DIY Transmission Fluid, Filter and Gasket Replacement - Also Tips on Avoiding Leaks

In this video I am going to show you the proper way to replace the transmission fluid and filter on your car with or without a drain plug on your transmission pan. But also how you can make sure you don't have a leak after you install a new transmission oil pan gasket.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@alexm2623]

Ask a hundred guys and you'll get a hundred different opinions, but IMO RTV is largely unneeded and only causes problems in terms of separating the pan in the future and having to scrape gaskets. The gasket is all that is needed. That said, it's a PITA to get the gasket to stay in place as you try to get the pan in position, so what I do is place a few dots of it in between a few bolt holes and in the corners - just enough to hold the gasket in place while you get the pan back up to bolt on. Never had leaks, and it makes future changes WAY easier.

[@golfmanmatt]

I think the most important part you mentioned is that you need time for the sealant to dry. The longer you can wait the better

[@baddoggie101]

I believe he said at 6:07 that the transmission pan is newly painted. Painting the exterior is OK but do not paint the interior as the transmission fluid will dissolve the paint and contaminate the fluid and ruin the transmission.

[@kurtriedmuller8223]

Thin steak knife works for me doesn't bend pan and saws the gasket sealant like butter

[@larrybroad8746]

dodge trucks transmissions are notorious for the 2 shift silanoids going bad when ever i do a filter change i replace them its cheep insurance if they get clogged up you will think your trans is bad and a transmission shop wont tell you that its a simple fix they will tell you that you need to replace the whole transmission costing $2.500 dollars when all they do is replace the 2 bad silanoids takes about an hour to fix the problem. so many people get screwed every day by crocked transmission shops hope my knowledge helps a lot of people. LARRY B TRANSMISSION TECH CERTIFIED

[@neildavenport474]

Never spray paint the mating surface of the transmission pan, and don’t use any metal to scrap off the old gasket. Use plastic to avoid scratching and rubbing alcohol to remove impurities. Always measure out the exact amount of fluid taken out of the transmission and replaced with the same amount for best results. Good tip if you use tinfoil to cover the transmission portion exposed. it’s easier to work with when cleaning the mating surface around it.

[@blackericdenice]

If you flatten the pan. You don’t need gasket sealer. Vaseline will hold the gasket against the pain and will make it easier to come out next time.

[@chadgardee1496]

You can jus use some grease on rubber and won't leak the grease will hold gasket in place too with no leaks and if have to work on later no mess

[@wyattoneable]

"Ice Cream break"! I like the tip on painting the mating surfaces. I always look forward to your videos.

[@gs6810]

Use a putty knife instead of a screwdriver to remove to pan that was sealed with RTV. It will reduce the chances of bending the pan.

[@Isaiah013]

This video was super helpful. I changed my transmission pan gasket twice and it continued to leak. After watching your video I figured out how to solve those issues and now it’s leak free. Thank you for this video 👏🏽

[@brandonsizemore3619]

Don't paint the mating surfaces. Use scotch Brite and scotch Brite twist lock discs

[@milkcookies7162]

Did this guy just say 1 and half quarts???????? 🙋

[@haircut2015]

Only on you tube!!

[@StevesAutoNtrucks]

if you thread the bolts threw the pan while the gasket is laying on the pan it holds the gasket in place. just a few threads.thats how I do it.

[@workharddieproud]

I do it the same way.

[@frederickneal4781]

Exactly!

[@pamelaleonard7581]

Thank you. I am an old woman but I am going to do this!!!

[@haircut2015]

I am a Old man & I will do it too!

[@Kytw]

😊​@@haircut2015 u 2 should do it together.

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

I love the goofy commentary. it makes a terrible job look fun.

[@spaace9414]

best video completley thorough on the best advice on rtv and silicones. TIP rtv maker and sealant/ dressing are different things . some are both like the rtv he is using. it's both a gasket maker and a rubber gasket sealer / dressing and big props on pan hole bends! use a rubber mallet and may I suggest a plastic scraper instead of metal.

[@4jrgolf]

So he only gets a quart and 1/2 out of how much fluid in total? 7-8. You need to do 6 or 7 of these procedures to really make a difference. What a design flaw.

[@Hesoos]

Nah, do a flush first. Then, do this.

[@50sKid]

Do you like the new KZbin end screens? I don't like 'em. They make my thumbnails look too busy with the overlaid title and such.

[@bindiblue7]

I really hope he rememberd to put the magnet back in

[@baddoggie101]

You can always put one on the exterior.

[@kalatechy6484]

Whats the purpose of the magnet

[@tristabrown7568]

@@kalatechy6484 to help out the filter by catching metal shavings

[@wendyandtomhibbard717]

Thanks for a good instruction how to do this. Especially the torque number. TH

[@tomford463]

Why didn't pan come off that easy

[@thebatmom]

I'm doing this right now, how ro get the dipstick hose that's going into the case, off?

