is this easy to do

[irondiezl3]

is it easy to change tranny filter on automatic mines a 04. is it just take off 4 bolts take off old gasket take out filter put on new filter new gasket and put on bolts or are there things in between that make it hard? how do you take out the filter when pan is dropped? do i need a torque wrench?

[Kanyon]

Much easier with a lift. But wouldn't be too difficult with just jackstands. If I remember correctly you remove the drain plug, take out 6 or 8 bolts around the pan, pull the pan off, remove filter, replace filter, replace pan, fill fluid, get car to operating temp, top off fluid by watching drain plug on the side then replace drain plug with out turning car off.(fluid will run out if you turn car off before replacing drain plug)

The filter just pulls straight down. A torque wrench isn't neccessary, but wouldn't hurt since its possible to strip out the screws.

[super white alero1]

FYI, our tranny don't have a dipstick. Can't remember, but just in case. here's th eprocedure.


The engine must be running when the transaxle fluid level screw is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fluid level screw. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid.

WARNING: Do not turn the engine off with the fluid level screw removed as you can be injured by hot transaxle fluid being expelled out of the fluid check hole.

1. Let vehicle idle for three to five minutes with accessories off.
2. Apply brake
3. Move shift lever through all gear ranges, pausing three seconds in each range.
4. Place shift lever in Park. Important: Vehicle must be kept level on the hoist.
5. Raise vehicle on hoist.
6. Place oil container under fluid level screw.
7. Remove the fluid level screw with the engine running at idle.
8. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the fluid check hole. Because the transaxle operates correctly over a range of fluid levels, fluid may or may not drain out of the fluid check hole when the fluid level screw is removed. If fluid drains through the fluid check hole, this transaxle may have been overfilled. When fluid stops draining, the fluid level is correct and the fluid level screw may be installed. If fluid does not drain through the fluid check hole, the transaxle fluid level may be low. Proceed to ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID.
9. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
10. Lower vehicle.
11. Shut off engine. Adding Transaxle Fluid: With the engine running, add fluid at the vent cap location in half liter (1 pint) increments until fluid drains through the fluid check hole. Allow the fluid to finish draining through the fluid check hole.

1. Install fluid level screw. Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
2. Lower vehicle.

[lonnie]

^^I think its easier to get a degree in Physics. lol

[surreal_awakening]

A quick word of caution...watch yourself when adding the fluid. That "fill/vent cap" is right next to/just below the exhaust crossover pipe on the 3400. Given that you have to check the fluid level with the engine running, by the time you get to adding the fluid, it may be good and hot.