Trans Fluid Replacement?

[My1es]

I took a look at my trans fluid dipstick the other day and the fluid was pretty dark. Also when shifting out of park the shifter is sometimes a little stiff. Can someone explain to me the process of draining and replacing my trans fluid?

My friend who owns a shop wants to charge me $75 to drain and replace the fluid with some high mileage stuff and some sort of Lucas additive. I'd much rather do it myself.

I have a 97 1.6L with a 3spd Auto. The car has 68K miles.

[Rip The E Brake]

Jack and secure car on flat surface

Let car cool to WARM STATUS, not HOT or COLD

If you have a plug int he trans pan, remove and let it drain... once drained, replace plug, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!

Remove bolts on trans pan, have drip pan ready for extra drip overs.

Remove all old traces of old gasket, scrap clean with razor...

Clean trans pan with brake cleaner, then use a microfiber to wipe try, NOT TERRY CLOTH.

Make sure the magnets are still in place and clean.

Replace gasket and filter with an autozone kit... save the gasket off the old filter, as you may need it again to put the new one on...

Put new gasket on pan, stick the corner bolts in first. tight down corner bolts, I think its about 13-16lb torque rating. DON'T OVER TORQUE!

Then replace other bolts in a crisscross pattern...

Add fluid to the tube, you will more then likely need close to a gallon... pour, let settle, pour, let settle, etc etc etc.

Done.

[wheredoesthisgo]

He could probably be better served with a complete flush and new filters, though the fact that he is having trouble may mean its too late.