How to change the transmission oil and filter?

[Joey24]

Hi Ricey,

Just to let you know that i completed my first transmission fluid and filter change today. Your instructions were great.

Thanks mate.

 

[RiCeY]

Nice work, feels good to do it yourself yeah

 

[ssv183]

No dipstick there a rubber fill plug up on the drivers side of the tranny and a sump plug in the base of the tranny.

If you drop the pan and change the filter it should take around 6.3litres of DEX VI

Start with 6 litres filling through the rubber plug.

Run the car through all the gears and wait till the trans fluid temp is between 30-50degrees, monitor this by using engineerining mode and scrolling down to transmission sump temp.

Now while the engine is running remove the sump plug from the transmission base and if no fluid comes out slowly top up till it begins to drip out. If fluid gushes out its overfilled so wait till it slows to drips then replace the sump plug.

Cheers Ricey, any chance you want to come get a job at my local dealership, they had no idea on what fluid to use or how to service the tran!!!! Thanks again, i appreciate it!! :beer chug: :thumbsup:

 

[RiCeY]

haha might be a bit far to drive every day!!

 

[wazza675]

FYI:
I did the trans service on my VT series 1 the other day (@ ~385k), and the VE series 1 Sportwagon 4spd auto today (@~160k). Simply dropped the pan, changed the filter and gasket, then remounted and filled. I didn't remove the ring on the end of the filter on eith car.
I didn't get a good read on how much came out of the VT as I discarded some from fluid the pan directly into the used oil container, but it took about 4.7L of Dexron 3 to re-fill.
The VE dropped 4L of old fluid and took about 4.5L of Dexron 6 to re-fill.
I also noted the VT gasket was in good condition as it seemed to be the new thicker rubber (?) type. The VE one tore in 3 places when I took it off - this was the first trans service it has had.

The trans temp on the dash (as mentioned above) was very handy. I ended up running the car for about 10 mins and getting the fluid level close to full, then went for a drive to get it up to temp. All was good.

Thanks for all the advice on the forum...

 

[Benboy]

Changing the filter is straight forward just pull it downwards and out....

When you remove the old filter take care that the old neoprene (or whatever it is) circular seal comes out as well. If it doesn't you might need to go fishing with a piece of wire with a hook so that you can snare the old one. If you don't have a hoist that allows you full access under the car, be careful as you undo the retaining bolts for the pan. It has a tendency to drop quickly and (hot) transmission can pour out all over you and anything in close proximity. Remember, cleanliness is important so make sure no pieces of old gasket or cleaning rags get deposited inside.

 

[wazza675]

I jacked the car up from the same point you use to change a tyre. This put a slant on the car and directed the fluid out from the lowest corner, in my case, the passenger rear. I undid the highest bolts (driver front) and worked my way around each side towards the lowest point. Leaving a few bolts in (but loosened) around the lowest point, I splashed out as much fluid as possible.

When I did the job, the trans was not 'hot'. The VT had done a trip home from work (about half hours drive) but then sat while I ate lunch, got changed, surfed for info here and then finally set up my work-space. The VE had done a quick run to the shops before I could get access to it. Both cars had warm fluid, allowing it to drain easier but they weren't hot. I also used rubber gloves.

The majority of info I'd read said to leave the O-ring in place unless the filter didn't sit well and slopped around. I did NOT use any lube to help it seat either. I also had a tight work space and didn't want to spend an hour fishing for it. Nor did I have any hook pliers or anything similar.

I did not have ramps, however the extra room underneath would have been nice if I'd had them. If you're just using jacks, remember to use axle stands set up as a safety mechanism, with weight on them so they don't move. The jack I used had wheels and moved as I jacked up the car. The VT was also very oily underneath as I've got a power-steering leak and at one point, the jack slipped while I was setting up the safety stand on the rear to change the fuel filter... It was a close call, and in theory could've been fatal if I'd been underneath at the time.

I took the time to clean the pan with rags first, and then turps to clean any residue off. I also spent plenty of time making sure the old gasket had been removed using a razor blade and abrasive paper. The trans box was much cleaner but I did scrape anything suspect off with a paint scraper.

 

[johnnyradwheels]

Auto trans won't shift higher than 2nd

Nice work, feels good to do it yourself yeah

Yes it does, however I need some guidance here.....
Sorry if this isn't the right spot to be posting, but you seem to know your stuff.
My VX won't shift up higher than 2nd, seems to operate normally apart from that, fluid looks cleans, smells clean, but it's been suggested I change oil age filter anyway.
The controls for the trip computer don't work, so I can't check for error codes.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated, I'm really in a bind.

Cheers

 

[ambandola]

No dipstick there a rubber fill plug up on the drivers side of the tranny and a sump plug in the base of the tranny.

If you drop the pan and change the filter it should take around 6.3litres of DEX VI

Start with 6 litres filling through the rubber plug.

Run the car through all the gears and wait till the trans fluid temp is between 30-50degrees, monitor this by using engineerining mode and scrolling down to transmission sump temp.

Now while the engine is running remove the sump plug from the transmission base and if no fluid comes out slowly top up till it begins to drip out. If fluid gushes out its overfilled so wait till it slows to drips then replace the sump plug.

Hi RiCey!
I have a 2010 holden ve omega series 2 ute...i cant find the filler tube for the transmission....can you enlighten me please? Thanks!

 

[Benboy]

To avoid unnecessary 'heartbreak' and additional expenses, take it to an Auto Transmission Specialist, pay a couple of hundred and let them worry about getting it right.