DIY ATF Flush Question

[Techniker]

This was a previous post, but it does not appear to have attracted any answers, hopefully someone here will have an answer!

I am going to do the following procedure to change out my transmission fluid since it has turned brown. (I took it to a transmission shop where they dropped the pan and replaced the filter and fluid. They said the transmission fluid was fine, just old, but I don't think it could hurt to replace it.) I drive a 1995 Toyota Camry V6 XLE with 141,000 miles.

My question is this: Is there any problem with removing the outlet line from the transmission and placing it in a bottle of new ATF? Does the transmission even have that much suction or would I have to make sure the hose is long enough that I can have the supply line above the level of the transmission? Should I even do this at all? I really think the transmission needs to be flushed because I have thrown a sticking solenoid valve code twice. There is now some Seafoam TransTune in there and I think that should be removed if nothing else.

TRANSMISSION FLUSH PROCEDURE
Q: How can I flush my transmission fluid without bringing it to a shop?

A:

You can actually change virtually all the fluid in the system using the following method. We have 5 Toyota's in the family, and I have done this to them all at least once.
It takes about an hour. Use whatever fluid is recommended on the dipstick, or in the manual. Our Camry's and Corolla's take Dexron, but the Celica takes Toyota Type IV fluid, available only from Toyota, at about $3.50/qt. Use what's recommended, or you'll be sorry. It's still less expensive than having it done.
1. Drop the pan*, drain the fluid, replace the filter, and reinstall the pan as you usually do.
2. Add 3 quarts of fluid. (or however many quarts of fluid are drained from the pan).
3. Remove the fluid return line at the transmission (usually the upper of the two lines), and place it into a one-gallon milk jug or similar semi-transparent container. You may want to place the container in a box with rags around it so that it doesn't spill.
4. Start the engine, and let about a quart or so of fluid get pumped into the milk jug (about 10-15 seconds).
5. Stop the engine, and add a quart of fluid to the transmission.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you get new fluid out of the drain line.
You'll use about 8-10 quarts of fluid total, including the 3 you put in at the beginning, so you may need more than one milk jug.
7. Reinstall the drain line to the transmission, start the engine, and check for leaks.
8. With your foot on the brake, put the transmission in each gear, then into Park.
9.Let the car down and check the fluid level on the dipstick. Add fluid if needed to bring it up to the proper level.
10. Take it out for a test drive, and check the fluid level again.

(*One caveat is that it is not nessary to drop the pan. Removing and replacing the filter is not necessary. It is more or less just a screen that doesn't get plugged unless your clutch plates shread or something equally traumatic happens. Brian R.)

[peshwa]

Originally Posted by Techniker

This was a previous post, but it does not appear to have attracted any answers, hopefully someone here will have an answer!

The questions you need answered may have been discussed in a lot of threads (especially the DIY trans flush thread by member dz63) in detail and hence folks may not have answered.

My question is this: Is there any problem with removing the outlet line from the transmission and placing it in a bottle of new ATF?

Why do you want to use suction line? Its more hassle and may be risky too. Use the return line from radiator to the transmission to pump out old ATF fluid.I used the return line and there is no problem with that at all. Make sure you have a big enough bucket. Get an 11 litres (3 gallon) bucket from Walmart ~$4 for this. The transmission pumps out fluid at a very fast rate. A 15th quart per second at the minimum.

What is the problem with using dipstick hole to pour New ATF?

Does the transmission even have that much suction or would I have to make sure the hose is long enough that I can have the supply line above the level of the transmission?

Again you are going the difficult route...Based on my experience I would suggest its not needed.Get a clear vinyl tubing from HOme Depot with 5/8 OD X 4 ft long.

Should I even do this at all? I really think the transmission needs to be flushed because I have thrown a sticking solenoid valve code twice. There is now some Seafoam TransTune in there and I think that should be removed if nothing else.

I recently did the trans flush and man the car shifts so better now. It took 3 gallons of Walmart ATF ~ $33 and its the best money spent on my car till now.
Dont put any additives in your transmission. Its absolutely not worth it and will screw it up in the long run.