Fluid extract a transmission instead of dropping the pan

[newoilguy1]

2001 RAV4 125k miles. The transmission fluid is dark, but doesn’t smell burned.

Since it has a dipstick and I have a fluid extractor, what would be the downside of just trying to drain and replace as much fluid as I can reach through the dipstick?

Some reasons for Mickey mousing this is The transmission pan bolts are extremely rusted and mushroomed, I fully expect the heads to snap.

I have eight quarts total so the plan would be to siphon, refill, check levels, siphon again until I use all eight.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

I use an extractor a lot when I want to do a partial drain and fill, and definitely with transmissions that have no drain plug, so much less mess. Get an accurate measurement of what you extract and put that amount back.

 

[road_rascal]

Did that many times on my old 2012 Rav4 V6. I usually got a little over 4 quarts with my Mityvac fluid extractor.

 

[gman2304]

Since it has a dipstick and I have a fluid extractor, what would be the downside of just trying to drain and replace as much fluid as I can reach through the dipstick?

I have done this for my vehicles with a dipstick but no pan drain plug. I would think the only downside would be not being able to change the transmission filter using this method but My 2005 Chevy 5.3 4L60 E was shifting great when I sold it at 248,000 miles with no filter change. The fluid was nice and red with no burnt smell. I still use this method on my older cars with a dipstick.

 

[road_rascal]

I have done this for my vehicles with a dipstick but no pan drain plug. I would think the only downside would be not being able to change the transmissionmission filter using this method but My 2005 Chevy 5.3 4L60 E was shifting great when I sold it at 248,000 miles with no filter change. The fluid was nice and red with no burnt smell. I still use this method on my older cars with a dipstick.

I dropped the transmission pan at 170,000 miles for giggles and the OEM filter looked very clean (I replaced it any ways). The magnets had just a very light coating of crud and the inside of the pan was pretty clean. I need to do a second spill and fill on my 2018 Equinox....

 

[amateurbob]

2001 RAV4 125k miles. The transmission fluid is dark, but doesn’t smell burned.

Since it has a dipstick and I have a fluid extractor, what would be the downside of just trying to drain and replace as much fluid as I can reach through the dipstick?

Some reasons for Mickey mousing this is The transmission pan bolts are extremely rusted and mushroomed, I fully expect the heads to snap.

I have eight quarts total so the plan would be to siphon, refill, check levels, siphon again until I use all eight.

Do you know how many quarts you would need for a single drain and fill?

 

[Dave Hess]

Fluid extractor will work.

Is this the original ATF ?

 

[amateurbob]

I dropped the transmission pan at 170,000 miles for giggles and the OEM filter looked very clean (I replaced it any ways). The magnets had just a very light coating of crud and the inside of the pan was pretty clean. I need to do a second spill and fill on my 2018 Equinox....

I have been looking at older Fords and GM cars. Most have pans without drain plugs. If and when l get one, my plan was to change the filter and pan (with a drain plug) and do spill and fills every 30k. Then maybe every 100 to 150k change the filter.

 

[martinq]

In my experience it's always worth dropping the pan for cleaning and to add magnets, they're the only thing that's really cleaning the fluid.

I understand your hesitation and if it was mine I would order a new pan (depending how it looks) gasket, magnets and fasteners. I would start by doing a syphon drain & fill and soak the pan bolts with oil / penetrant. Then again at my next opportunity (syphon drain / fill) and try heating the bolts with a torch, soak after.

After the third drain / fill I would then try to remove the pan or take the parts to a shop and ask then to do it. Nothing complicated, just swap the pan and top up the fluid.

Take the old pan & magnets home for cleaning and inspection. Drop the pan once more after a year or 3-6 OCI for another clean and inspect.

 

[newoilguy1]

Fluid extractor will work.

Is this the original ATF ?

Yes, original

 

[Lubener]

what would be the downside of just trying to drain and replace as much fluid as I can reach through the dipstick?

The down side? A dirty restricted filter remains along with accumulated debris on the pan's bottom or magnet..

 

[martinq]

The down side? A dirty restricted filter remains along with accumulated debris on the pan's bottom or magnet..

Correct but the filter is unlikely to be anywhere near clogged (I would like to see it torn down though). At this point I would probably change the filter but in most cases it has little effect.

The magnets, on the other hand, loose effectiveness as they load up and this leads to accelerated wear and the eventual destruction of the transmission. Keep the magnets clean and your transmission should clean itself up nicely and live much longer.

 

[wlk]

If it has a replaceable filter, i drop the pan once and then just siphon and drain after that. Really no need to replace the filter multiple times after the first if no issues exist.

 

[newoilguy1]

I have some rare earth magnets for hobby work from Harbor freight. They’re pretty darn strong. I wonder if covering the outside of the pan would help. Magnetism travels a bit.

 

[KCJeep]

I did topside extraction and fills on my Jeep WJ for years with great results. Transmission was fine and the fluid bright red when I sold it at 147k.

Unfortunately my subsequent purchases do not allow this, much to my annoyance.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You don't need to drop the pan because Toyota was smart enough to include a drain plug

Just drain the fluid cold, measure how much came out, and refill with the same amount. It's easy

 

[TmanP]

I did it on a 4t65 in my old 2006 Buick Lacrosse. I believe that I could get four quarts out via the dipstick tube, measured it, and refilled with the same amount. I did it a couple times, driving in between, and was very happy with the results for the time/effort/cost.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

I did it on a 4t65 in my old 2006 Buick Lacrosse. I believe that I could get four quarts out via the dipstick tube, measured it, and refilled with the same amount. I did it a couple times, driving in between, and was very happy with the results for the time/effort/cost.

Exactly my experience with transmissions of less than125K miles

 

[Hohn]

2001 RAV4 125k miles. The transmission fluid is dark, but doesn’t smell burned.

Since it has a dipstick and I have a fluid extractor, what would be the downside of just trying to drain and replace as much fluid as I can reach through the dipstick?

Some reasons for Mickey mousing this is The transmission pan bolts are extremely rusted and mushroomed, I fully expect the heads to snap.

I have eight quarts total so the plan would be to siphon, refill, check levels, siphon again until I use all eight.

Sounds to me like a much smarter approach than dropping the pan.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

You don't need to drop the pan because Toyota was smart enough to include a drain plug

Just drain the fluid cold, measure how much came out, and refill with the same amount. It's easy

Extractors are so much easier but way slower; no crawling around, and you don't have to do it all at one shot. Just take your time measuring what comes out, letting the extractor and hoses drain for an hour minimum. Suggest a large graduated pitcher and an empty 5-gallon pail

5000mL (5 Liter) Large Measuring Cup