Car Lift needed to change transmission fluid?

[dan765]

I've got a 2015 Santa fe, 141k miles. Last had the transmission fluid changed by a shop 2 years ago.

I'm looking to do it myself this time and save some money.

I plan on doing it in my garage. There is a very slight slope to it, but I could level it out by raising the back a couple inches.

My question is, do i need to put the car on jack stands? I can access the transmission drain without doing that, but I don't know if I need to raise it for any other reason.

Thanks.

 

[tcp71]

If there is a drain and a fill plug you can reach, you are just doing a drain/fill and not changing any filters, just level it out the few inches so it shows correctly during refill.

 

[dadto2]

If it's like my Kia (and it probably is) I had to put on jackstands. I also had to put 2 or 3 feet of tubing on a funnel to direct the new fluid into the transmission, and have one of my kids underneath to tell me when it started flowing out the side plug to know it was full.

 

[D60]

If it's a standpipe for fluid level, you want the vehicle reasonably level.

This doesn't pertain to you but the scan tools are specific that the wheels are supposed to be elevated when doing a re-learn on Subaru CVTs. They have you put it in gear but never take your foot off the brake, so I don't know why it matters or how the vehicle would ever know if the rubber is touching the ground.

 

[tbm5690]

I think the easiest way to drain is to drain the old fluid into a measuring container. Assuming it came factory (or last change) with the correct level, put the same amount of new fluid in assuming you have a dipstick tube to use or a fill hole is present that will allow you to refill to the proper amount without too much leakage (based on the angle).

 

[tnt_motorsports]

I hate using jack stands. I made some ramps out of 2 x 12's and use those all the time. I even put my 2012 Ram Cummins on them for oil changes. I bought 1 2 x 12 x 10' and miter cut it into multiple pieces. I glued and screwed them together. They have to be 15+ years old now and still going strong.

 

[webfors]

Not needed, but sure makes it easier, safer, and a heck more enjoyable.

I have a QuickJack lift at home for most stuff... but I am also privileged to have a DIY garage in town for $40/hour CDN ($27 USD) where you get a lift and all the expected tools. I often just head to the DIY garage... cause it'll take me less time for most things.

 

[chexxers]

be aware of the fluid temp which can effect the level

 

[Egg_Head]

4 Rhino Ramps have always worked for me. Vehicle is level.

 

[webfors]

4 Rhino Ramps have always worked for me. Vehicle is level.

Wish I had a level driveway!

I'm clearing out the garage in the city so I can have my one man shop setup with the QuickJack lift properly. The garage floor is level and perfect for fluid checks.

The 4xramps setup is an excellent one for DIY work.

 

[live_to_hunt]

My daughter’s 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission temp is 122 degrees when doing the check. It’s easy just a plastic 3/8 cap. You don’t need jack stands to reach. Just get the vehicle level.

 

[Carlostrece]

Never mind. I misread the OP. So deleted my post.