How to Reuse Automatic Transmission Fluid

The purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate engines and regulate temperature. The proper level of transmission fluid needs to be added, and not too much. When you need to remove excess fluid, it can be used again, as long as it is still a clear red color.

Directions:

1. Lift the car in front using jacks so the bottom of the engine can be accessed. Get under the vehicle and position a pan under the transmission drain. This is a metal box with bolts around it. Make sure the pan is large enough to catch any fluid that falls out. 


2. Using a socket wrench, remove the bolts from the drain pan, but leave one bolt in place. Give the fluid about 10 to 15 minutes to drain. Pull out the last bolt and angle the drain pan towards the ground to ensure transmission fluid is emptied. Bolt the drain pan back into place and lower the car back on the ground.


3. Check to make sure that the transmission fluid is the right color. It should be red and translucent. If it is not the right color, it cannot be reused and should be discarded. If the color of the fluid is right, use a funnel to pour it into a clear plastic bag.


4. Raise the hood and pull out the transmission's dipstick. Put a funnel in the transmission tube and fill with the right amount of fluid. The engine should be cold when pouring the fluid. When done, put the dipstick back and lower the hood.


5. Make sure that any transmission fluid remaining is in a closed container. Add a date the fluid was removed from the engine.