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Hello everyone,
Has anyone posted a step by step procedure for changing the transmission filter and fluid in the 6 speed?
I have searched but can't find anything. Lots of talk about fluid types and other stuff.
Is this a difficult job?
I have access to a full chassis lift.
Also, lot's of talk about the Torx bolts. 25 or 40 or something.
Where do I get the full kit, including filter, pan, bolts, connectors or fittings?
Thank you for your experience!
Transmission model is a 6HP26 by ZF. Kits for this are just about everywhere, starting from genuine ZF all the way to cheap no-brand on eBay.
Most on this forum would say go with Mercon SP fluid. If you have a lift and the will to push past the scare of removing the valve body, replace the bridge and tube seals as well. Definitely do the connector sleeve as it is locked in place by a lever that can only be accessed when the pan is off.
If you are bored and want to do something different, there is a metal pan with a replaceable filter out there as a substitute for the plastic model we all have. Take one less liter of fluid though, so it is not without compromise.
Once the initial maintenance is done, after a couple of weeks, you likely will want to do a quick flush and refill to get more new fluid in (some fluid remains in the converter, so a flush is always partial).
The last step after that is to reset the adaptations. This is a software procedure done through the diagnostics port. It gives the car 100 miles to "re-learn" the engagement of the clutches with the new fluid for a smoother ride.
Hello everyone,
Has anyone posted a step by step procedure for changing the transmission filter and fluid in the 6 speed?
I have searched but can't find anything. Lots of talk about fluid types and other stuff.
Is this a difficult job?
I have access to a full chassis lift.
Also, lot's of talk about the Torx bolts. 25 or 40 or something.
Where do I get the full kit, including filter, pan, bolts, connectors or fittings?
Thank you for your experience!
Proper trans fluid will always be a point of discussion.
I think you'll be safe with mercon sp... If you have the dough, the lifeguard 6 stuff...
Pretty much everything is covered on this subject in these forum pages (even YouTube videos). Everything, unless there is a specific problem you are running into is covered, so I'd say follow them directions/instructions and keep it moving.
Is there a specific part of any of it that you are unclear on or have a question about?
Not anything specific.
I just want to change the filter and fluid.
The pan has a slight seeping at the edge, according to my mechanic.
Also, I am getting the hard shift from 2nd to 1st when slowing to almost a stop.
Also, I hear a strange whoop noise if I floor it and it downshifts.
I also noticed that when shifting from D to R, or from R to D, there is a bit of a delay before the gears engage.
From what I have read on here, I need to change the filter and fluid and it should be okay.
Car is a 2004 with 72K miles.
Last edited by Todd Wiens; Jul 29, 2021 at 04:29 PM.
As I posted in another tread, I got mine on eBay or amazon at a reasonable price. And you have already noted all the great advise and lessons you have found here. My 2-1 shift was the same as yours and is now very smooth with the exception of at high idle. Good luck, TM
I would not buy the cheapest solenoids on eBay, etc.
There are many eBay sellers who are selling OEM knock-off parts complete with OEM logos, but are actually counterfeit.
An online trustworthy seller is pelican parts, they sell the real deal.
Transmission fluid and filter change
