Changing ATF
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 6,898
Likes: 6
From: Long Valley NJ
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'08,'11 thru '17, '21
Changing ATF
I'm installing an x-pipe this weekend (or maybe next...) so thought I'd change the engine oil & ATF while the car is up on jackstands.
In the service manual, they make no mention of any kind of sealer on the automatic transmission pan gasket. Should I just install it dry? I'm used to using some kind of sealer on gaskets, but I'm old, & things may have changed.
Any tips on getting the ATF into the transmission? A hose & funnel, hand pump, or what? Seems a little awkward.
Also- the manual says to use transmission assembly lubricant ("Transjel") to install the seal that the transmission filter goes into. Can I just use some ATF, or do I need to go buy something special?
Thanks!
In the service manual, they make no mention of any kind of sealer on the automatic transmission pan gasket. Should I just install it dry? I'm used to using some kind of sealer on gaskets, but I'm old, & things may have changed.
Any tips on getting the ATF into the transmission? A hose & funnel, hand pump, or what? Seems a little awkward.
Also- the manual says to use transmission assembly lubricant ("Transjel") to install the seal that the transmission filter goes into. Can I just use some ATF, or do I need to go buy something special?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 548
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Someone with more knowledge on this will chime in but I don't believe there is a pan gasket or pan for that matter. I think you have to pump out the old fluid and pump in the new through an access hole that also serves as the fluid level check.
There is no dipstick for the A4 since the transmission or transaxle is located in the rear.
There is no dipstick for the A4 since the transmission or transaxle is located in the rear.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,019
Likes: 17
When I do this job, I plan on getting a clear acrylic pipe of sufficient capacity (15qrts?), and making a piston to fit inside of the pipe, and sealing both ends of the pipe, with only fittings on each end of the pipe so that the pipe can be placed in-line with one of the trans cooler lines that run to the radiator. Fill the pipe with the new fluid, and connect properly in-line, and then start the car. The old trans oil will pump into the piston, while the piston will build pressure and push the new oil into the circuit.
I have seen devices like this for sale, but I think they might be expensive. I haven't checked for the pressure ratings and whatnot, but I think this is easily enough accomplished, and I would much rather get a full fluid change than the 1/2 fluid change that you would get by dropping the pan and replacing what was lost. I hope this all makes sense.
I have seen devices like this for sale, but I think they might be expensive. I haven't checked for the pressure ratings and whatnot, but I think this is easily enough accomplished, and I would much rather get a full fluid change than the 1/2 fluid change that you would get by dropping the pan and replacing what was lost. I hope this all makes sense.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 6,898
Likes: 6
From: Long Valley NJ
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'08,'11 thru '17, '21
Sounds like an interesting idea. I like the idea of the full fluid change.
Anyone have any thoughts on using sealer on the gasket?
Anyone have any thoughts on using sealer on the gasket?
