03-10-2015, 08:57 PM | #1 |
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Transmission Fluid Change DIY
2011 35d and had no issues while changing the trans fluid/filter. Did NOT have to loosen or drop the trans crossmember and instead used a trans jack to raise the transmission about 1.5" to access the rear 4 pan bolts. When adding fluid, it initially only took 3 liters. I then replaced the fill plug, ran the car and while still put it through all gears manually while on the brake. Shut the X off and opened the fill plug and fluid still dribbled out. Then, I started the X, kept it running and removed the fill plug and then it took another 2 liters while running until it again dribbled out as full. Took 5 liters total. I'll attach pictures showing the distance available to remove the rear 4 bolts with the torx wrench. Of course I couldn't get a torque wrench in there but it hasn't leaked a drop after checking often while running.
Bought this X in September 2014 with 90,000 miles and just hit 100K this week. Will be driving it to Alaska in late May to mine on our gold claims. After stopping in Wisconsin after leaving Tyndall AFB Florida, it'll be a 4,500 mile trip each way. Used the Pentosin ATF 1. One pic shows the torx wrench at the top with plenty of room after jacking up the trans using a 2 X 4 between the jack & the transfer case. next pic shows the trans with the pan off. Next pic shows where the fill plug is on the passenger side. Used a bottle pump bought at an auto parts store to get the fluid in the fill plug. It worked great. Have driven over 100 miles since the filter/fluid change and there's no issues with perfect shifting.
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Last edited by USAF M6; 03-11-2015 at 05:08 AM.. |
03-11-2015, 01:12 AM | #2 |
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Thanks for the tip to avoid crossmember!
Mine is at 75K miles, need to find time and change it any day now. |
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03-11-2015, 05:05 AM | #3 |
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A 2X4 is the perfect width to lift on the transfer case right behind the crossmember. It takes a while to remove and re-tighten the 4 pan bolts with the torx wrench but it's easier than removing the cross member.
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03-11-2015, 07:57 AM | #4 |
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Was the filter one part with the pan like with the 8 spd. in the 3.5i?
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03-14-2015, 03:49 PM | #6 |
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Thanks for posting this, I'm going to be tackling this same job this upcoming week. Lifting the trans like that doesn't place any undue stress on the mounts?
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03-21-2015, 03:28 PM | #7 |
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No, as you raise the transmission you can see the clearance you're gaining to access the bolts. Have you done this yet PGas32?
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03-21-2015, 04:42 PM | #8 |
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I was wondering the same thing about stressing the transmission mounts
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03-28-2015, 10:28 AM | #9 |
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I just attempted it now, but I'm going to need to get a T40 Torx key like you used...I only have a socket and it's just not going to work.
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03-28-2015, 10:43 AM | #10 |
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There were some here that were making folks fearful of changing the filter/fluid predicting a doomsday transmission scenario. I have over 1000 miles on the new filter/fluid and pulled a good sized trailer 250 miles yesterday and the trans works perfect. My trans had 100,000 miles when I did this too. Don't listen to the doomsday folks. Here's a picture of the trailer I pulled 250 miles yesterday.
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03-28-2015, 10:45 AM | #11 |
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I took the correct bolt out and couldn't find it until I took this picture and then put the correct one back in.
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04-27-2015, 06:29 AM | #12 |
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Just as an update, I did wind up finally doing this job yesterday, after having the filter and oil sitting in my garage for 6+ month! I ordered this Torx wrench set from Amazon and just gently jacked the trans up as shown above. It's kind of a messy job without a lift, but really very simple for a DIY'er to tackle.
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04-03-2017, 09:21 AM | #13 |
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Reviving an old thread.
For those who have done an ATF DIY, how did you monitor the ATF temperature. As I understand from the ZF (makers of the transmission) videos that ATF temperature has to be at a certain range to properly fill with correct amount of fluid? |
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04-03-2017, 11:51 AM | #14 |
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Thanks for the write-up.
I am planning to do this sometime this month. Did you have to do any transmission adaptation for the new fluid? Did you change the fill plug or the silicone washer or is it fine to reuse the existing one? Thanks |
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04-03-2017, 12:58 PM | #15 | |
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Quote:
You can also use ISTA/D |
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04-03-2017, 04:34 PM | #16 |
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I used a cheap infrared thermometer gun.
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09-01-2019, 07:34 PM | #17 |
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Can you jack up the transmission without removing the transfer case bolt that goes through the transmission bracket or did you remove the bolt first?
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