in the recommended amount of transmission fluid into the funnel.
Clean the dipstick with a fresh rag and insert it into the dipstick tube. Pull the dipstick back out to check the level. The fluid will stop at the correct mark on the dipstick. Pour in more fluid if the level is not on the full mark.
Start the vehicle to warm up the transmission. Pull the shifter down through each gear and back to the "park" position.
Check the fluid level to ensure it is full. Add more fluid at half-quart intervals.
