AT fluid

[Payback45]

I want to change out my AT fluid and would like some advise on what AT fluid to buy. I have never changed it so I dont know what type or grade to buy.

2002 legacy GT LTD

[LegacyRob]

I used Molil 1 tranny fliud, never had any issues with the changeover.

[Payback45]

Is there a certain weight to the fluid like with engine oil? What about synthetic?

[LegacyRob]

Mobil 1 is full synthetic.

[Payback45]

So I can go right now and just buy mobil 1 full synthetic tranny oil and that will be ok? what is 4EAT and 5EAT? What about dexron II, IIE or III

[LegacyRob]

Mobil 1 tranny fluid will do what you want it to, I have the same tranny I assume so it will work for you too.

[Payback45]

how much do I need?

[dplacencia]

So I can go right now and just buy mobil 1 full synthetic tranny oil and that will be ok? what is 4EAT and 5EAT? What about dexron II, IIE or III

4EAT is a 4 speed trans and 5EAT is a 5 speed trans. You have a 4EAT.

[LegacyRob]

i think it's like 7 liters or so. Do you have a manual? it should tell you in it.

[Payback45]

Thanks for the info on 4eat. I never knew what it meant. I do have the manuall i will have to check it out. anyone else know of the top of their head how much it holds?

[dplacencia]

5 quarts on the pan.

[Hocrest]

It's not like changing the engine oil where you drain it all out and then add the capacity stated in the owners manual to get it full again.

With an AT, you never get all the fluid out. So it's best if you can get a good idea how much drains, then add 1 qt less than that. Then go for a short non-punishing drive to get the fluid up to temp and check the dipstick to see how much more is needed.

Last time I changed out the SVX, about 4 qts never came out.

It's much easier to come up 1 qt short than the have to drain 1/2qt :wink:

[dplacencia]

It's not like changing the engine oil where you drain it all out and then add the capacity stated in the owners manual to get it full again.

With an AT, you never get all the fluid out. So it's best if you can get a good idea how much drains, then add 1 qt less than that. Then go for a short non-punishing drive to get the fluid up to temp and check the dipstick to see how much more is needed.

Last time I changed out the SVX, about 4 qts never came out.

It's much easier to come up 1 qt short than the have to drain 1/2qt :wink:

He can do 4 1/2 and then check it. I do this at work all the time.

[Huffer]

I want to change out my AT fluid and would like some advise on what AT fluid to buy. I have never changed it so I dont know what type or grade to buy.

2002 legacy GT LTD

Do you have an owners manual? You'll want to match the fluid spec - brand isn't important but the right amount of fluid is...

You'll want to buy about 8qts - better to have more around than run out and be low on fluid. If you have a drain pan that has a measuring scale, that way you can be more assured of the amount drained.

Ideally you want to drain, refill the drained amount, go for a short drive (5-10miles on level ground, while cycling the shifter through all gears), then drain again and refill to the right level on the dipstick. On the second refill, add in a bottle of Lubegard ATF Protectant which will help to control and lower overall tranny temps.

I've used Mobil 1, Quaker State, Kendall brands with the same results + Lubegard = no worries. Transmissions between 30k, 120k, 200k.

[Payback45]

Is it important to drain, refill, drain refill? Will I get better results from that process? Also I believe that I have a leak in my tranny. Any recommendations??

[Hocrest]

If the old fluid is good, then once is fine. If the old fluid is toasty, then 2 - 3 times may be needed.

Why do you think it's leaking? Any ideas where?

[Payback45]

I have access to a lift and a mechinic and I asked him what he thought and he said it was a tranny leak. he suggested a leak stop should do it.
So will i know when i drain it for the first time if I need to do it again?

[Huffer]

Is it important to drain, refill, drain refill? Will I get better results from that process? Also I believe that I have a leak in my tranny. Any recommendations??

Depends on the last time you drained and refilled. I do it twice because as mentioned, you never get 100% of the old fluid out the first drain.

If you have a leak, get it fixed professionally - don't add any leak-stop additives. I recommend Lubegard ATF Protectant because it's a friction modifier only.

[Payback45]

So I changed the at fluid and I put to much in. is that going to be a problem? When I change it It goes right in to a 55gallon drum so i hav no idea how much came out. I put 4qts in and it is way above the fill line for hot. What should I do? drain and refill?

[Huffer]

Drain a little - undo the drain bolt - don't unscrew it the whole way, let it dribble out. tighten it back up and check the level, repeat until level is ok.