V6 HT Leads replacement

[Clivejag]

Did you measure how much comes out and then pour in the same amount of new fluid?

[Simon Jones]

I found getting the ATF level right was quite tricky as you normally check it when hot but you don't want to take it for a long drive in case the initial level is wrong. Best solution is to use a Pela pump to suck out what you can, then measure how much came out and refil with the same amount.

On my '02 V6, the dipstick does have a cold marking which helps a little bit:

[mikeWalsall]

Like Simon says the auto box is bit tricky .. the level is checked with the handbrake hard on .. lever in 'P'ark and the engine running ..

Fresh fluid is filled (very slowly) down the (thin) dip stick tube .. I use a flexible funnel ..





Auto fluid (Dexron3) is used to fill / top up the power steering as well ..

[teenmal]

Did you measure how much comes out and then pour in the same amount of new fluid?

I would not recommend this procedure unless you are 100% sure that the Fluid is in fact at the correct capacity/level to start with.

[Simon Jones]

Take is for a decent run first. Stop, put the handbrake on and cycle the gear selector a few times and then check the level is between min and max with the engine running. Switch off, and while still hot, use the Pela to remove a much as possible. There are markings on the reservoir so you can get a pretty good idea of the amount to refil with.

[mikeWalsall]

A lot of people may not have a Pela .. as it is the same year as my V6 .. check if you have a drain plug as mine as one ..

Much better to drain the sump via the plug if you can .. I also removed my sump to give it .. and the filter a thorough cleaning ..

The rubber type gasket was still in good condition .. so I gave it a very thin smear of 'gasket goo' before re using it ..

[Clivejag]

Great thanks for the tips. I had been wondering about getting a vacuum, but I'll check for a sump plug. I fancy the idea of cleaning/replacing the filter (if available?)

[Simon Jones]

Just remove it and wash out with petrol. Make a note of which bolts go where as there were three different lengths on mine.

[mikeWalsall]

Shape / bolts look similar .. but I not sure if that is the same type as my earlier (1998) V6 Simon ..

If I recall correctly mine just had very fine stainless steel mesh inside ..

[Clivejag]

Thanks those are great pictures, makes it very clear and less daunting. I had assumed it would have been a more elaborate filter, more like an oil filter so it looks straight forward enough to deal with.

[Simon Jones]

I think mine is a later type of filter. These mesh is easy to clean by sloshing some petrol through it. In the bottom of the sump is a big furry magnet which should all be cleaned off. Definitely no sump plug on the '02 model.

[Clivejag]

I guess there's nothing tricky about getting the tray off under the engine, just some (rusty) bolts I suppose?

[mikeWalsall]

Nothing at all ..you have to remove the engine under tray .. but the tranny sumps bolts are easily assessable with a socket / ratchet (10mm?) .. but as I have a small torque controlled Bosch reversing lecky screwdriver .. I used that ..!!

If you have a drain plug .. there is a magnet around the hole .. remove it and check for metal 'swarf' ..

Ideally the Dexron3 should be a transparent red .. but more likely to be a mucky brown .. if the box as been over heating then the fluid may spell like burnt toast ..

Just be careful when removing the sump .. the gasket it is not paper and quite robust .. so if you take care not to damage it .. it can be re used ..

Tighten the sump bolts evenly and gradually in a 'X' fashion .. when all are lightly tightened they only need a final 'nip up' .. do not over tighten ..

[Clivejag]

Thats great. I'll check the condition/level of the fluid and go from there. With your info it sounds very do-able. Fingers crossed I've got a drain plug!