transmission flush/fill

[oneway]

haha dude I'm in the section (oil change and automatic transmission fluid change) there is NO PIC of the any pan...except for how to pump the fluid out of the differentials.

oh ok I see it I think - what book are you lookin at - you had me in chapter 7 and it's in chapter 1. Section 1-15 illustration 8.17 And of course the pic sucks major ass - I'ma just drop that big ass pan next to my oil filter - if that's not it - oh well LOL

[tekatlarge]

I feel your pain dave

[oneway]

well that manual officially sucks.

They said to undo the bolts to the pan leaving the rear bolts on but loosen them about 4 turns - pry the pan using a screwdriver and drop the front down so the pan can drain.

Here is what they should have said:

- Loosen all the bolts and remove them completely.
- You will notice the pan will not fall on it's own.
- Gently move the pan back and forth until it seperates from the upper part.
- You will notice the pan will not fall on it's own.
- There is a metal half-clip on the passenger side of the pan holding it in place. It is a MEAN fucker too.
- There is no way to pry open this clip or remove it.
- Tilt the pan toward the driver's side to drain most of the fluid.
- Remember that mean fucking clip? We are sure you have to replace the gasket because someone else used a shitty cork gasket - that clip there is to prevent you from replacing the gasket because we know you can't hold the new gasket in place, line up the pan, and fuck with that clip.
- Curse at it tons of times.
- Next pull the pan straight down - you may notice your body begin to lift off the ground. Crazy right?
- After sliding the pan back and forth, side to side....and pulling down with all your might one last time - the pan will some how come loose.
- The mean fucking clip will now shoot back up to its original position and will also shoot dirt and shit onto the clean engine parts. Reference the spaghetti top to a can when you pop it off - notice how you get spaghetti on your clean shirt.
- At this point, you should be standing with the pan in your hand with a sense of accomplishment.
- However - ask yourself how you are going to move that mean ass clip to replace the pan. We put that answer in the service manual to a 1998 Honda Civic hatchback. Please go spend another $26

Next section: Tire removal and windshield replacement - reference image 6.9 below

image 6.9 from all of us at Haynes

[oneway]

Here is that stupid tab that is kicking my ass



Here is my pan after I cleaned it.



stupid cork gasket - took me forever to scrape off

[oneway]

finally done

used Castrol Dex/Merc fluid. Specifically for older Ford vehicles. The manual called for MERCON - but apparently the DEX/MERC is safe to use.

I even let the stuff drain out overnight and only filled up a 1 gallon jug half way with trans fluid, guess it was pretty low. The fluid was very dark reddish/brownish. Then filling it up, I only put in about 4.5 quarts - manual calls for 5 with filter change. The old filter has the mesh screens all ripped and torn. Fluid was pretty high on the dipstick after warm up and shifting through the gears. All the gears grabbed the first time though. The real test will be in the AM because that's when it usually acts up.

Good experience - may want to pump the differentials or look into this leak at my trans cooler. I was able to follow a few drips and it appears it's coming from the top of one the hoses. Hope it's just a hose replacement.

Next project - Brake master cylinder inspect/rebuild/replace