Servicing an automatic transmission can feel like a daunting task… At least thats what it felt like for me when I first started wrenching.
Its actually quite simple.. and in this video I will be showing you my process step by step.
Ive serviced probably 100 automatic transmissions up to this point and this the process I was taught by my shop foremen and mentors and its worked great for me up to this day.
I havent had any transmission issues that I can recall, besides already present transmission symptoms that were exacerbated by changing out the fluid.
I wouldnt recommend servicing your transmission if its slipping or banging gears, I would only do it with an additive as a last resort hail mary before buying a rebuilt replacement.
I use this process on every automatic transmission I come across, whether its a BMW, a Chevy, or Toyota. The fluid type changes, based on transmission manufacturer, as well as the pan, filter, hardware, gasket, sleeve, and possibly final fill procedure, but its just the “same” parts on a different car shaped a little different.
Ill go over removing the fill plug, draining the automatic transmission, removal of the transmission pan, gasket, and filter, cleaning of the gasket mating surface, replacement of the mechatronic sleeve that seals the wiring harness as it enters the transmission (also causes oil leaks), initial fill, and final fill procedure on this 6hp21 ZF transmission.
This car is my 2008 BMW “E90” 335i with the N54 engine. I just finished a engine replacement series here on youtube and I will link it below!
I hope you find this video helpful! Im not a transmission expert, and it might not be the perfect procedure, but this is how I was shown to do it, and its worked pretty dang well for me this far.
I will link tools and parts used below. Enjoy!
BMW “E90” Engine Replacement Series!
WATCH PART 1:
https://youtu.be/hSD7EGkVQWs
WATCH PART 2:
https://youtu.be/eisEcjmDa_k
WATCH PART 3:
https://youtu.be/EVR5DcUGtxU
WATCH PART 4:
https://youtu.be/GaEXYBjAWnE
WATCH PART 5:
https://youtu.be/COc76qPskvc
BMW E46 GIVEAWAY SERIES PLAYLIST!!!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcaHMEb8LJ8aSth9OfbHWTSrO89dLaqj7
If youd like to support the channel, consider becoming a member!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC900dqzoDD9ZK98F9639muw/join
Or if Patreon is more your speed, we have one of those too!
https://www.Patreon.com/DayOffDIY
Venmo Donations
https://account.venmo.com/u/dayoffdiy
Cash App Donations
https://cash.app/$DayOffDIY
DAY OFF DIY Discord Link!
https://discord.gg/2XHfgmMpSU
TOOLS USED:
8MM Allen Socket
https://amzn.to/3SmrUKA
10MM Allen Socket
https://amzn.to/4eHPngK
Torx Sockets
https://amzn.to/4xM4y14
1/4″ Torque Wrench
https://amzn.to/3SZAQ8L
Transmission Fluid Pump
https://amzn.to/3QZNcgD
PARTS USED:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-auto-trans-service-kit-ga6hp19z-24152333907kt1
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-auto-trans-valve-body-sealing-sleeve-050121627201
19
){kind=link}
Out of curiosity why do you double click your torque wrench?
Another great video missing only one VERY important part…SAGE!
Just FYI the second or final fill is supposed to happen right after you start the engine after the initial fill. Otherwise youre running the trans 3-4 qts low until it warms up. After you hit 35 deg C you just check if its slightly high or low. Thats what ZF recommends
Thanks for sharing, Alec. Cheers, Nico.
Love this channel so much.
Lost reverse gear due to a leak which may be the mechatronic sleeve. I have to do this in the next couple of days, on jack stands, which is going be fun. Thanks for the great video, your timing is impeccable.
Shops don't like to service high mileage transmissions because if it fails or shows any signs of issues as a result of the fluid exchange, the shop is on the hook to fix/replace the customer's transmission.
I am of the same mindset. I service ALL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS regardless of mileage if there are little to no signs of transmission problems.
Last year I serviced my Escalade's transmission at 362k mi. My X5 diesel will have its transmission serviced soon and it has 222k mi. My previous SUV, a Volvo XC90 V8 had 212k mi and I serviced it's transmission to help with the shift flaring. I never completely went away but the shift flares became in an occasional thing, they softened and drivability improved. I had a 01 Acura TL with 270k mi that never showed any signs of transmission problems but, the trans cooler failed and leaked transmission fluid into the coolant. One junkyard replacement cooler, and a new trans filter and the leak was gone and the car continued to drive and shift beautifully. Finally I had a 2008 Ford Edge V6 FWD with 243k mi that was shift flaring badly among other things. One remanufactured valve body, and a service later, it shifted like it was new again.
Moral of the story, not servicing your transmission is sentencing your vehicles to a costly imminent failure. If you drive old cars like I do, but you don't have the skills to fix them yourself, this is the end of the road for that vehicle. It's got a one-way ticket to the junk yard or the scrap yard.
So, service your transmissions if it's shifting fine. Don't wait until a shifting problem occurs! It's usually too late by that time. Service it early and often! If you don't have a transmission fluid interval, a good interval is service every 50k mi or, 10th oil change if you do 5k mi oil changes. Have you shop/mechanic do it while they change the oil! That way they you save a bit on labor.
Doing this job with a lift is too easy; add a foot of snow, some ice and brutal cold….good times. Don't forget the recalled jack stands and possessed floor jack.
Where’s Sage?
Great job Alec. That’s a sweet ride. Shout out to FCP Euro for stepping up with the Turbos. They know a great channel when they see it.
Just found you. You're one of the good ones. Subscribed.
I fixed all the problems on my M54B30 engine following your videos. I really appreciate the work you are doing.
My 2014 335i with 184k I want to
Change the trans fluid but I’m afraid it will start issues with it. It’s running great now maybe I will just take the chance and service it. Thanks
For the video Alex I always enjoy Sunday mornings with a video from you.
Did this on my dad’s e90 with the GM box. The drain plug stripped so I had to just bite the bullet and drop the pan with all the fluid still in it. Took a while to clean that up
peak youtube refresh video recomendation
If only I had a real lift. Doing this on quick jacks makes access more difficult.
Solid video my friend! I have the supplies for my 528xi for this and the solenoid sleeves on my parts shelf and this is a great guide for one of those "bored weekends". It's shifting fine in the meantime but I'd like to future-proof it. Keep on rocking!
While you're in there, I usually do rear diff and if xi: front diff + tcase fluids.
Thank you I have a gear icon on my n52 engine I changed the diff fluid and it's still there I have a 192,000 mi 2006 BMW 325i Help??