5 Things You MUST Do When Installing an Automatic Transmission

When installing a new or remanufactured automatic transmission there are some things you must do to ensure the transmission lasts and will stay in warranty. I’ve put together this video outlining those things so that you can avoid a costly mistake.
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[@ericksclassroom9974]

So happy and excited to see you posting again! Learned so much from your wisdom over the years. Prayers to you, don’t ever stop!

[@dp8904]

I never plan to install a new transmission, but am only watching this video because ETCG is awesome.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@gregmckinney6977]

Glad to see you back online. I'd say #6, once the transmission is installed, push the torque converter fully into the transmission and make sure you've got clearance between the bolt hole flanges on the converter and the flex plate, usually .080-.100". If there's not any, something's not right. Find out what and fix it. See your #3 and #5.

[@hyundaiverna]

Man those are golden rules! Thanks Eric for sharing them and I am glad to see you in the platform again!

[@theghostleader140]

Just in time for me as I'm in for rebuilding my 4L60E transmission. Thanks Eric!

[@thatsdaniellelol]

Literally installing a 05 Murano transmission tmrw, remanufactured CVT Always very very good at least for me to get reminders or to relearn steps or tips like these. Thank You!!

[@johnmarino4085]

Thanks Eric. So glad you’re still staying dirty ! Hope all is going well for you. Your expertise and understanding are extremely appreciated.

[@maingun07]

I've made the mistake of not fully seating a torque converter. Had to pull the 4L60 out of my mom's Caprice to do a rear main. Slipped the tc off to do a quick inspection of the front seals and gaskets on the trans. Everything's hunky dory so I put tc back on. I've done this on TH350s and ST300s before. Turned it some... clunk. Turned it some more.... clunk. Good enough. Went to reinstall the trans and the tc was hitting the flex plate before the bell housing was fully seated. After some cursing and head scratching and my dad asking me what's wrong, I pulled it back out. Turned the tc some more... and a third clunk. Felt like an idiot. "Don't tell mom." "Tell her what?" Dad and I make a good team.

[@ericthecarguy]

I love this story.

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Glad you're back bro that was easy to follow tips when installing a Remanufactured transmissions I'm definitely looking forward to new videos coming soon

[@elmarko9051]

I got a junkyard pull shipped to my house from a recycler hundreds of miles away, pretty good deal all things considered. Even they had requirements for warranty. First was to flush the trans cooler. Fortunately, the trans came with the torque converter, with a bolted-on strap that held it in place. Since it was a lower-mile pull from a wreck, it was pretty safe to assume it was in OK shape, which it was. Transmission worked great the entire rest of the time I owned it...until my daughter made venison with the car.

[@yeahman3561]

I really think youre the best mechanic youtuber out there. Watching your videos always stresses me out because im always coming to you when things have gone horribly wrong but at least i know its great advice im getting.

[@Ghanshyam00000]

Are you Eric the car guy I watched your 2 videos 10 years old videos 15 days ago and now you got an utterly changed long beard that looks very cool however your videos are very informative I like your videos and I'm learning a lot thanks

[@muramusan]

Really nice tips for future reference, hope you get a shop soon or do what you dream of but thanks for sharing man 🎉

[@lordjaashin]

hey hey heyyy, look who's back again. hope we get to see more videos from you, Eric.

[@pv2smurf]

I believe any transmission will last longer than the 2 you got from Monster transmissions 😎

[@hambonerodriguez4163]

I LOVE seeing Eric back. Come visit us again soon Eric!

[@mark98070]

Welcome back....Long time no see

[@jimmycarney9449]

Another good trick is long bolts to line up transmission, makes it super easy.

[@martinblank4250]

Thanks Eric! So great to see you back in action!!

[@valusmem]

Glad you're back Eric!

[@s0nnyburnett]

Missed you Eric. Probably wouldn't have the job I have now without you.