[@dvader3000]

Something i discovered is that the new gasket actually holds every bolt in place. So unless is absolutely necessary there is no need for rtv.

[@michaelmikesmarinhandyman1642]

a thin putty knife instead of screwdriver? might be a little gentler?

[@BigDipper79]

Never use RTV silicone with a gasket unless the manufacturer repair manual states to do that.

[@chieflouie2821]

I dont have inch pound wrench but can I just snug it by hand and turn 1/8 for 5 ft- lbs?

[@blazerwilliams2260]

Hey man, just wondering if you tried this technique and if it worked ok by chance. I don't have a torque wrench either and need to do this repair.

[@johnd4348]

Any reason why manufactures dont put a drain plug on the transmission pan. Cost is minimal Or maybe they want to sell transmissions. .

[@peterlepore2726]

atp reusable gaskets are way to go it has a metal core the gaskets that come in filter kits are junk even at torqe they split and leak

[@Luna-dt1nt]

I' have seen guys put 2 gaskets is that norma?l cause u only put one or that doesn't matter

[@RedMclaren]

Does the gasket material matter? The transmission gasket from the dealership costs a lot but is made out of rubber and metal, whereas cheaper OEM ones are made of paper material gaskets. What do you think? Is it okay to use the OEM gasket?

[@wadeleep5094]

runner is better if you can get it, mine is only made with cork

[@254DEUS254]

I liked this a lot. NEW SUB F YEAH

[@Rondogg43]

"Cleaning our Face", true story. 👍🏼 As always great video.

[@junkendriven]

Great video, I'm about to do the change on my Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8CRD as it's on 113,000 now. Thanks for the tips!

[@charger6773]

Should the gasket be coming out on the sides when torquing down the bolts ?

[@mike-bj4dk]

proper my ass but better than never changing fluid i guess

[@62Christsavedme]

Very good work Sir . Job well done

[@whereisit467]

I don't think it's a good idea to DO IT YOURSELF when it comes to automatic transmissions... I'm sorry this video is not a good idea... There's a code number on the transmission and that's the only way to find out which oil to use... Not the chassis number... Not the registration book or the license plate... Because the same models can have different transmissions which require different oils... Wrong oil will cause problems... a specialized mechanic can also checkout your transmission to see if there are other problems... Modern cars are not for DO IT YOURSELFERS... Finding a good honest mechanic can be difficult but it's the only way to go...

[@liza3337]

Depends how much you want to spend on an old car. If you spent $3500 on your vehicle, and your pan is leaking, go ahead and try to fix it yourself and let the autopart store figure out the type of T oil you need and then double-check with your manual and online.

[@Josh-km9vc]

Look in your owner's manual. It's not hard to find the correct ATF.

[@YoSoyGus1]

Great video. I did this to my dodge a few months ago. Wish I would have seen this video before

[@yung.holdin9493]

I have a 2001 VW Jetta. Transmission Oil pan gasket has ripped from the top section of transmission. Ive had to chnage it 2 times already and its happening on the same section. So far I've notice that's its only when car is park on drive way. Drive way is slanted a little. What do yall think it could be ? At the moment I have it park on even pathway and it hasn't leaked oil.

[@Zslowzr1]

If you are using a gasket, you should be using a gasket dressing just to get the gasket seated to the pan. Gasket maker should be used when there is no gasket at all.

[@frederickneal4781]

EXACTLY

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

I just bought a 2007 Silverado new body style 4x4 and I want to change the transmission fluid with some amsoil synthetic. No idea when or if it's ever been changed. 125,000 miles and its almost 2 quarts over full! I've been reading about it on the Silverado forum and some guys just drain the pan and replace the filter and fill it back to full and call it good. Some take it in to get flushed. Some drain the pan, fill it, drive it and repeat 3 times (pan holds 5 quarts and there's 12 capacity I think) and then replace the filter. Some disconnect a hose and run it into a 5 gallon bucket and turn the engine on and have a friend add fluid into the dipstick tube while they watch the fluid coming out and stop when it's fresh. Then replace the filter and top it off. This sounds like the best way to get all the old fluid out but I thought I'd get your opinion before I decide which way to go.

[@blakebrass125]

I know this is a 5 year old post lol. Just saw this video today. What method did you use. Drop the pan and replace the fluid and filter. Me personally I would not flush the transmission fluid. Could mess it up. I would just drop, replace fluid/filter, and repeat again in 5,000 miles and repeat that 3 times. And after the 3rd time I would go to regular intervals like 50,000 miles for changes. What route did you go and do you still have the truck lol

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

@@blakebrass125 I sold the truck before getting around to it. But I think I would've done the last method and gotten all the fluid out and new filter.

