Help Interpreting ATF Change Procedure.

[Winston]

Here is the procedure (from the FSM) for changing the ATF in my '03 Montero.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
(CHANGE)
If you have a fluid changer, replace the fluid by the following
procedure.
1. Disconnect the hose shown in the illustration which
connects the transmission and the oil cooler (points to tube at the ATF cooler by the Radiator) Place a container under the hose to collect the
transmission fluid.
2. Start the engine and let the fluid drain out.
Running conditions: "N" range with engine idling
CAUTION
The engine should be stopped within one minute after it is
started. If the fluid has all drained out before then, the
engine should be stopped at that point.
3. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the transmission
case to drain the fluid.
Discharge volume: Approximately 2.0 dm3 (2.1 quarts)
4. Install the drain plug with a new gasket, and tighten it to the
specified torque.
Tightening torque: 32  2 N⋅m (24  1 ft-lb)
5. Pour new transmission fluid in through the oil filler tube.
Adding volume: Approximately 6.0 dm3 (6.3 quarts)
CAUTION
Stop pouring if the full volume of fluid cannot be poured in.
6. Repeat the procedure in Step 2. (to pump out the rest of the
contaminated fluid)
7. Pour the transmission fluid in through the oil filler tube.
NOTE: Check the fluid for contamination or burnt smell. If
fluid is still contaminated or burnt, repeat Steps 7 and 8
before proceeding to Step 8.
8. Reconnect the hose which was disconnected in step 1
above, and firmly replace the dipstick.
9. Start the engine and run it at idle for 1 − 2 minutes.
10. Move the selector lever through all positions, and then
move it to the "N" position.
11.Check that the fluid level is at the "COLD" mark on the
dipstick. If the level is lower than this, pour in more fluid.
12.Drive the vehicle until the fluid temperature rises to the
normal temperature [70 − 80C (158 − 176F)], and then
check the fluid level again. If it takes some amount of time
until the transmission fluid reaches its normal operating
temperature [70 − 80C (158 − 176F)], check the
transmission fluid level by referring to the diagram at left.
The transmission fluid level must be at the "HOT" mark.
NOTE: The transmission fluid temperature is measured with
scan tool MB991502. The "COLD" level is for reference
only; the "HOT" level should be regarded as the standard
level.
13. Firmly insert the dipstick into the oil filler tube.

I am confused by a few things.

a. This clearly seems like a "manual" drain procedure, not a procedure to be used with a changer.

b. Why are they draining the fluid from the pan AFTER running the fluid from the cooler line. Wouldn't you drain and top up the pan before running it through the cooler lines?

 

[unDummy]

This is the cooler line flush method.

There is no reason why or why not a tech writer writes like that. But the end point is the same, all the old ATF is pushed out with new ATF.

Without a drainplug, I'll cooler line pump a tranny dry prior to pulling the pan and servicing the filter.

With a drainplug, I prefer to pull the plug and refill(or overfill) prior to starting a cooler line flush. I'm too lazy to move my drain bucket back and forth and back. It'll sit under the car until the pan is drains empty Then, I move it to the front for the disconnect cooler line. The above Montero method seems to have extra steps not needed.

 

[XS650]

My favorite part:

quote:

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repeat Steps 7 and 8
before proceeding to Step 8.

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That's tricky to do.

 

[Gary Allan]

Does this have a FWD transaxle and you engage the rear wheels?

That is, the sump pickup may cavitate well above the final drive assembly. That might explain how you can run out of pumpable fluid ..yet still have two quarts behind some plug.

 

[HardbodyLoyalist]

A tech writer didn't write that.

A translator did.

...badly.

 

[Winston]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary Allan:
Does this have a FWD transaxle and you engage the rear wheels?

That is, the sump pickup may cavitate well above the final drive assembly. That might explain how you can run out of pumpable fluid ..yet still have two quarts behind some plug.

---

No it is an "old fashioned" 4WD system. 2hi, 4hi, or 4low are the choices on the 4wd shift lever.

 

[Gary Allan]

You have a solid front axle

 

[Winston]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary Allan:
You have a solid front axle

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Of course not. 4 wheel independant suspension.

When I said "old fashioned" I was referring to the transfer case. Although it does allow 4High on the pavement so it is one step up from the original 4WD transfer cases.