[@ericthecarguy]

I hope that's a good thing. 😉

[@Hurlburton]

Good to see you back

[@LetsFixIT]

Glad your back

[@thomasherring6640]

Good to see you posting videos again!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Nice to see you back Eric, and thanks for these very important tips!😊

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Great tips, Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinhamling1963]

Always good to see you Eric. Some sound advice. Thanks for sharing ✌️ Peace from Melbourne Australia.

[@pjseiber2774]

Great advice

[@isalmankhan1]

So glad to see you Eric😍 Please share more video's, we really Miss you on KZbin😍

[@Asomesauc]

Great video

[@rdaplaumax9289]

Glad you are posting Eric! You taught me everything I know about cars been following you since I was very young learning as much as I can from you.

[@BhavinTolia]

Great to see you back! Have turned on notifications for your uploads.

[@halleffect1]

good practice to check the TQ/flex plate clearance. there is a spec for every trans. Over a certain value and you need to add washer shims.

[@chrisjarkovsky1655]

My 90 honda accord needs an automatic transmission. My mechanic that I trust is taking the old one and putting a remanufactured unit for a labor cost of $800. My car also needs cv axles so it's the best time to do it

[@alfanhadi4638]

I always take note whenever Eric said "don't ask me how I know" 😁

[@budsodalsky]

Thanks! Re inatalling my existing transmission - so this is great!

[@Roarman57]

Thanks Eric 👍🏽

[@teamdrivealot8441]

Happy to se you again ❤

[@antonoudenhoven7573]

Welcome back 😊

[@TreyCook21]

I hope this new channel takes off. This stranger seems knowledgeable. -hopefully a comment generator

[@karlmadsen3179]

Hey! New videos. One of my favorite KZbinr car dooders back with a new post. Great!

[@Shawshank_nn]

Please keep posting 🙏

[@d.s.petersen779]

Good to see you.😁

[@jamesglenn6461]

Very important info. Always like to see Dad's Truck.

[@mikeybhoutex]

Hola Eric! Glad to see ya again! I have that exact transmission jack. So glad I got it. Invaluable when removing/installing a TR3650 in an '06 Mustang lemme tell ya. 45 degree spin and 30 degree tail down orientation is kind of a thing with that due to Reasons(tm). :p

[@TheSeangerber]

excellent info for a new car guy. Looks easier than a manual ...,. subbed

[@CDSAutomotiveGarage]

Man i just looking for a video of this from you when i was installing mine on my 85 S10 couple days ago and ones I watched of others on KZbin didn't really give me what I wanted like you did but I pretty much did everything like u said however I could barley get maybe.... 1 quart of fluid in the torque converter and could not figure out why but I guess it's better than nothing at all . Mines a stock application for transmission side . The 700r4 but 60degree style so hopefully everything should work just fine. The spacing between the flexplate and converter has me a little concerned there's a gap but what I have seen that's normal but shouldn't be to much tho however the old engine and flexplate did not have any space or that much but I also put in a New T-Q at the same time I did my engine because the old T-Q was not locking up right it would lockup to early or sometimes hit hard if going down a hill and I didn't have my foot on gas just odd .

[@JesStricker]

Thanks for the reminders. It's easy to skip those steps.

[@keitho77]

Greetings Eric. Good to see you again. How goes the hunt for a new shop?

[@jasonhanson6563]

We missed you!

You are a very good KZbinr. ❤

[@MrTexasDan]

I worked at several transmission shops in my yout. I can tell you that, right or wrong, it was never the practice at any of them to replace the converter unless there was an obvious malfunction or damage. Draining and flushing the converter was done by drilling a pop-rivet-sized hole on the outer edge near the seam and allowing the old fluid to drain through the hole, optionally refilling with cheap fluid and draining again. Then pop-rivet the hole and reinstall. Just saying that's how it was done. It was in the GM and Ford manuals this way.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the comment and that info. I wondered how you would be able to flush them out.

