How to Completely Flush an Automatic Transmission

The transmission of a car is responsible for transferring the power generated from the engine onto the wheels of a vehicle. This process is done through the gears that assist in transferring that power. To keep your transmission is excellent working condition it's important that you flush your transmission when needed.

What You'll Need:

• Jack with jack stands


• 5-gallon bucket


• Oil drain pan


• Socket wrench


• Screwdriver


• Brake cleaner


• Safety goggles


• Gloves


• Gasket


• Filter


• Filter seal


• Transmission fluid

1. Jack your vehicle up and place it on jack stands.


2. Open your hood and disconnect the line that is between the automatic transmission cooler and the driver's side of the car. Next, disconnect the line that leads to the transmission housing. Position the end of the line leading to the transmission into a 5-gallon bucket to drain the fluid.


3. Turn on the engine of the vehicle and leave it on until the steady flow of transmission fluid draining into the bucket has stopped. Once completed, turn the engine off.


4. Sit an oil pan under the transmission drain pan. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to find the exact location.


5. Loosen the bolts around the edge of the transmission drain pan using a socket wrench and remove them. Place the oil drain pain underneath so that the fluid can completely drain out.


6. Take off the filter and filter seal from inside using a screwdriver.


7. Pour the reaming transmission fluid into the drain pan of the oil drain pan.


8. Remove the gasket from the drain pan.


9. Wearing safety goggles, begin cleaning the transmission drain pan using brake cleaner.


10. Put a new gasket on the transmission drain pain. Also replace the fluid filter and seal. Re-install the pan ensuring that you don't over tighten the bolts and strip them.


11. Pour 10 quarts of transmission fluid in the reservoir and turn the engine on. Allow it to remain on until you see the new transmission fluid running into the bucket, and then shut the engine off. Reconnect the hoses.


12. Pour 5 more quarts of automatic transmission fluid into the reservoir and turn the engine on and shift through each of the gears. Remember to keep your foot on the brake while doing so.


13. Turn off the engine and check the transmission fluid level.


14. Remove the car from the jack stand and drive the car for at least 10 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to heat up.