Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush (TR-TS Magna)

[FiReStOrM]

I thought it was about time for a new tech article. This is designed for novices, and contains instructions on a complete automatic transmission fluid flush. I'm pretty sure that everything has been included; if not please feel free to state anything that is missing and i'll fill it in - or even any tips for others which would make things easier.

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This guide is specific to the TR-TS Magna. (but can be used as a basic guide for other similar vehicles)
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If your automatic transmission fluid smells burnt or looks contaminated (dark or black in colour), then its definitely time for a fluid flush.

Cleanliness is top priority when working with the automatic transmission. Always ensure your workspace is kept clean and clean tools/equipment are used when working on an automatic transmission.

To begin with i'll state the correct way to check fluid level using the dipstick. First, allow the car to reach normal operating temperature (eg, go for a 10 minute drive). Park the car on a level surface, then with engine running, park brake engaged and foot on brake pedal, briefly engage each gear from 'P' down to 'L', then engage 'N' and withdraw the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean and insert it back into the case. Withdraw it once more and take note of the level (Note, always hold the dipstick pointing downwards when checking fluid level for an accurate reading). It should be in the 'HOT' region of the dipstick. Also take note of the quality of the fluid. It should be anything from pink to red in colour. If it is extremely dark red or brown-black, it must be replaced as soon as possible. If your fluid is of an acceptable quality but under-filled, replenish with fresh fluid until it is above the middle of the 'HOT' region on the dipstick. (Note, fluid is filled via the dipstick tube. Pour in small quantities at a time, check the level regularly. DO NOT overfill the transmission. It will cause increased hydraulic pressure placing un-necessary strain on internal components and seals, causing longterm damage).
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If you have come to the conclusion that your car requires a fluid flush then read on.


Tools/equipment required.

Suitable transmission fluid (Mitsubishi grade fluid or Castrol TQM-ST)
Automatic transmission oil filter
Automatic transmission sump gasket
(optional- 1 bottle AT Flush)
(optional- 1 bottle AT treatment/stabilizer)

Trolley jack & axle stands (or) car ramps & wheel chocks
Misc tools: metric spanners & sockets, ratchet & ext bar
Torque wrench
Oil drain pan
Gasket scraper (or) suitable chisel
Clean, lint-free rags/cloths
degreaser (please for your own sake do not buy cheap $2 cans as these have the potential to do more damage than good)



Note: If you plan on using an Automatic transmission flush additive, use before first flush for best results.


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The following is broken up into 3 sections for your convenience.

-Section 1: Performing a straight drain and refill without secondary flushing or changing filter.

-Section 2: Performing a straight drain and refill with secondary flush (but without changing filter).

-Section 3: Performing a complete flush including new oil filter.

[FiReStOrM]

Section 1:

Follow these steps in order to ensure a safe and successfully completed procedure.

1. Allow the vehicle to reach normal operating temperature (eg, go for a 10 minute drive), then allow the car to cool for a further 5-10 mins before beginning work (so you don't burn yourself working under the car). If you are using car ramps, drive the vehicle onto the ramps before allowing to cool.

If you are using car ramps, skip to step 3.

2. Using the trolley jack on a solid surface, carefully raise the car and support with axle stands on chassis rails.

3. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean and place in a clean area of the workspace. Place an oil drain pan under the transmission, then remove the differential housing drain plug and allow fluid to drain. Next remove the transmission sump plug and allow fluid to completely drain.

4. Wipe clean the drain plugs and replace them (into sump and differential housing).

5. Initially pour 4 litres of the new fluid into the transmission via the dipstick tube. Then replace the dipstick.

6. Carefully lower the car and start the engine. (DO NOT apply throttle for first 10 seconds). If using car ramps, the same applies. Start the vehicle and allow to idle for 20 seconds then reverse off the stands.

7. Allow the car to reach operating temperature again by idling. Briefly select each gear from 'P' to 'L', ending in 'N' and Check the fluid level. Add fluid as required (as specified at the beginning of this article).

