AdamTay

Ok, read a few threads for DIYs on changing your transmission fluid etc. but I can't quite find out if the dealer is trying to con me or not....

'04 AT, in for a regular service.

Apparently the dealer notices the transmission fluid is 'a little dirty' and wants to flush the whole system. Apparently this is more than just topping up 2 or 3 quarts and involves replacing everything (something like 12 quarts?).

Anyway, they want $195, deal or no deal?

mikeb

195 seems high
i think i paid 150 last week or something

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I will say

No ******* DEAL

Come on. I mean ATFs are CHEAP!

AdamTay

Just found $120 at another local dealer. That seems to be a little better.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

i would say to change/flush as recommnded in the owners/maintinance manual

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

anyone knowledgable in the trans business will tell you those flush machines are all overpriced marketing hype, just get a standard drop the pan and refill flush at an old school trans shop

AdamTay

Current quotes stand at $99 for drain/refill or $120 for full flush. Worth the extra? Perhaps just going to some 'old school trans shop' would save me a bunch on the drain/refill?

Don't have the owners manual to hand the moment, but I'll give it a read later...

Thanks all.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Do it yourself.

Its Fun. and cheaper.

AdamTay

I'm a little new to all this stuff, but when people talk about doing it themselves, they seem to be replacing 2-3 quarts, but the dealer seemed to suggest there was much more to be replaced throughout the whole system? And that they use some 'flushing machine' to clean it all out a little more thoroughly?

a DIY does sound like more fun though.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

yea...the ATF to fill the trans yourself would prolly cost <$20

devildog1679

Book says 1.85 quarts. I used almost 2.

AdamTay

I think that for a manual, the owners manual seems to suggest 9.2 quarts of automatic transmission fluid.

Is the replacement procedue the same?

CosmosMpower

Do it yourself, I did my manual tranny for 20 bucks.

mysql101

thats about right for the MT, but they're talking about AT.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

i believe for an auto you are going to drop the trans fluid pan drain and clean it and then reinstall. At least thats how it was on a few of the cars I used to work on. That way you will be able to clean all the shavings off the magnet in the pan and be sure you have a (nearly) debris free tranny.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

I'm going to give you this:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-tranny-fluid-change-auto-74759/



in exchange for you learning how to use this:

https://www.rx8club.com/search.php

AdamTay

tried all combinations of 'automatic', 'transmission', 'flush' and 'fluid' in the search, but only found the MT version.

cheers.

devildog1679

OOPS, I need to get glasses.

ninjarama

letting loose 9.2 quarts of transmission fluid? better get one of those gigantic sized oil containers lest you get tranny fluid spilling all over the place... won't be fun to clean up!

Old Rotor

Did you see this "TSB" about the changing and flushing of the A/T. Look down the page til you find this one.....

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER/LINES FLUSHING PROCEDURE

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ins_index.html

AdamTay

Interesting thanks. It does seem to suggest there is significant advantage to flushing over a simple drain and refill, which doesn't seem to be everyone's opinion.

ninjarama

That does not look like fun! I liked chaning the fluids on my MT better... I wouldn't say that's fun either, but much simpler to say the least! Support the car on 4 jack stands, unbolt trans. -- drain, rebolt & refill...unbolt rear diff. -- drain, rebolt & refill. The only thing that would mak it easier is if you could fill from the top like engine oil =)