How to flush transmission fluid from radiator
If you’re a car enthusiast, then you know the importance of keeping your vehicle in top condition. One key component that’s often overlooked is the transmission system. Flushing your transmission fluid out at regular intervals will help keep it running smoothly. In this article, we’ll show you how to flush your transmission fluid yourself using a radiator. Let’s get started!
What is Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a type of lubricant that is designed to be used in automobiles and mechanical equipment. It contains special additives such as extreme pressure (EP) agents, anti-wear agents, rust inhibitors, detergents and dispersants, along with other polymers and solvents. The additives allow the transmission to operate normally and protect it from wear and tear.
The fluid is found in the transmission of your car, commonly called ATF or automatic transmission fluid, which transmits power from the engine to the different gears. As you drive, the gears adjust depending on what kind of surface you are driving on and how much weight is in your car. Oil helps maintain that connection.
Transmission Fluid Function
Transmission fluid is used to transfer the torque from the engine to the drive axle.
When an engine has a lot of horsepower and torque, it will require more transmission fluid as opposed to an engine with less horsepower and torque. There are three types of fluid: automatic transmission fluid (ATF), Dexron II, and Honda fluid. If you have a Honda car, then the manufacturer recommends that you use Honda fluid. Any other type of ATF or Dexron II will work in a Honda car.
It is necessary to flush the transmission fluid out from radiator in order to remove all harmful contaminants. Always remember, that transmission fluid can be very harmful if it gets into eyes, skin or respiratory system. Be aware of safety measures and never use bare hands when removing potentially contaminated transmission fluid. Transmission fluid circulation begins at oil pan (or bottom-most part of the engine). In order to remove all harmful contaminants from radiator, you will have to drain oil pan and then flush it using special flushing fluid. This article will show you how to do this.
How Transmission Fluid Works
The engine holds transmission fluid from around the middle to upper part of the engine. The transmission fluid is circulated throughout the engine and around the drive axle via internal transmission lines, hoses, and external fill tube. During the process of flushing out old fluid and putting in new fluid, it is important to keep an eye on the color of the transmission fluid coming out from your radiator. Transmission fluid can be red or pink if it is brand new. It could also be brown or black if it is old. If there are no traces of pink in the fluid when you drain it, then it’s time to replace your transmission fluid and radiator fluid.
When do you flush Transmission Fluid from Radiator
Transmission fluid is responsible for shift changes and gears of the car. Professional mechanics recommend flushing this fluid every 30,000 miles or after 3 years of use. This service can be done at any time and it will keep your engine in good condition.
Fluid will last for life of the car if maintained with proper maintenance schedule . Fluid needs replacement because it degrades over time and loses its lubricating properties. Transmission system would eventually wear due to lack of lubrication. Heat caused by friction between metal parts is the main reason behind the deterioration of fluid inside your vehicle’s automatic transmission system. Newer vehicles can go longer period without changing fluids but they also have sophisticated transmission system which might require more attention than older ones.
How Does Transmission Fluid Flush Help
Transmission flush helps to increase durability, performance and fuel economy of your vehicle’s engine. It helps to make sure that worn parts are replaced before they become more problematic. You can flush out your vehicle’s transmission fluid by yourself or you can take it to an expert for this job. If you are using it at home, you will need following tools and equipment:
- Transmission fluid container
- Funnel
- Hose
When people who own old cars ask mechanics to flush their engines, it is almost always because they are concerned about the level of transmission fluid in the engine. It may be that they believe this is an oil change or fuel filter replacement service.
Main points:
- Tranmission fluid helps your car work
- Advice on how much to use and when to check it
- Cleaning out engine with a flush will help get rid of any bad particles that could damage transmissions
People usually think that when you take your car into a shop for warranty work or repairs, the mechanic will drain all the fluids in your car make it easier on them, then put new ones back into your car. While this might be true, it is not necessary to drain every fluid in a car. Transmission fluid does not need to be drained and replaced often, because transmission flushes are a cost efficient way of flushing out the old fluid and replacing it with new one.
First of all, you should know that there are different types of fluids for various components or parts on a vehicle. In addition to transmission fluid , other common fluids include oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer solution and power steering fluid. Each type of liquid serves its own specific purpose as well as helps to ensure that your engine runs smoothly.
For example, if the engine overheats from being driven too long without enough coolant, then you would have problems with your car shutting down. Transmission fluid does not need to be replaced as often because it is more expensive and complicated than other fluids in a car.
However, if too much transmission fluid leaks out of the engine’s radiator , then the engine could overheat also. If there is not enough transmission fluid in the system when you try to switch gears, then your vehicle will shutdown or stall out.
Finally, when you are ready for an oil change or fuel filter replacement service on your car, simply tell the mechanic ahead of time that you want them to flush the traniission fluid too. This way they can make sure they drain all of the old fluid out before putting in new one.
Transmission fluid is a liquid that, if not drained and replaced regularly, can cause harm to your car. However, this process is expensive and complicated, so many mechanics will simply flush the old fluid out with new fluid instead of draining it entirely. This costs less money but still serves the same purpose as flushing all of the old fluid out.
