Hi everyone,

I have a 1997 Corvette C5 and I’m planning to change the automatic transmission fluid.
Apologies if this topic has already been covered — I looked but couldn’t find all the details I need.

Could you please help me with the following?

1. What is the total fluid capacity of the transmission?


2. Which transmission fluid do you recommend for the C5?


3. Can you help me with the part number for the transmission filter?
I’m not sure if there’s only one type for all C5s or if it varies.


4. I read in one post that during a regular fluid change, it's not possible to replace all the fluid, as some remains in the torque converter.
Would it be better to take the car to a shop that uses a fluid exchange machine for automatic transmissions?
Do those machines really remove all of the old fluid? Or would it be safer to just change the fluid twice manually to get most of it out?


5. Do you recommend doing a transmission flush?
I’m a bit concerned that flushing might loosen debris inside the transmission and cause issues.



Thanks a lot in advance for any advice or tips!

 

There's so much good maintenance information for our cars on YouTube. Here is one of the best sources I've found. I think I've actually seen him on the forum. This video should answer all of your transmission fluid questions. Details in the show notes.

 

I second using Ken as a great reference, I spoke with him for an hour or two about my car, his car. Very Very knowledgeable.

 

Do not flush.

 

Changing the fluid and filter on a C5 A4 is fairly easy, but there are specific procedures to insure that the fluid level is correct after the change:

After replacing the filter and bolting the pan back up, fill with new fluid to the drain/ check level plug hole. Then start the engine and leave it running with the transmission in PARK.

Immediately add fluid through the drain/ check level plug hole until fluid flows out of the plug hole. It may take as much as another couple of quarts.

With your foot holding the brakes, cycle the transmission through all the gears, then back to PARK.

Go back underneath and make sure that fluid is still dribbling out of the fill/ check level plug hole. You might have to add some.

With the engine still running and the transmission in PARK, monitor transmission temperature on the DIC. When transmission temperature rises to 122 F, put the plug in the fill/ Check level hole. Keep a pan under the hole, fluid will dribble out as the transmission temperature rises.

Do NOT shut the engine down until the plug is in the fill/ check level hole. If you do, HOT fluid will gush out and the transmission will be low on fluid.

AC Delco Gold TF306 will do.
Check rockauto.com

NO reason to replace the filter seal in the transmission unless it is obviously damaged.

I recommend full synthetic fluid. I have used Red Line D4 for five changes over 15 years.

Keep in mind that the above procedure drains about half the fluid in the A4. The other half is in the torque converter and other works.

Stock pan change volume about six quarts, have extra beyond that ready.

You will need a small hand pump to pump the fluid into the fill/ check level hole.

 

Thank you.

I’ve changed the fluid.

I managed to replace 4 liters.
I used Valvoline ATF Dex/Merc oil.

My WIX filter didn’t have the extended pickup tube (the "suction neck") that goes all the way down into the pan. I hope that’s not a problem.

I’ve read that the fluid level should also be checked at full operating temperature, not just at 50°C.

 

This is the WIX filter listed or a '97 C5 A4:

https://www.wixfilters.com/en-us/filter-finder.html

It should work fine with a stock pan and no added extension, which is needed when the car has an aftermarket deep transmission pan.

 

Now I’m stressed. Please help / explain 😄

I have a 2001 Corvette.
The original transmission filter had that long extension tube.
The replacement filter I bought does not have it.

I managed to drain and refill 4 liters of fluid.

Do you think it’s a problem that the new filter doesn’t have the extension?
As I mentioned, the original one did.

 

The WIX 58904, according to the WIX site is for a 1993-1996 Corvette.

I don't know what to tell you, but I would put in the correct filter. The correct WIX number is 58574, AC Delco: TF306 or genuine GM: 24208574

On the good side you will not have to worry and you will have changed most of the fluid in the transmission after the second change.

 

I’ve already ordered the correct filter.
(The parts catalog showed the one I originally installed 😕 – probably an error.)

The filter fit properly, as did the gasket –
but it just didn’t have the long pickup tube ("snorkel").

It’s true that with the correct filter, the fluid exchange will be more complete.
But now I’m a bit worried – without that snorkel, was the oil circulating properly?
Could the transmission be damaged from that?

 

The transmission should be at operating temperature (around 86 to 122°F or 30 to 50°C). At those temps, that is when the fluid is at the proper temp to check level, you don't have to go to the top of the temp range to get a valid reading. Having it in park and having cycled the trans through the gears and then back into Park to check level is important. And of course, DO NOT turn off the motor until you have the plug back in the pan.

 

As long as you have not let the fluid level get low, oil would circulate and the transmission should be fine.

Too low and it won't go into any gear, if that has not happened you should not worry about damage.

 

The transmission is still shifting smoothly. I’ve ordered a new filter, so as soon as it arrives, I’ll replace it again along with the oil. Thank you for your advice and for your time.