[kperkins]

Got a few questions guys. First, let me say--I'm not particularly mechanically inclined and tend to tear up a lot of knuckles and its best not to let small children within earshot. That said, I do like the satisfaction of doing minor things myself. I've started doing the maintenance on my wifes CRV and my truck. On the truck its time to change the trans fluild. I've got 31k on it. I'm considering switching to amsoil. From what i'm reading draining the pan is only about a third of the capacity. Because of the above I'd rather not unhook trans lines if I don't need to. Is amsoil going to make that big a difference? Would I be better off taking it tothe local trans shop and letting them change it with dino for $90? Or, buy amsoil--drain whatever from the pan, replace with amsoil and repeat in 5000 miles for a few intervals?
Many thanks.

 

[TacoPoPo]

If you are going to switch to AMSOIL you will need to do a complete flush of the ATF. Since you are not mechanically inclined, you would be better off taking it to a shop. You will probably need 12 quarts of AMSOIL (or whatever synthetic you will be switching to) to do the flush. It is not that difficult, but does require a bit more than just draining and refilling.

 

[ByrdDog20]

I replaced mine with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF just doing a drain and refill. You only get out about a third or half draining and refilling but I did it twice the first time so got between 60 and 75% of the old stuff out. The Mobil 1 is compatible with existing ATF and the old stuff was a little dirty but not burned.

I plan on doing a drain and fill every other oil change, about 10k. Seems to shift better with the M1 but it may be in my head.

FWIW, the manual states you drain 2.1 qts from the AT pan, actually mine was 4.5 qts. Called the dealer, he said every car is different, they put the 2.1 in and start adding 1/4 qt and checking, yes it is a time consuming pain. Hope it is 4.5 qts next time so I can just add the ATF and be done.

Good luck

 

[kperkins]

Appreciate the input. Still not sure which direction I'll go. I like the idea of doing it myself over a couple of changes. I may crawl around and see what the lines look like as far as completely draining. May take it to a shop. Any other opinions?

 

[alex9021]

Appreciate the input. Still not sure which direction I'll go. I like the idea of doing it myself over a couple of changes. I may crawl around and see what the lines look like as far as completely draining. May take it to a shop. Any other opinions?

This site should help you out: http://www.amsoil.com/lit/EASY STEPS IN CHANGING ATF FLUID2.pdf

 

[kperkins]

Sounds straight forward enough. If it weren't supposed to be pretty cold today I'd crawl around lookiing for the best way to get to everything. Anyone know what size wrench offhand to remove the lines?

 

[tercel89]

you should have those little clamps that have either a screw-driver head or it maybe the type that just requires you to take pliers and squeeze the clamp notchs togather to release the tension.