Sometimes when the engine gets warm, downshifts are harder, which I hear as a sign of a transmission fluid change being advisable.
At 157k miles with an automatic transmission, I am making a safe and budget decision. I can get the correct fluid from FCP Euro, and the car repair shop around the corner will replace (drain and fill) it.
Now looking at the dipstick - holy cow what a construction! There is a air intake that can easily be removed, then a big hose, underneath a smaller hose. The oil is supposed to be filled through the dipstick with a loooong funnel.

What's the trick to fill it properly and check level when you can't see a thing?


Thanks

 

Most long funnels you find will be too large on the small end to fit in the dipstick tube - in that case you'll attach rubber tubes (heater hose to fuel line or a plastic tube that fits) onto the end of the funnell with the too large end. And have to add fluid slowly.

On a trans fluid change - I always measure what I take out (translucent pail from home depot that has a scale on the side). If the trans is not leaking externally - don't put more than what you take out, initially. (usually 3.5 quarts on that trans) Check the level once the transmission is hot.

The dipstick is not easy - but not that hard to deal with. (yes your arm has to rub against hot cooling system hoses to get to it!)

You should drain and refill a few times - the trans holds about 7 quarts so you are only changing half of it. Google "gibbons method" if you want to flush the system completely.

 

As always - thanks hoonk for your detailed advice!

Is there also a filter that needs to be changed?

Thanks again.