I would venture to guess that the average life on an automatic transmission could be almost doubled with frequent fluid changes. The one and only time I went to a quick change place they charged me over $120 for engine, transmission and rear end. Needless to say I never went back. You can do it yourself foe less than $20. |
Both the Bentley and Haynes manuals say "disconnect the return line at the transmission" Yea Right, I value my knuckles too much to even try that, not to mention the chance of introducing dirt from gritty fittings. |
Trace the fluid return line from the rear of the transmission to the radiator. On my '88 it was the top fitting. Wipe off any dirt and remove the fitting. Clamp a length of hose over the nipple sticking out of the radiator. |
Run the hose down to a large pan and secure it to the wheel. Now while sitting in the passenger seat so you can see reach over and turn the car on, letting it idle until the flow stops or sputters. Add 2 quarts of dextron III and repeat. I ran through 8 quarts through before I got good clean fluid coming out. Top up with another 2 quarts. Remove the hose, connect the fitting, run the car and check fluid level top up or drain a little as needed. |
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