Change auto filter and fluid - cost of DIY vs. get it done

Auto Transmission service?

It cost me, $16 ish for the filter kit (filter, gasket) and the fluid cost me $26 ish.
Can't remember exactly, but I got like 10cents back from a $50. I bought a 4Litre bottle of oil and that wasnt just enough. Made a slight mark on the dipstick

Getting it done at a mechanics, I'd say atleast $200.

 

For an hour of your own time and 50 bucks and a nice beer after the job is done.. It's a simple job to do just be carefull not to spill the old fluid on yourself.

 

Just to let you know there is no drain plug in the pan, so leave one side half undone so the fluid can drain out the other side of the pan. It's a messy job especially when the pan needs some prompting to come away from the transmission.

 

if your doing it in the driveway i highly recommend laying down a plastic sheet or some cardboard. no matter how careful your are youll always manage to spill a little.

 

Cost will vary between $120 - $150 for basic service - just ring around a few places if you don't feel like doing it yourself or don't have the time. For a full Trans flush & refill it would be $180 - $240.

DIY would take an hour (for the actual work), can be a messy job - drop sheet & protective eye wear & latex gloves are good ! loosen rear bolts on pan to drain as stated above, follow service procedure from your Gregory's Manual - No.258

Auto Trans Service Filter Kit VN VP V6 V8 is $17, 5 Litres of Dextron III Valvoline Auto Trans Fluid is $40 (I get 2 bottles - it is always good policy to have some quality clean trans fluid in the garage that matches what's in your car).

Your looking at an afternoon to be realistic (to allow for purchase of service needs, preparation & clean up) a trip to Repco or Supercheap for $57 (or $97 with 2x5ltr bottles of Dex III) as long as you have a good jack, heavy duty chassis stands & ramps.

Oh yeh with the syphoning I wouldn't bother as you are draining the Trans fluid via the Trans pan, the tom thumb pump trick is just a quick way to extract a few litres of fluid when you need to get something done without dropping the pan. (eg - adding some Rislone auto Trans repair fluid & topping up with clean Dex III)