Q: How to drain and replace transmission fluid and Transmission Filter?
A: At the specified intervals, the transmission fluid should be drained and replaced. This should only be done after the engine has completely cooled down as the fluid will remain hot long after driving. Before starting, purchase the specified transmission fluid and a new filter. You will also need a floor jack, jackstands, a drain pan capable of holding at least five quarts, newspapers, and clean rags. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Place the drain pan underneath the transmission pan. Remove the front and side pan mounting bolts, but only loosen the rear pan bolts approximately four turns. Carefully pry the transmission pan loose with a screwdriver, allowing the fluid to drain. Remove the remaining bolts, pan, and gasket. Clean the gasket surface of the transmission to remove all traces of the old gasket and sealant. Drain the fluid from the transmission pan, clean it with solvent, and dry it with compressed air. Remove the filter from the mount inside the transmission. If the seal did not come out with the filter, remove it from the transmission. The new seal can be driven squarely into place using a socket of the appropriate size. Install the new filter. Ensure the gasket surface on the transmission pan is clean, then install a new gasket on the pan. Put the pan in place against the transmission and tighten each bolt a little at a time until the final torque figure is reached. Lower the vehicle and add approximately three and one-half quarts of the specified type of automatic transmission fluid through the filler tube. With the transmission in Park and the parking brake set, run the engine at a fast idle, but don't race it. Move the gear selector through each range and back to Park. Check the fluid level. It will probably be low. Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the top of the COLD range on the dipstick. Check under the vehicle for leaks during the first few trips.