Note: Recommended frequency: every 50,000 km or 24 months.
Note: Some filters are screens with holes that can be cleaned with solvents rather than replaced.
Caution! Gearbox oil temperature can reach 170°C, so wear protective gloves.
Change the oil in the automatic transmission immediately after driving. Hot oil is more effective than cold oil in removing sediment from the gearbox.
Raise the car on a lift.
Figure 2.41. Removing the oil drain plug from the automatic transmission
Place a container to collect the oil under the drain plug in the automatic transmission pan. Remove the drain plug (figure 2.41). After draining the oil, replace the plug and tighten to a torque of 17.6 Nm on vehicles prior to 2001 or 47.4 Nm on vehicles since 2001.
Figure 2.42. Using a 10 mm wrench (1) to unscrew the fluid drain plug from the rear final drive on vehicles produced since 2001 and on 2WD vehicles
On 2001 and later vehicles and on 2WD vehicles there is also a rear final drive drain plug. Place a container to collect the oil under the rear final drive drain plug and remove the drain plug (figure 2.42). After draining the oil, reinstall the plug and tighten to 54 Nm.
Remove the front and loosen the rear automatic transmission pan mounting bolts. Using a screwdriver blade or a pry bar, pry the front of the oil pan away from the automatic transmission housing and drain any remaining oil from the oil pan. Remove the rear oil pan mounting bolts and remove the oil pan.
Figure 2.43. Removing the automatic transmission fluid filter mounting bolt
Unscrew the filter mounting bolts and release the clamps (on some models) and remove the filter (figure 2.43). When removing the filter, be careful as it contains residual liquid.
Install a new one (or washed) filter, secure it with clamps and bolts, tightening them to a torque of 9.5 N·m.
Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the oil pan and automatic transmission housing.
Figure 2.44. Location of magnets on the automatic transmission pan
Mark the location of the magnets on the tray, remove and clean them. Wash the tray in clean solvent, dry it with compressed air and reinstall the magnets (figure 2.44).
Install the pan with a new gasket on the gearbox housing and secure with bolts.
Lower the car.
Fill the automatic transmission fluid level indicator with fresh oil through the guide tube. Add oil in small portions, constantly checking its level.
Start the engine, apply the parking brake and move the selector lever from position P to position L, holding it briefly in the intermediate positions, then back to position P.
With the engine idling, check the automatic transmission fluid level. Add oil up to the upper mark, which corresponds to a cold gearbox.