[FiReStOrM]

Section 2:

Follow these steps in order to ensure a safe and successfully completed procedure.

1. Allow the vehicle to reach normal operating temperature (eg, go for a 10 minute drive), then allow the car to cool for a further 5-10 mins before beginning work (so you don't burn yourself working under the car). If you are using car ramps, drive the vehicle onto the ramps before allowing to cool.

If you are using car ramps, skip to step 3.

2. Using the trolley jack on a solid surface, carefully raise the car and support with axle stands on chassis rails.

3. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean and place in a clean area of the workspace. Place an oil drain pan under the transmission, then remove the differential housing drain plug and allow fluid to drain. Next remove the transmission sump plug and allow fluid to completely drain.

4. Wipe clean the drain plugs and replace them (into sump and differential housing).

5. Initially pour 4 litres of the new fluid into the transmission via the dipstick tube. Then replace the dipstick.

6. Carefully lower the car and start the engine. (DO NOT apply throttle for first 10 seconds). If using car ramps, the same applies. Start the vehicle and allow to idle for 20 seconds then reverse off the stands.

7. Allow the car to reach operating temperature again by idling. Briefly select each gear from 'P' to 'L', ending in 'N' and Check the fluid level. Add fluid as required (as specified at the beginning of this article).

8. Take the car for a brief drive, allowing all gears (from 1-4/OD) to be engaged. Then repeat steps from 1-7.

[FiReStOrM]

Section 3:

Follow these steps in order to ensure a safe and successfully completed procedure.

1. Allow the vehicle to reach normal operating temperature (eg, go for a 10 minute drive), then allow the car to cool for a further 5-10 mins before beginning work (so you don't burn yourself working under the car). If you are using car ramps, drive the vehicle onto the ramps before allowing to cool.

If you are using car ramps, skip to step 3.

2. Using the trolley jack on a solid surface, carefully raise the car and support with axle stands on chassis rails.

3. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean and place in a clean area of the workspace. Place an oil drain pan under the transmission, then remove the differential housing drain plug and allow fluid to drain. Next remove the transmission sump plug and allow fluid to completely drain.

4. Undo all transmission sump retaining bolts, and remove sump. Next undo oil filter bolts, remove the old oil filter, and replace with the new one. (Oil filter bolt torque 5-7 nm)

5. While the sump is off the car; remove the old gasket, thoroughly clean both the inside and outside surfaces including the magnets on the inside face. Also use the gasket scraper (or chisel) carefully to clean any remaining traces off the mating surfaces (sump and transmission body).

6. Apply the new gasket to the sump and replace the sump on the transmission, tightening the bolts to the correct torque (10-12 nm)

7. Wipe clean the drain plugs and replace them (into sump and differential housing).

8. Initially pour 4 litres of the new fluid into the transmission via the dipstick tube. Then replace the dipstick.

9. Carefully lower the car and start the engine. (DO NOT apply throttle for first 10 seconds). If using car ramps, the same applies. Start the vehicle and allow to idle for 20 seconds then reverse off the stands.

10. Allow the car to reach operating temperature again by idling. Briefly select each gear from 'P' to 'L', ending in 'N' and Check the fluid level. Add fluid as required (as specified at the beginning of this article).

-Note: If you are using any additives (ie, treatment/stabilizer) make sure you allow for the capacity of the additive also-


11. Once all fluid is replenished to correct level, take the car for a brief drive and listen for any unusual sounds or feel for unusual faults. Check the car once over, whilst idling, for any fluid leaks.

12. To perform the secondary, flush perform steps 1-3 (skip 4,5,6) & 7-11

[tufftr]

mate that is awesome, really good wirte up!
i recommend you dont let this go to waste and post it on AMC to at least try for a sticky.
you never cease to amaze me with all the knowledge you posess:P

when ya wanna pop down do a service on my car mate?



nice man, Cheers, [TUFFTR] aka Paul

[FiReStOrM]

hehe... cheers mate.

yeah, might post it up on amc when i get time...

[Zen]

good write up phill...

we dub thee tech god