Why ATF Wears Out
To keep your vehicle running properly, it is important to service these components every so often (specifically according to the manufacturers or automakers servicing schedule). Each of these components has a specific purpose for being on the engine; it helps with performance, fuel economy, engine life expectancy, among others. One such part is called automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Auto transmission fluid (ATF) performs several functions within the automatic transmission system. It is used to lubricate all of the friction surfaces within an automatic transmission, including the gears, bearings and clutches. ATF also serves as a hydraulic fluid that helps actuate the shift valves by opening them in response to control pressure. Sometimes when an auto transmission is failing, you can take it into a shop for repair; but when you run across small problems like leaking fluid or problems with shifting (which are often times much less expensive) here’s how to flush your own ATF out in case it needs replacement.
Just make sure you know what specific kind of automatic transmission system your vehicle has before attempting this service yourself. Otherwise, consult with your local mechanic or dealership for guidance if need be.
How to Choose the Right ATF
A torque converter is a complicated device that contains many components that work together. The function of these parts is to allow an engine’s crankshaft (connected to the transmission) to run at its optimal speed while transferring power into turning wheels (connected to another axle). This transfer is accomplished through the spinning of the converter’s clutch plates, which are attached to each axle. When you step on your car’s brakes, for example, this causes an increase in hydraulic pressure (from the brake fluid), which makes it more difficult for your vehicle’s clutch plates to spin and “slips” them off their engagement with one another. When you let up on the brakes, the release of excess hydraulic pressure frees up your vehicle’s clutch discs and returns your car to normal performance.
The fluid in the torque converter is designed to help minimize friction between spinning and non-spinning parts, as well as high temperatures that result from this type of operation. Transmission fluid (also called automatic transmission fluid or ATF) acts as a lubricant and coolant for the valves, gears, clutch plates and hydraulic pressure. There are two types of transmission fluids – mineral based fluids that have been used steadily since the industry’s beginnings – and synthetic fluids that were more recently developed. How you maintain your vehicle will determine which type of fluid should be used by technicians at its service center .
Transmission oil/fluid level is checked via a dipstick inside of your car’s transmission case – it will be marked “ATF” or “Oil”. The fluid level should be at the maximum line on the stick. If it is below, you can add more through a dipstick tube access port located next to the dipstick.
The check engine light may come on if there are transmission problems, but this does not necessarily mean that your car needs its fluid changed immediately. Fluid change intervals vary greatly depending upon what make and model of vehicle you have as well as how often you drive it. Some manufacturers recommend changes every 30,000 miles while others indicate 100,000 mile intervals are acceptable. Driving conditions also affect fluid life – stop-and-go city driving speeds up transmission component wear while highway cruising can extend its life by reducing this type of wear.
If you live in a location where the weather is consistently cold, your car’s transmission fluid will last longer than if you reside in warmer areas – both climates cause more stress on transmissions through higher operating temperatures. If your vehicle does not have a history of frequent transmission problems, it might be able to go several years between changes without experiencing any negative consequences. On the other hand, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or tow heavy loads with your vehicle, having its ATF changed every year or two instead of every three to five would likely be better for it.
How to Flush the Transmission Fluid from Radiator Yourself
A transmission flush is a method used to clean the inside of the radiator and cooling system, as well as removing any harmful deposits that may be found within. Flushing your vehicle’s radiator helps to prevent costly breakdowns and failures by removing debris which can accumulate over time. It also ensures that there is no coolant or other fluid left in the radiator and engine, which can cause issues such as overheating.
Follow all of the steps below carefully and make sure you leave no fluid in the system. Check for leaks every step of the way!
1. Park the car on a flat surface and open its hood.
2. Locate your radiator underneath the engine compartment of your car. It has two plastic tubes going into it with a metal or brick-like object between them – that’s the transmission fluid cooler. It’s attached to the end of your radiator.
3. Use a screwdriver and pop off the cap on top of the cooler – this is where transmission fluid goes in; we need to get it out.
4. Remove the metal or brick-like object and place it somewhere else (ex: on a clean towel) – don’t allow it to touch anything as it’s still very hot.
5. Fit a radiator hose (ex: an old garden hose) into the transmission fluid opening and allow the fluid begin to drain out. Make sure you’ve placed something under your car, such as a drip pan or rag, so that any remaining fluid doesn’t make a mess on the ground.
6. Fill up the empty transmission cooler with water and let it wait until all of the water has drained out – then fill it with more water and repeat 3-4 times or until no more dirt is coming out from the cooler.
7. Replace your metal/brick-like object back into place between your two plastic tubes and replace the cap tightly using pliers if needed.
8. Refill the transmission fluid reservoir with transmission fluid through its opening on top of your car until it reaches max level. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for exact measurements if you don’t know how much to pour in.
9. Start the engine and drive around the block 3 times; this will allow your car to mix up all of the new oil and old ATF together so that they both reach every gear in the tranny properly.
10. You can now remove the radiator hose from underneath your car, close up everything under the hood, and enjoy a smooth ride!
