chenripp

I want to do a complete ATX fluid change (including the one
in the torque converter).

I know that in order to get all of the old fluid out, you have to
disconnect the cooler line to drain the fluid from the torque converter.
But there are two cooler lines coming from the transmission, one
above the other one. Should I disconnect the top one or the
lower one? There are some old posts in the forum about this.
But some people took the top one and some people took the lower one.
which one is the right way to do this?

In order to drain the fluid in the torque converter, I have to
turn on the engine and shift the transmissin lever from R to
D for several times. Do I need to refill the new fluid in during
this process or just let it drain until empty?

jwko

I would not recommend doing that. Just change the fluid and filter, dont try spinning the fluid out of the converter.

plato

Hi. They have a machine that does what you're talking about. It is the power flush and you gotta take your car into a place like AAMCO.
If you just drain it yourself, you're going to get less than 1/2 the fluid out.
It is the only thing I take my car in for. Believe me, let them do it.
I would not try to run the car while the trans is draining.

mre_power

why, t tech machines require the engine to run. i would rather have a competent mechanic use the tranny to pump the fluid out and replace it then have the engine off and have a machine pump it out. imagine what it could be doing to the tranny.

only change your own transmission fluid if you know what you are doing and only have a place do it for you if they know what they are doing ie the method above.

Aussiblue

see http://www.amsoil.com/faqs/ATF_and_F...Procedures.pdf for instructions on how to do it (step 13 onwards).

Run the engine for a while the out going line will be cooler and that's the one you want. You shouldn't need to shift the trans as the trans pump will work in park and or neutral. It is easier if you pump out a measured amount of one or two litres at a time into a measured transparent container (old trans fluid container) stopping between ever measured amount and topping up the same amount in new fluid.

I always do it this way doing a full trans fluid change and band adjustment on both my Fairlanes every couple of years and have had no problems as a result. Some auto's like the Aussie BTR ones reputedly don't respond well to being power flushed anyway.

__________________
Regards Blue

mre_power

just make sure the fluid does not go dry

chenripp

which cooler line should I disconnect? the top one or the lower one?
Does the fluid come out from the top one and return through the lower one,
or the other way?

It seems I need a special tool to remove the clamp that holds the rubber
tube to the steel cooler. which kind of tool do I need?

mre_power

quite frankly. have some one do it for you. if you have to ask that question then the possibility is there for you to really screw something up. to have the transmission filter flushed and filter changed it shouldnt cost more then 250$
if you really want to try this check this thread out.

How To Flush Your Tranny At Home - Taurus Car Club of America

dac122

I have almost 140K miles on my '97 3.0L SOHC, original tranny. I've been pretty religious about servicing every 30K. For a time I even towed a small fishing boat in the summers.

All I ever do is drop the pan, replaced the filter and refill.

I'd balance your risk and reward with how hard you use the vehicle, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

tbird100636

If its a late model Taurus/Sable (around 98 and up) its the lower line. See if you have the type of fitting that has plastic tabs you squeeze to pull the line out. If not, you may need the tool for it. If it is a late model, remove the lower line, attach a rubber hose over the end of the line. Put the end of the hose in a bucket that holds at least 16 qt. Start the engine and watch the fluid come out of the hose. When the steady stream starts to trickle shut the engine off. Fill the trans. with 8 qt. of fluid. Start the engine again and run it until the fluid trickles and shut the engine off. This should take 1-3 min. Now reinstall the trans. line, fill the trans.with 4 qt. of fluid, start the engine and recheck the fluid. You just leave the trans. in park when you do the procedure. If you have any more questions, please include the year, model, engine, and trans. type on your next post.