[@maingun07]

I would have thought that would throw off the balance. Maybe not enough to matter? I do recall seeing a TC with a drain plug. I wish I could remember where or why, but it definitely had a square head drain plug. Now I'm wondering if that was on the Cottman supposedly rebuilt TH350 that they stuck in my Skylark back in the 90s.

[@MrTexasDan]

@@maingun07 Yep, not enough to matter.

[@mrphiscal]

Tip number 6- Avoid monsters transmission

[@HaythamBuKhadra]

Yay, Eric is posting again ❤

[@HaythamBuKhadra]

@@LUCKY-WINNER.. let's not.

[@user-ju5qb7bu1q]

انت اكتر ميكانيكي محترف شفته و ان سعيد لعودتك من جديد شكرا شكرا

[@JVHShack]

One thing to add: Jasper transmission recommends replacing the transmission filter after about 50,000 miles. Don't forget to do that! Ask me how I know... 😔

[@aleskyfinis1025]

Like videos man you are ❤

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Saludos senor eric. Paz, salud y prospodidad

[@robturner7853]

#3 No doubt!!

[@vinces8974]

Sound advice

[@Mr.Cadillac94]

Hey Eric. What happened to the Monster Transmission that was in there before?

[@EngineMotor]

Hello Eric, I have been watching your videos for years now. I just wanted to say thank you for helping me so much. Secondly, I would love to invite you to Islam. Believing in one God, the one who created you, and everything around you. The creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in between. Let's do research on Islam. If you end up agreeing with Islam, you will become a Muslim and save your soul from the eternal punishment. If you still end up not being convinced, then you would have learned a bit more about what your neighbors believe in. Its a win win situation. I wish you the best. Again thank you for everything. 😊

[@masterjack8222]

We miss you

[@PrincernPrince]

Golden. Please come back permanently!

[@freestyle8489]

for cleaning inside the gear oil cooler

[@pranays]

Good to see you Eric

[@PhillyDee215]

5 valuable must does 4sure

[@andyfarrior4146]

How high did you have to lift your truck to remove the transmission? How did you get to the top bolts on the transmission housing?

[@hickorystx]

Wow!

[@V.i.k.i972]

شكرا جزيلا ، كان هذا مفيدا

[@jewllake]

Did the Monster transmission break?

[@omarcastillo2361]

Does it make a difference what gear (P,R,N,D) the transmission is on when installing?

[@MrGFG003]

Question, if you get the engine replaced but not the actual torque converter nor transmission, what can be causing it to shudder if you start downshifting to brake the car? Yep, you guessed it, Ford Escape 2018 2.0 EcoBoost, euro-spec sold in Mexico version, post-engine failure.

[@jimmycarney9449]

If you dont have a lot of debris why change torque converter. Ive changed a lot transmissions and usually use same torque converter.

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification SQUAD!!🔥🔥🔥

[@zx8401ztv]

You missed out the mug of coffee or tea to keep the brain properly saturated and it gives you time to check what you have done and ready for the next step. O.k I'm a " Tea A Holic " :-D

[@ericthecarguy]

Fiddlesticks. I'll try and remember next time.

[@costalamb3065]

You’re back!

[@HoldFast-un2fc]

wish you did boat engines too.

[@billballoo7881]

I hate that they took dipsticks away from transmissions. Makes no sense to fill it until the overflow leaks. Kind of stupid actually. BUT, my question is - in filling it this way, is there a chance that you put too much trans fluid in and if so, can that cause damage?

[@lexington739]

Is there any body that know a video that show you how to instal 8 gen automatic honda civic transmission step by step .

[@manonfire3642]

How often should xmsn fluid be changed? I had mine replaced about two years ago; is it necessary to go back to the place of installation for fluid changes?

[@ericthecarguy]

No, you can do them yourself. The procedure is often outlined in the service manual, along with the service interval. I usually change mine about every 30K.

[@DMRMroblox]

Just put a new battery in my 2015 pathfinder and the engine compartment seemed extremely hot. All in all my battery drained and my alternator isn't broken. What could be causing this

[@barbarasteudeman7956]

If transmission lines are in the wrong spot, will that be an issue?

