Trans fluid and filter change 2004 Safari 2wd

[sidecar53]

I asked a similar question a couple weeks ago about changing the oil on my Safari. That went so well, I'm planning on changing the tranny fluid to synthetic and replacing the fliter. Trouble is- I've never changed trans fluid in any vehicle. Any tips or caveats anyone could offer would be truly appreciated. Is there a drain plug or do I have to remove a pan to acccomplish this? Thanks.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

No drain plug. Loosen all the bolts and only leave about 3 or 4 bolts in. Try to loosen 1 corner so the fluid will run out. Use a large catch pan as it will be all over the place. Plan to get oil down your arms! The filter will then just pull straight out. The seal will stay in the housing. Run your finger around it and if it is smooth with no nicks, leave it in. Rub a little fresh fluid on the neck of the new filter. Oh, make sure you have the right filter. I would buy both the standard depth and the deep one. Just return the one you don't use. Then wipe out the pan while inspecting it for debris. Pull the magnet and wipe it clean as well. You will see a lot of fines in the bottom. This is normal. Chunks are not. Place the new gasket on the pan with a couple of the bolts and install the pan. Tighten all the bolts to about 10 foot-pounds...just snug, no more. Add fresh fluid...about 6 -8 quarts.

Now is the time you'll flush the fluid out. If you have an auxiliary cooler, you can pull the lines off and place them into a bucket. Start the van and see what line the old oil comes out of. Run about 2 quarts out and shut it off. Add 2 more quarts to the tranny and restart the van and run out 2 more quarts. Do this until the fluid is fresh and clean. It'll take about 15 - 20 quarts total. If you don't have an aux cooler, you will need to pull the lines from the radiator. and do the same.

[sidecar53]

Thanks for your help, brother. Sounds like a pretty long job- guess I'll do it when I have a day off. I'll let you know how I do.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Yeah, plan for at least an afternoon. Plus if you have questions, being able to post a pic and/or ask away and still have time for a response is a good idea.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I did a write-up in the "General Procedures" section. Here it is.