Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Write-Up

Jsouder53

Hooked
This is for a 2016 Jeep JKU with a 3.6 pentastar. It was long overdue for my Jeep but I finally got it done. The shifting has been getting rough at times. It seems that the majority say to change the fluid every 30k miles. I thought I would do a write up since I couldn’t find one.

While I was down there, I went ahead and changed the transfer case fluid.

What You Need
-5 quarts of ATF+4 fluid
-auto transmission filter kit
(NAPA part: ATP 18579)
-funnel
-siphon hose (several feet)
-empty gallon jug
-t30 torx bit (I used the small ratchet from the Jeep kit)
-10m socket and ratchet
-rags
-oil catch pan
-cardboard
-inch torque wrench if you have it
-tools to remove any skid plates in the way


Instructions

1) Take the siphoning hose and stick one end down the transmission dipstick tube. Begin the siphon into the empty gallon jug. Let it run for as long as you can, try to siphon close to 4 quarts. (The siphoning hose I used was too small. Unfortunately, I am uncertain of the size but it took forever.)
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I marked quarts on the side of the gallon jug. 02F0A34C-C386-4B1C-A111-20180CDCE9C1.jpeg

2) While the jug is filling, remove any skid plates that are in the way.
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3) Once your done siphoning, setup the oil catch pan and cardboard underneath the transmission fluid pan. (My picture was taken after the fact, I didn’t siphon out enough because it was taking so long… got a little messy 😂)
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4) Using the 10mm socket and wrench, remove the 10mm bolt from the transmission fluid pan.
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5) Using the t30 torx bit and the small ratchet from the Jeep kit, remove the 6 screws holding the pan in place. Hold the pan with the other hand ensuring it doesn’t fall. KEEP IT BALANCED, there is still fluid in the pan.
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Note: The small ratchet can reach the back screws without having to jack up the transfer case and without having to remove the cross member.

6) Drain remaining fluid from the transmission pan into the catch pan.

7) Remove the filter by pulling down on the old filter, replace with new filter by pressing firmly up with the new filter. (Forgot to take pictures)
 
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Jsouder53

Hooked
8) Wipe out the pan, clean the magnet, and replace the gasket.
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9) Reattach the pan and tighten screws to 105 inch pounds. (I did not have an inch torque wrench and only snugged up the screws without over tightening them.)

10) Place funnel in the transmission dipstick tube and refill fluid (4.5 quarts or until levels are proper)
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11) Replace skid plates once you are certain there are not any leaks from the pan.
 
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bhaner

Active Member
Great write up!

I need to do mine. I am at 50k and haven't done it yet. I looked it up once and seem to remember the first change was at 60k.

This little guy is awesome for this sort of thing...

 

Jsouder53

Hooked
Great write up!

I need to do mine. I am at 50k and haven't done it yet. I looked it up once and seem to remember the first change was at 60k.

This little guy is awesome for this sort of thing...

Thanks! I am at 88k miles for my first 😬

I was thinking about getting something like that, but didn’t want to spend the money on it. I wish I did now lol
 

btoungette

Member
@Jsouder53 Looks like you have so much room for activities (to remove the transmission pan). I had to loosen my exhaust and loosen the transmission from the cross-member and raise the transmission slightly to get the pan out of my 2013 JK. Do you have exhaust spacers?
 

Jsouder53

Hooked
@Jsouder53 Looks like you have so much room for activities (to remove the transmission pan). I had to loosen my exhaust and loosen the transmission from the cross-member and raise the transmission slightly to get the pan out of my 2013 JK. Do you have exhaust spacers?
I do have exhaust spacers. I am so glad I did not have to raise the transmission to get it out.
 

Bradlybob

New member
Have you noticed any shifting issues since you changed the fluid? What brand of fluid did you use?
I used Chevron ATF +4 full synthetic, and it developed low speed shifting problems a few weeks later.
Lastly, what brand is that transmission skid plate? Looks cool.
 

Jsouder53

Hooked
Have you noticed any shifting issues since you changed the fluid? What brand of fluid did you use?
I used Chevron ATF +4 full synthetic, and it developed low speed shifting problems a few weeks later.
Lastly, what brand is that transmission skid plate? Looks cool.
I had low speed shifting issues before I changed the fluid, which is why I decided to change it. I used valvoline atf 4 fluid. It’s a MORE skid plate, it’s very well made.
 
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