how do i safely refill my trans fluid

[joedirt12345]

I had to replace the inner filter in my trans and the z-link that goes from the rooster comb to the manual vave body. the filter was easy to find (thank you napa) but the only place i could find the z-link was pick-a-part so between the time that i pulled the pan off the tranny and the time i got the parts to put it back together the fluid in the torque converter came outnow i need to know how to refill that and the rest of the trans without doing any damage. the problem i was having caused the explorer to be inbetween 1st and 2nd gear all the time and it might still be in gear so im not sure if i can start it up and safely add fluid

 

[Anime]

Why do you want to start it up to add fluid?

Just use a funnel and tube to stick in the filler hole, run the tube into the engine compartment and stick the funnel on it, then add fluid until it starts dripping out of the filler hole (its a good idea to have a drain pan under there for this).

After that, drive it some, then check the fluid level again once it's cooled down.

Repeat until the fluid is at the proper level.


Same thing for any tranny fluid change, really.

 

[FR@NK]

To add fluid after removing the pan my atsg manual says add 3 quarts into the dip stick tube then check the level. Then add fluid in half pints til its at the right level.

To check the level after you add the initial 3 quarts you start the vehicle and with your foot on the brake move the shifter into each gear for a few seconds then place the vehicle in park and set the parking brake. With the vehicle still running pull the dip stick and wipe the end with a clean shop rag then reinsert and remove to check the level. Sometimes its hard to read after you just added fluid because there is still some fluid on the walls of the dip stick tube. The dip stick has two hole near the end. If the fluid level is between these two holes when cold then you have enough to operate the vehicle. Normally I just make sure there is enough fluid in there then take the vehicle for a short drive testing each gear and bring the transmission up to operating temp. Then stop and check level and if low add half a pint then take another short drive and recheck level. Repeat until full.

Are you sure fluid drained from the torque converter? Removing the pan wont drain it...unless you were on an incline maybe.