DIY Transmission Fluid Change (Step-by-Step)

If your car has a drain plug and a dipstick, a fluid change is a satisfying weekend job. Here's how to do it right.

What you'll need

• The exact fluid your manual specifies, and enough of it
• A drain pan, ramps or a lift, wheel chocks
• The tools, filter, and sealing parts required by the service instructions
• Any specified scan tool, adapters, and fluid pump

Recommended maintenance tools

What most home drain-and-fills call for — always match the fluid to your manual.

This section contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

• FloTool 42003MI 16-Quart Drain ContainerA drain container for a planned fluid service — 16 qt is the container size, not your service amount.View on Amazon→
• FloTool 10701 Fluid FunnelFor an approved, accessible fill point when the funnel fits — confirm your refill procedure first.View on Amazon→
• Slippery Pete Quart-Bottle PumpA hand pump for compatible quart bottles — check bottle neck, hose and fill-point fit before buying.View on Amazon→
• GLOVEWORKS Orange Nitrile GlovesDisposable nitrile for handling oily tools and cleanup. Choose your size — these are not heat-resistant gloves.View on Amazon→

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are set by Amazon. Always confirm the exact fluid and procedure in your owner's manual before buying.

Step-by-step (drain-and-fill)

Before draining, locate and loosen the fill plug if your transmission uses one. If it will not come out, do not drain the fluid and leave yourself unable to refill. Use the manufacturer's torque specification when reinstalling plugs, and replace the drain-plug gasket or washer as required.

1. Prepare the vehicle using the service procedure's temperature, engine-state, and support instructions.
2. Position the catch pan and drain using the method specified for the transmission.
3. Service the filter, pan, and seals as directed; do not assume every filter is accessible during a drain-and-fill.
4. Reassemble and refill using the specified hardware, torque, fluid, and service refill amount.
5. Verify the level using the manufacturer's engine state, selector sequence, temperature, and reading criteria. Use a HOT mark only if that procedure calls for it; see correct transmission fluid level.

Complete the manufacturer's post-service leak check and level verification, including a road check only when its instructions call for one.

Safety first

Never work under a car on a jack alone — use stands or a lift. Warm fluid is hot; wear gloves. Keep the level accurate to avoid overfilling.

When to leave it to a shop

Some transmissions without an owner dipstick require specialized filling or temperature-reading equipment. If you cannot meet the service procedure's requirements, arrange service — see the sealed-transmission guide.