Ok, I've been informed that my AOD transmission consumes 12.3 qts. of fluid (+ external cooler). As far as draining the transmission, all I did was take the pan off and let it drip for about a week. So, to be honest, I have no idea if there is any fluid left in the transmission or not and if there is, how much. I do know that my pan was bone dry when I put it and the new gasket back on. I am told to check the fluid level only when the car is running, so I am guessing that if I were to fill the transmission with fluid until I get a reading with the car off, I have probably over filled it (??). Yet, I also know that I do not want to start the car without putting maybe 5-6 qts.(at least) in first. I just need a guide line to go by... (proper procedure). Thanks!
Well we normally dump in 4Q and start the car then top it off from their..
Sounds good! Thanks!
Having an indication with the engine stopped will end up being off the stick when you check it properly. With the engine running the pump is being driven and a volume of fluid is brought up into the clutches, accumulators and so on, this lowers the level when running. Like Tom says, start with 4 and CHECK IT WHILE RUNNING IN PARK ON A LEVEL(ish) SURFACE. The other 8 qts or so will be in the torque converter, the lines and cooler(s), as well as in the valve body and so on. 12.3 is the dry fill capacity, which means starting from a torn down and cleaned unit and clean lines with a new cooler. You don't have all that.
Lots of good information! I do have a new external cooler that I have hooked up in line with, and is mounted on the left front of my radiator, but that really should not take much fluid. I was informed that on some cars there is a bolt that can be removed for the sole purpose of draining the torque converter. I'm not quite sure where it would be located. If I can find out if my car has one, I would rather drain it also so I can fill the transmission with as much new fluid as possible. If my car does not have one, have I done all that I can do to drain it (with it still in the car)? My manual doesn't even mention a torque converter... Thanks!
OR you can have a TRANNY shop use the flushing machine to do the job much better than just dropping the pan and filling it with only a limited amount of fluid. Years ago the converters on fords had a converter drain. Not sure if they still do. The flushing machine does a very good job for app 100 bucks or so!!!
Back to my other thread... I've heard that flushing an old transmission can cause problems. I was told by my friend who sold me this car that the transmission was rebuilt at one time, but I have no documentation and on long trips it doesn't always want to downshift into overdrive (but that's another story).
Flushing an old trans should only cause problems for NEGLECTED transmissions. If you let your trans rot, then I'd say stick with a drain and fill, OR keep ignoring it til you have an excuse to pull it and go through it with good stuff.
I would have to put this transmission in the "neglected" category. I bought my car when it had 118 miles on it and the owner kept good records of service done. I never saw anything bout the transmission being serviced. the car now has 202,000 miles on it. I've already put a chunk of change into the transmission fluid. What I'm looking at is in a year or two, I will need a new or rebuilt engine and transmission anyway. To be honest, I'm looking forward to a fresh transmission and engine, but I'm happy with the way it runs now. I just need to get it to pass emissions and get the transmission to downshift into overdrive on long trips. Thanks!