[@renegade637]

When I decided to replace the fluid, filter, and gasket on a truck I recently acquired, my main thought was that the vehicle was past 200k miles and probably needed certain fluids and filters replaced. Obviously, the oil was important. But, I, also, thought that the transmission fluid probably needed replacing as well. At first, the whole thing seemed to be relatively straight forward to accomplish. I replaced the filter, put on a new gasket, and put in at least 4 quarts of transmission fluid. However, when I went back to it the next day to see how it was doing and topping up on fluids, the trans fluid started leaking out of the pan after the car had been running a while. I thought it might be that the bolts weren't tight enough. However, it was still dripping out the edge. Finally, I took a closer look at the original gasket. Initially, I thought it was just a rubber gasket that had hardened. Instead, it was plastic with a rather unique O-ring running the entire length of the gasket, one on each side. At that point, I realized that this was a unique gasket designed by Dodge and had to be replaced with the exact same thing. So, I decided to take the chance and put it back on to see if that would fix the leak. So far, it stopped leaking. I'll be getting more trans fluid tomorrow and see if it leaks anymore between now and then.

[@frederickneal4781]

Amateur Night! LOL

[@musicinmiami]

great video... thank you

[@janhamin]

thanks 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@lacruz2792]

Working on my transmission, tanks

[@gusteyigor]

Flush my transmission oil. Now I have a bit of leak. Next flash will replace gasket. Thank you very clear video for newbies too

[@mrneg9]

You did it right bud.

[@matthewalumbaugh776]

Your tip on RTV answered my question exactly. Thanks!

[@Charkatak]

I am planning to open up rear differential cover and clean it out on 2005 F150. I purchased an actual gasket and also bought "gasket sealant" just to make sure gasket doesn't move while installing. Would you say, it will work or I need another stuff?

[@elhuskyrojo9916]

Hey there. Love your videos. Do you have some advice for a P1792 error code on a 99 jeep grand Cherokee?

[@jio8520]

A most excellent video brother. You put it to rest with the gasket maker. Im old school. Been ripping car's apart since 1975. Still love doing what i can. Im actually putting a new pan on my pristine 2006 300 limited. Reason that is the only metal underneath that is getting weak. So before the pan really goes a new one is in order. I like to stick with oem mostly when necessary. So i got the pan but the dealership discontinued the gasket. Really?? All with the rtv gasket maker nonsense. As you showed very difficult to take off if you have to drop the pan in the future. So i got a good felpro aftermarket rubber fiberglass oem fit. Yes i with you on putting some to hold the gasket in place. Not necessary on a brand new pan but won't hurt lol. I have nothing against the rtv but a gasket should always be used. What many don't understand especially if they are doing all rtv is you cannot drive the vehicle for at least a day at all for the rtv to fully cure. Honestly that's a pain in the ass and decieving most. Driving right out of a station after a tranny drop will cause some minor leak's a couple hour's or day's later. Not cool these (stealerships) got so damn cheap to discontinue or do all rtv from the start. There's a reason why it's called a gasket. As for my situation i put the rtv to hold the gasket in place like you showed but sitting for at least a week before i do the job. Bone dry is what my car looks like. I hope other's will understand rtv is not a magic bullet in place of a gasket. Cure time is key and think of what you will go through if you need to break that seal down the road. Thankyou for putting this matter to rest!👏👏👏

[@ccf3195]

I did this and my pan is still leaking from the corner. Why???

[@erikanthony8412]

Thank you.

[@psmith1349]

Excellent video! Very knowledgeable, humble, and doesn't talk down to us. I appreciate that very much. Great mechanic!

[@peachyclean93]

You didn't hit it hard enough you have to keep pounding at the Each corner to break it loose you never ever use a flat head screwdriver never! Ever! When in doubt pound it out!

[@alabbas4533]

Does 2003 passat 1.8t automatic need transmission fluid and filter change? The manual just says to check the level.

[@sharondanak9297]

I need to rebuild transmission in my 1977 corvette. Do you know the cost and excellent transmission shop near Charleston, WV?

[@JohnBrown-lp6mb]

Why wouldn't you clean that whole pan outside not just inside?

[@gustavoherrera5719]

easy in that truck but I have a 2005 chevy equinox do you know how. ...any ideas appreciate tank. s

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

I would drill a hole in the pan on the lowest part and replace a screw in it when you're finished

[@pawemus3990]

Good stuff. Can you make movie how to change oil in powershift g/b in any Fords plz?

[@liza3337]

I would just buy a new pan for $20 if you have the time to wait for it in the mail.

[@leosdreamon681]

I don’t know man looks like you’ve been struggling from all the videos I’ve seen so far LOL

[@davidcollis4758]

Instead of a screwdriver you can use a putty knife.

[@Texas_Pariah]

Do you have any videos on a head gasket replacement for a 09 Camry 2.4?

