• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

How do I change ALL the fluid (in converter and such) when servicing?

40th GP

40th GP

New member
So I have dropped the pan and changed the filter, but I would also like to change ALL the fluid. Usually I finish the job and refill the pan, then remove the return line and start the car to pump out the fluid from the converter and cooler/lines, then put back together, top off and I am done. BUT, usually my other cars have had a hose and clamp that I can easily undo to do this procedure. This car obviously does not.

So my question is, is it worth doing this extra change to get all the fluid, and if so, how do I do it? I know I can obviously undo the lines at the radiator, but they look different than I am used to, and I have heard that taking them off/opening them can create leaks that were not there before. I would hate to disturb things and have a leak when I am done and have to replace a line or fitting or something. Am I better off leaving it alone, or is this not a big deal to do? And which line is the return line? If I do this procedure, should I remove the line at the radiator, or at the tranny? I would think at the tranny would be better as I would have more control and a better chance of catching the old fluid. How hard are these lines to remove and get back on without leaking? Does the little plastic/rubber type piece that covers the line at the fitting just slide back out of the way? I do have flare nut wrenches, but I have not seen this little cover thing before.

Any thoughts appreciated. I want to change as much fluid as possible, but not at the extra expense/headache of causing other issues.
 


The return line to the trans is the horizontal line that goes back in. You can disconnect these without creating leaks. What year is your GP? If it's 99+ you'll have a quick disconnect fitting. Just pull the clip out with a pick and slide the line out. Replace the clip in the fitting and the line will snap back in to place when you put it back. What I did, and it may work for you if your fluid it noticeably different color that new, is I started the car and as fluid pumped out I poured new fluid in the dipstick tube until I saw fresh fluid come out. Then I dropped the pan and replaced the filter.
 
Mine is 2002, so it sounds like I should have the quicky connects. I have never had a car with this type before, but if there are no problems with creating leaks and such I will go for it. I have already dropped the pan and changed the filter and fluid, so I will have to do the opposite of you and change filter first, then start the car and catch the old fluid until it comes out clean. Seems the same result either way, only I don't have to drop the pan again after it is full of clean fluid. I also thoroughly cleaned the pan and the magnet before replacing.

So just to make sure I am clear, the pink looking thing is the clip that holds the quick connect line in, and I just slide it off the line with a pick or such and then pull the line and slide it back onto the line? Then when I am done I just slide the line back into the tranny case until it clicks and all is well?
 
Pulled the cover and the clip, then the line and had the wife running the key. Worked like a charm. Got all the old fluid out and hardly made a mess. Those quicky connects are nice. Thanks for the input.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top