🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

Changing the transmission fluid on your Stinger helps protect the transmission from heat and wear. This service is usually done as a drain-and-fill, then the level is set at a specific fluid temperature for the best result.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and keep the parking brake set.
• Transmission fluid can be hot. Let the car cool before draining.
• Do not overfill. This transmission uses a temperature-based level check.
• Use jack stands. Do not rely on a floor jack alone.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Ratchet
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Drain pan
• Funnel with long hose
• Scan tool with transmission temperature data (specialty)
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid SP-IV RR - Qty: 6-7 quarts
• Transmission drain plug washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the wheels.
• Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Warm the transmission slightly with a short drive if the fluid is cold, then shut the engine off.
• For the fluid level check, you will need transmission fluid temperature data from a scan tool.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle.
• Set the vehicle on jack stands at the factory lift points.
• Keep the vehicle level if possible. Level matters for fluid checks.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield

• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower cover fasteners.
• Set the shield aside.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Place the drain pan under the transmission.
• Use the 24mm socket to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain fully.
• Install a new transmission drain plug washer.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Refill the transmission

• Locate the fill plug on the transmission case.
• Use the 24mm socket to remove the fill plug.
• Use the fluid transfer pump to add Automatic transmission fluid SP-IV RR through the fill hole.
• Add the same amount you drained, then prepare for the level check.
• Install a new transmission fill plug washer after final level set.

Step 5: Set the fluid level

• Start the engine with the vehicle still level and foot on the brake.
• Use the scan tool with transmission temperature data to monitor ATF temperature.
• Shift slowly through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing a few seconds in each position.
• With the engine idling, remove the level/fill check plug using the 24mm socket.
• When fluid temperature is in the correct range, a small stream or drip should come out. Add fluid until it becomes a steady drip.
• Reinstall the plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the lower cover using the 10mm socket and ratchet.
• Lower the vehicle carefully.

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✅ After Repair

• Check for leaks around the drain and fill plugs.
• Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth shifts.
• Recheck for leaks after the drive.
• Dispose of used transmission fluid properly at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$220 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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