[@JesusMartinez-sx9qt]

good video . were can u find the yellow light the u used t.i.a

[@StevesAutoNtrucks]

+Ratchets and Wrenches funny, whilst cleaning our face 👍

[@StevesAutoNtrucks]

+Ratchets and Wrenches funny, whilst cleaning our face 👍

[@rkgsd]

No drain plug? Brilliant engineering courtesy of the Chrysler Corporation (now a Fiat company).

[@ruthlessmofo]

It's a Dodge

[@misha9301]

I feel like your repair videos are more realistic than Chris fix. Thanks! 🙏

[@rodneyjackson622]

I did not see you put the magnet back in the pan.

[@blairguinea1337]

Great job Sir, I am doing my sump gasket in the week

[@JeffBazell]

Nice hair! Plus, you're funny.

[@mrsseasea]

The trusted and true “tap a tapa”

[@kishorsapkota8029]

I got some idea , thank you.

[@andreahenriquez6114]

2007 pontiac torrent have a trnsmission fluid eak by awd? how can i fix it

[@badhorse1640]

Andrea Henriquez clean up the the grease and slow the leak and sell the car

[@PakoMaretele]

What happens if you drive without transmission filter?

[@Hollywood4Fun]

Pretty difficult to do since there is always a filter in the trans unless you take it out on purpose and I can't imagine why you would. But let say you do - your trans fluid is pulled into the filter to circulate in the transmission - and without a filter it won't get sucked into the pump to circulate so your trans will get ruined.

[@josuu104-7]

I ordered a transmission filter for my car, but there is a noticeable difference on the new one. The opening on the transmission filter hole is way shorter than the OEM part.

[@TheYoungBoaty]

Oem filter? Where did you order from?

[@nythanorayvri]

Great video impressive thanks

[@salvadormoran8364]

You put seal on both sides?

[@1971VoiceoftheMummy]

👍😎

[@lifepresent3183]

🏅🚦🥳

[@JohnBrown-lp6mb]

It was a great video

[@michaelrobinson3127]

Always worried to do this on an older car. Did this yrs ago on a Dodge van. 3 days later the transmission stuck in first from the new fluid cleaning all the gunk that kept it going.

[@davidkumbera295]

lNext time add lMotorkote

[@liza3337]

Other videos say to replace only half of your oil to prevent that from happening. Sorry. I still think it was worth a shot. The auto repair shops would have made you replace your transmission anyway.

[@FallGuy2005]

Lots of detail.

[@TheNicAguirre3]

Great video, thanks!

[@erikdale9145]

6.5qts* lol

[@Paul-zm1hb]

well done

[@매연공]

8:01 what is that? Is it silicone? please, let me know the name to apply.

[@davidkim510]

It is just silicone RTV gasket maker

[@KB5PQL]

Looked like Hondabond.

[@situationmoney]

Is it true that you can get most of the fluid out of the transmission and torque convertor by disconnecting one of the transmission lines from the radiator? I guess you disconnect the transmission line, turn on the engine, the old fluid gets pumped out via the transmission line, and then you add new fluid at the same time until you see the new fluid coming out of the transmission line...

[@santosmacias7089]

situationmoney that's correct you would need to remove one of the transmission lines, which would be the one pumping fluid out into the cooler. Turn on the car and put on the new fluid in top of the transmission dip stick. Until you see new fluid.

[@Josh-km9vc]

Remove the line that goes from transmission to oil cooler (in radiatior). Turn car on and let the trans fluid rush out. Run car for no more than 1 minute, but if fluid runs out prior then shut car off. Then drain pan and remove filter. That should get most out. This should be repeated twice for optimal flush.

[@xyyx7559]

YYYaaaayyy thumb up icecream van :D

[@museali1432]

thank your so much

[@Cd1f8tan33]

thanks a lot

[@brandonbecerra620]

6:58What!!!😂😂😂😂

[@kellyt5056]

nice

[@JanoyCresva]

Your videos are the fuckin best man. PS i love ice cream too!

[@hectorrzepeda2998]

this was helpful I was thinking of doing this twice in my Chevy 1500 to really flush out the old atf fluid stuck in the torque converter ..what do you think??

[@alexm2623]

IMO complete flushes are not necessary. If you do drain and fill every 50K or whatever you'll always have good fluid in there. If you are thinking of doing this because your fluid is very dirty, you could actually finish off your transmission because the new clean fluid is very slippery and without any of the "bits" in there it will start slipping in a worn transmission. Drain and fill is the way to go in terms of cost, transmission longevity, and general pain in the assness.

[@hectorrzepeda2998]

From your point of view I look at it in a whole new perspective.. which makes sense...thanks for your reply you just saved me some time and trouble keep up the good work!!!

[@G_star45]

Do videos on the latest cars. the cars you use are way outdated and simple to work on .

[@davidkumbera295]

Obviously you don't work on many cars.