Transmission Fluid Issue

[cacaman]

Hi everyone first post but long time reader.

I own a 94 Vr acclaim and my transmission fluid smells burnt ever since the engine recently overheated, is there a way to drain it out and replace it? It still has its pinkish/red colour but the burnt smells is concening me.
I just serviced my car myself (brake fluid, engine oil, oil filter ect) and i want to add new trans fuild but i dont wanna over fill. Ive tried searching for info but theres nothing concrete.

Help me out.

 

[holden#1]

yes, when it smells burnt it is in definite need of replacement...

Quote from MAX ELLERY'S page 230:

"Automatic Transmission Fluid is red coloured when new, after use it turns a light brown. Remove the fluid dipstick to check the colour, if the colour is a dark brown and has a burnt type of odour, the fluid should be drained and refilled with new fluid."


Procedure to change auto fluid...

Purchase auto fluid, fluid filter & gasket for auto from supercheap or similar.

1. Place Drain Pan under transmission.
2. Loosen & remove screws, allow fluid to drain.
3. Remove oil pan & screen, Despose of oil pan gasket.
4. Position new gasket on the oil pan, install the screen and pan on transmission.
3. Add 3.5 litres of fluid to the transmission through filler tube (dipstick).
4. Run engine at idle speed until it reaches its normal operating temp.
5. Shift selector lever through all positions then place the lever in "P"
6. Switch off engine. Immediately insert the dipstick all the way into the filler tube then withdraw it and check the fluid level.
This procedure must be completed within 10 seconds of engine switch off.

make sure you check recheck and fill transmission to proper level. Do not overfill.

 

[cacaman]

Thanx holden#1

Since wanting to learn to be able to do this job and with no prior knowledge would i be capable of doing it or is it a job required for an actual mechanic? Because if i cant figure it out were to drain from i most probly would take it to a mechanic but would you know how much that would cost and is it realy worth it.

If you want me to I will take photos of beneath my car if it is necesary so you could somehow direct me.

Thanx

 

[cacaman]

Also keeping the transmission fluid in there for any longer, will that damage the car? Should i change is asap is it a critical issue?

 

[holden#1]

Cost:
$30 for Fluid approx
$20 for new filter & gasket approx

I have never been to a mechanic to get this done; I would imagine around $150 for a tranny service....(?)

transmission sump is about in line with drivers door. it looks like a sump pan & has 16 bolts holding it on....

its no harder than changing your engine oil!

If you are planning to do some DIY with your commodore, It is really helpful to spend the $40 on a workshop manual... (buy from supercheap or the likes)

 

[Mk III the HSV]

The only real advantage of getting it professionally done is they can drain all of the trans fluid out. There is still a lot a fluid in the torque convert, that does not drain when you only remove the pan. So it's up to you, if you want pump all of the fluid out (10+ litres :unsure: ) or not. I guess it really depends on how old and what condition the fluid is in.

 

[VTS5]

Since wanting to learn to be able to do this job and with no prior knowledge would i be capable of doing it or is it a job required for an actual mechanic? Because if i cant figure it out were to drain from i most probly would take it to a mechanic but would you know how much that would cost and is it realy worth it.

If you want me to I will take photos of beneath my car if it is necesary so you could somehow direct me.

Thanx

OK its not a brain surgery but If u want to learn to do it ur self u must watch somebody (who is really know what his doing)actually doing it.Ask ur self a 3 question..1/do i wanna save money or my car? 2/ How come they didnt tell me how to take the filter gasket out.(The round one that sits in the BCM and should be no if's or but's replaced with the new filter)Which does need a bit of a skill to not to damage the side wall of the BCM.3/why should i pay special attention to piece of magnet that sits in the pan?Why it collects metal shavings?How come mine is so big?Anyway as i said its not a brain surgery but certainly not as easy as changing ur engine oil.Good luck

 

[misslisa]

I say go the DIY's. Its cheaper, You do almost exactly what a pro would do and at the end of the day a second hand transmission does not cost the earth!! I was told the only 2 differences is that
1. Pro's can get ALL the fluid out and replace with totally new fluid
2. They will notice any wear and tear to the trans, can tighten bands etc

Burnt old transfluid is like never changing your engine oil..... go figure!

But if you do it once you will never look back and will learn more every time. GO THE WORKSHOP MANUAL!!!!

But hey, thats just my opinion!

 

[cacaman]

Thanx everyone

Thanx for all the usefull feedback, i have a mate who is a mechanic specialising in transmissions i was thinking about getting him to show me how but since hes such a lazy kunt i wanted to know how to do it myself, hopefully today i'll convince him somhow.

Its best that i learn all this myself rather then getting a mechanic to do it, it cant be that hard. I'll stop by at supercheap today (labour day in VIC) i hope its open it my only day off.

thanx again guys

 

[Matt H]

yup itll be open, supercheap have had ads all weekend about the one day only sale