How can I change the fluid without taking out the transmission

Tiny
MONCHO6685
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
I have water inside transmission. How can I change the fluid without taking out the transmission?
Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 6:01 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. The only way I know to remove all fluid from the transmission is to power flush the system. Basically, a machine is connected between one of the cooling lines. New fluid is put into the system while the old is removed. If there is water in it, I would also recommend servicing the pan and filter at the same time.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
MONCHO6685
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Joe thanks for your answer. If I do not have the machine, may I try taking out the line that return to the transmission, put that line in a five gallon pail and recirculate the fluid with the same transmission pump?
I pruchased ten quarts of ATF Mercon V, do I need more for that transmission?
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest, I do not think it will work, because the pressure of the pump is only one sided. Basically, if you disconnect the line, it will empty the transmission but the other will not draw the new in. It needs to be a closed loop so to say.

I have the machine at my shop. I install sixteen quarts in it every time I do a power flush. Let me ask a question. How did the water get into the fluid and how much water is involved?
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
MONCHO6685
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  • 118 POSTS
The water was in the bucket I have it. My mistake. I think a quart plus or minus. Right now looks pink. Is there is another way to do it without take out the transmission? If you can, give me information about your equipment, send me photos or other things to try to get it. Thanks for your answer. If you have another idea please let me know.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The only other way is to service the pan and filter several times while driving a few miles between services. That will be expensive and time consuming. I attached a picture from online that is the one I have.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
MONCHO6685
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Thanks for your teaching and show me new things. When you said machine you really mean it.
Thanks for the picture, let me see what hurts, the price.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Not a problem. Just to give you an idea, on average I charge $150.00 for a power flush. However, I am near Pittsburgh, PA so I do not know what you can expect. Regardless, hopefully that will give you some guide of cost.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
MONCHO6685
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Good morning Joe, thanks for your help. My expectation, be as good mechanic as possible. And now you are part of my learning.
Thanks. Juan Marin
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Juan.

I am glad to help in any way I can. It is funny, I have a shop and work on them all the time, but I am also a teacher. LOL. I love cars and after nearly forty years of working on them, I still enjoy it.

Take care and if I can help in the future, please let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
MONCHO6685
  • MEMBER
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Thank you very much for your help. We learn new things everyday. Forty year that is a lot of time and experience. I need to learn more. I am glad to know people who love what they do, because is not a job is like a hobby. That is my goal. Thanks. We are in touch.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 AM

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