# Can I drain transmission fluid and replace withexact amount? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [April 10, 2023, 4:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021 "2023-04-10T04:52:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2023, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/21 "2023-04-17T16:08:08Z")
> [@nofyfb\_180405](#): > > DUY’ers may not have experience but they have dedication and time to do it right. Something “professionals” rarely possess. Hard to express how wrong this is, as a general statement. True sometimes? Of course, but far from true overall. ---
**Author:** ![nofyfb\_180405](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@nofyfb\_180405](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nofyfb_180405)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2023, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/22 "2023-04-17T16:16:18Z")
You might wonder why I - after nearly 20 years in the field as a Mechanical Breakdown Inspector - NEVER let anyone touch any of my vehicles. Well, there were exactly three exceptions over the last 35 years when I had no choice, and every single one was a screw up. One - MAJOR. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2023, 5:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/23 "2023-04-17T17:43:54Z")
Just to conclude, that video was the best I have seen on changing transmission fluid on the new transmissions. Exactly why I don’t do it myself anymore plus laying in transmission fluid is no fun. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 4:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/24 "2023-04-18T04:22:08Z")
For $350 - $400 I willay in transmission fluid! And I do no **trust** hathe mechanics will clean the drain and fill plug areas enough. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 4:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/25 "2023-04-18T04:49:39Z")
Watch and study the video first. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 5:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/26 "2023-04-18T05:17:58Z")
> [@bing](#): > > Exactly why I don’t do it myself anymore plus laying in transmission fluid is no fun. Use a drain pan, there is no need to spill fluid on the floor. ---
**Author:** ![harrisonpd\_160690](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/43a26b/32.png) [@harrisonpd\_160690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/harrisonpd_160690)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 2:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/27 "2023-04-18T14:55:12Z")
I skimmed thru the responses - but did not see where anyone answered his question re “lifetime” transmission fluid. what does the Owner’s Manual say about when to change the ATF? I take my vehicle in to the dealer for fluid changes, and my experience has been that they try to sell me fluid changes at mileage significantly lower that what the manual recommends. In other words, they are just trying to up sell you something you do not need because they make more money in doing to. Is that what is going on here? So what is the answer re the lifetime transmission fluid? ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 3:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/28 "2023-04-18T15:58:13Z")
> [@harrisonpd\_160690](#): > > Is that what is going on here? So what is the answer re the lifetime transmission fluid? I **think** it was answered. But here you go again, **ain’t no such thing** unless you consider the end of the 5/50000 warranty “life”. My dealership will sometimes attempt to talk me **out of** fluid changes such as brake and transmission. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/29 "2023-04-18T16:02:13Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > Use a drain pan, there is no need to spill fluid on the floor. > **[Amazon.com: Lisle 17892 Transmission Drain Pan : Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-17892-Transmission-Drain-Pan/dp/B0002SR6WA)** > > Heavy-duty plastic lift drain funnels extend the catch area of any lift drain. The funnel catches any loose parts.Flexible, if run over it will return to its original shape. Dimensions, 22" x 23". ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 5:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/30 "2023-04-18T17:09:59Z")
Like my transmission guy said, there is no such thing as lifetime fluid or a sealed transmission. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2023, 5:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/31 "2023-04-18T17:18:41Z")
At the Acura dealer they just suggest. They suggested to change the brake fluid. Extra hour and $100. I made an appointment to have the coolant and thermostat changed and wiper blades while they are at it. They talked me out of it saying they usually just do that with the timing belt, and have never had a thermostat fail. At least got new wiper blades but need to schedule the belt change. So I can’t say they just push unnecessary services, and everybody here knows not to neglect timing belts. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/32 "2023-04-19T00:24:29Z")
No idea how diyer-able it is, but if you decide to attempt this job yourself, make sure the car is level. All tires are properly inflated, and tires are sitting on solid, level surface. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 1:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/33 "2023-04-19T01:46:36Z")
Ya but according to the video, you have to start the car and run it through the gears until the fluid reaches the designated temp with the wheels turning. Then pull the plug again to let the excess out. You can’t run the car in gear unless it is off the ground. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 1:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/34 "2023-04-19T01:58:11Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > All tires are properly inflated, and tires are sitting on solid, level surface. You can stack the tires in the corner if you like. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 6:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/35 "2023-04-19T06:23:41Z")
> [@bing](#): > > _Ya but according to the video, you have to start the car and run it through the gears until the fluid reaches the designated temp with the wheels turning. Then pull the plug again to let the excess out. You can’t run the car in gear unless it is off the ground._ Why not fill until some fluid comes out of the overflow tube. Then screw the drain plug on andrive to the grocery store and shop. After arriving home, unscrew the drain plug and empty the transmission fluid which overflowed into the tube? Repeat. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 6:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/36 "2023-04-19T06:26:17Z")
Because it has to be at a particular temp like 100 degrees. Driving to the store would expand it too much. Explained in the video. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2023, 11:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/37 "2023-04-19T23:48:40Z")
typical @Robert-Gift He asks for advice He receives it And then he says he wants to do it the wrong way 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/38 "2023-04-20T00:07:53Z")
I expect our esteemed colleague RG is curious about the “why does it have to be done that way?” question is all. If a vehicle has to be run (powered wheels moving) to do the transmission maintenance job correctly, seems as long as you have a flat, solid surface, pretty simple for a diy’er to just put it on 4 jack stands, then you can run it all you like, and it remains level. No worries about the tire pressure. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/39 "2023-04-20T00:47:34Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > I expect our esteemed colleague RG I don’t think the word ’ Esteemed belongs here ’ !!! ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021/40 "2023-04-23T14:44:07Z")
> [@VOLVO-V70](#): > > > [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > > > I expect our esteemed colleague RG > > _I don’t think the word ’ Esteemed belongs here ’ !!!_ I’ve worked on steam engines. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-drain-transmission-fluid-and-replace-withexact-amount/190021.md?page=1)