[@papascabs2767]

"FULLY SEAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER" I've had to remove a trans just to seat a converter... it's crappy.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Should we use the oil weight recommended by the manufacturer or proper weight for the climate you live in?

[@ericthecarguy]

To the best of my knowledge, automatic transmission doesn't list oil weights like engine oil. Be sure to use the fluid recommended in the instructions.

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@ericthecarguy thanks for the reply. I was thinking about engine oil. But did ask under a video about automatic transmissions. Sorry.

[@user-jo4kg8ov3u]

Be safe,have fun,stay dirty Much appreciated gentleman

[@cooldude2245]

New or rebuilt converter?

[@stonecold4301]

IS IT NORMAL FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT HARD WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE ??

[@jackgoss7945]

what happen to the monster transmission ?

[@ericthecarguy]

Complete fail. I believe because I reused the old torque converter. Monster only rebuilt the transmission. The picture in the video with all the 'debris' was the pan for that transmission.

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

👍🙂

[@wobblysauce]

Depending on the trans… just replace the cooler

[@FixingWithFriends]

Yeah... the first time I pulled out an engine (just after highschool) the torque converter leaked some fluid out and I was confused and assumed it would refill from the transmission. It does not, definitely refill that. Some weird effects when it is only partly filled. Thank you for the tips and reminders.

[@davidwalker7383]

All new or remanufactured transmissions make slot of trash. Do a full service of the whole trans system at around 1000 miles.

[@aristjohns4288]

Oops 2015 Pilot!!!

[@franzayalin9867]

❤❤❤👍

[@Erd_Geschoss]

This hat has seen it all... :-D

[@Lray4x4]

Did the Monster transmission crap out on you already? That's normal for a Monster if so, I don't know how that company is still in business, they have had a bad reputation for years.

[@ericthecarguy]

Yes, that's why I went with the Jegs unit. No issues at all so far.

[@tomc8157]

I've never owned an automatic vehicle, so this is foreign to me. Seems more complicated.

[@7t2z28]

That's a hell of a fart at the outro. What the hell did you eat to do that?

[@ericthecarguy]

Air and gasoline.

[@7t2z28]

@@ericthecarguy I swallowed some gas by accident once, but it wasn't that cool.

[@jacksautorepair]

Installing transmissions is no longer a diy job. Might have to be programmed on 07-09 and up. If I didn’t have a lift and transmission jack and shop at home, it never was a good idea to install transmissions at home anyway. Not saying it can’t be done, but most people should avoid these types of repairs. Even on those older cars and trucks, there are rusted exhaust bolts and all sorts of issues you run into. Today transmissions have modules and are electronic controlled! You can install a brand new transmission in a car or truck today and if you don’t have it programmed, you’re just gone burn up your brand new transmission! They probably not going to warranty it. A Mechanic gets out of this industry for a few years, everything has changed - and not for the better!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for your comment. You might have noticed that I installed the transmission in this video without a lift, and I used a transmission jack that was designed to be used on the ground. I also did the job at a storage facility, which is pretty much a very small garage without access to a bathroom. It was also an electronically controlled transmission, a 4L60E, all I had to do was plug in the harness. I believe it is VERY possible for the DIY to replace a transmission, especially if they follow the manufacturer instructions. Rebuilding, not so much, but I'm all for replacing a transmission with a rebuild that is under warranty. Also, as far as I know, transmissions don't need to be programed when you install them. Thanks again for your comment.

[@jacksautorepair]

@@ericthecarguy Brand new modern transmissions have to be programmed or configured. The Snap-on scanner or Launch won’t do it. Even a 2009 Malibu brand new transmission all the PRNDL lights light up and it will barely pull off and won’t go. Must be programmed. From those to 2023 are like that. Some can be setup or configured with the Launch but most brand new with TCM come brain dead. You buy a brand new trans from GM, that’s how they come.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for that info. I'll keep an eye out for that.