Auto transmission fluid change volume question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 181
Likes: 32
Auto transmission fluid change volume question
I just performed my first auto transmission fluid and filter change(big write up coming soon). 2007 LT3 convertible.
Just a quick question.
I followed all of the procedures(car level, fluid to certain temp etc). I put 7 quarts in and it drained about a quart out leaving 6 quarts in the pan. That six quarts matches exactly what drained out of the trans. Funny thing is most folks on the forum say they drained less than six quarts out. How much should drain out once I removed the pan and filter? Was my trans overfilled before I changed the fluid maybe?
Just a quick question.
I followed all of the procedures(car level, fluid to certain temp etc). I put 7 quarts in and it drained about a quart out leaving 6 quarts in the pan. That six quarts matches exactly what drained out of the trans. Funny thing is most folks on the forum say they drained less than six quarts out. How much should drain out once I removed the pan and filter? Was my trans overfilled before I changed the fluid maybe?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 717
From: Sausalito CA
FWIW. Operating temperature is important.
My understanding was to fill until fluid "dribbles" out the fill hole.
Sure perhaps it was overfilled, only you know based on the service records or your own DIY from the last service.
Good luck and easy enough to double check and confirm you have the proper fill level now.
My understanding was to fill until fluid "dribbles" out the fill hole.
Sure perhaps it was overfilled, only you know based on the service records or your own DIY from the last service.
Good luck and easy enough to double check and confirm you have the proper fill level now.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I prefer 104 F as I finish, which is the middle of the range. I pull the plug once the temp hits 100F.
That will guarantee the trans will be underfilled. 
Make sure the car is level too, since that'll affect it more than the temps.
That will guarantee the trans will be underfilled. FWIW. Operating temperature is important.
My understanding was to fill until fluid "dribbles" out the fill hole.
Sure perhaps it was overfilled, only you know based on the service records or your own DIY from the last service.
Good luck and easy enough to double check and confirm you have the proper fill level now.
My understanding was to fill until fluid "dribbles" out the fill hole.
Sure perhaps it was overfilled, only you know based on the service records or your own DIY from the last service.
Good luck and easy enough to double check and confirm you have the proper fill level now.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I just performed my first auto transmission fluid and filter change(big write up coming soon). 2007 LT3 convertible.
Just a quick question.
I followed all of the procedures(car level, fluid to certain temp etc). I put 7 quarts in and it drained about a quart out leaving 6 quarts in the pan. That six quarts matches exactly what drained out of the trans. Funny thing is most folks on the forum say they drained less than six quarts out. How much should drain out once I removed the pan and filter? Was my trans overfilled before I changed the fluid maybe?
Just a quick question.
I followed all of the procedures(car level, fluid to certain temp etc). I put 7 quarts in and it drained about a quart out leaving 6 quarts in the pan. That six quarts matches exactly what drained out of the trans. Funny thing is most folks on the forum say they drained less than six quarts out. How much should drain out once I removed the pan and filter? Was my trans overfilled before I changed the fluid maybe?
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 199
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From: Mass
I just did my 09 with A6 last night, fluid and filter...Drained 6 Qts. I filled with 6.5 Qts. Checked level with car running and trans @122*F...Only a little bit came out and quickly started dripping.
My A6 has a fill hole on the side and a drain hole at the bottom of the pan. The drain hole is the one I check the level with car running.
HTH,
Pj
My A6 has a fill hole on the side and a drain hole at the bottom of the pan. The drain hole is the one I check the level with car running.
HTH,
Pj
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I just did my 09 with A6 last night, fluid and filter...Drained 6 Qts. I filled with 6.5 Qts. Checked level with car running and trans @122*F...Only a little bit came out and quickly started dripping.
My A6 has a fill hole on the side and a drain hole at the bottom of the pan. The drain hole is the one I check the level with car running.
HTH,
Pj
My A6 has a fill hole on the side and a drain hole at the bottom of the pan. The drain hole is the one I check the level with car running.
HTH,
Pj
It's why I now tell people, If you have someone else do the trans service, ask them first to tell you what their exact procedure is. If you don't get a correct answer, either educate them or find a different shop.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
There is no difference in the A6 for the amount of fluid required if you have the Z51 option and even if it did, that's not logic for refilling a greater amount than you drain.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
BTW, even if you fill it perfectly in the center of the range, at fluid temps below 150 and at WOT from a dead stop, the trans will not do the 1-2 shift properly. You can't it tell by SOTP, but a scan will show it. The cause is that the fluid hasn't expanded yet to the size expected at the normal operating temp of 180-190 and combined with the pan design (as in no baffle to prevent/slow the fluid slosh rearward away from the pickup/filter tube) you get a reduction of available volume at high RPM. It's not enough to cause real cavitation, so no damage will happen. However, the farther you stray from the higher side of the 86-122 F range, the more likely the problem becomes. It's worse if the car is not level (higher in front) when checking.