Stuck ATF drain plug

cadfaeltex · Oct 29, 2011

Was going to do a drain and refill with a pan drop and filter change on my 1994 Jag XJS. Didn't get very far though. The 5mm allen hex drain bolt wouldn't budge at all. Any hints on how to get it out? I pulled as hard as I dared without stripping the allen key out (and I hope I stopped in time).

TIA

huffmuds9320 · Oct 29, 2011

Spray something like PB Blaster onto the bolt, wait a few minutes then try again. Not sure what kind of hex tool you use but you could attach a long pipe to the hex key to give you extra leverage. Good luck.

A while back I helped my friend change the transmission fluid/filter on his BMW and the fill/check plug was super tight. I always remove the fill plug first just in case the I can't get the drain plug off. Sprayed some PB Blaster onto the bolt and not sure if its placebo but it worked. Oddly the drain plug didn't take much effort to loosen.

Eddie · Oct 29, 2011

I've found through experience that a sharp rap will do what a strong pull will not do for stuck plugs. Ed

The motor guy · Oct 29, 2011

Just drop the pan. Doesn't it have a filter that needs to be changed anyways? They don't usually put drain plugs on new vehicles these days anyways. People mistake them for oil drain plugs and drain the wrong fluid out.

Rand · Oct 29, 2011

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Just drop the pan. Doesn't it have a filter that needs to be changed anyways? They don't usually put drain plugs on new vehicles these days anyways. People mistake them for oil drain plugs and drain the wrong fluid out.

ALL 7 of the new vehicles I've driven lately had transmission drain plugs (pan not torque converter)

So I'd have to say your comment is incorrect.

The motor guy · Oct 29, 2011

None of the american vehicles i've driven have had them. The foreign ones do.

SS1970chrysler · Oct 30, 2011

The last ATF drain plug I saw was on a 1959 car, not counting aftermarket add-ons.
They are making a comeback which is good to see since the drainplug was always a good idea. It'd be nice if the fuel tank drains came back as well.

NavyDood · Oct 30, 2011

First, have a new drain plug on hand. After you have that take a dremel with a cut off wheel and make a slot. Then take a small chisel and hammer and knock it loose.

DaHen · Oct 30, 2011

I was glad to see that my '06 Altima has a ATF drain plug on it. Does make life easier to change the fluid. Plus ain't got no filter anyway.

cadfaeltex · Nov 1, 2011

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Just drop the pan. Doesn't it have a filter that needs to be changed anyways? They don't usually put drain plugs on new vehicles these days anyways. People mistake them for oil drain plugs and drain the wrong fluid out.

Think this may be the route I go with since I do have a new gasket and filter to go in.

Don't think I'd actually do this but saw/read somewhere there is a 'freeze it' bolt loosner spray on the market now. Would that be a conceivable option or just asking for trouble. I don't have a replacement on hand so I'm not going to risk it. Next time I order parts for her I'll likely see if I can get one to have on hand.

Thanks for all the replies.

xBa380 · Nov 3, 2011

My 2008 xB has an ATF drain plug. So I have been doing drain/fills every 15K or so. It is half an oil change of work, so why not!

Stuck ATF drain plug

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