I cut my filter open at 50K and could't see anything, here is more info https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/gene...tml#post841968

 

Because you're only draining the fluid which accumulates in the 'pan'. Automatic transmissions have myriad routings for the fluid through the case and valve body which do not drain back when the engine is shut off. Also (and more importantly) the torque converter contains quite a bit of fluid. Most newer cars' torque converters do not have a drain plug. If you really wanted to get most of the used oil out, you'd have to separate the engine from the transmission and drain the torque converter, too.

 

I keep an old 5 quart oil jug handy for these situations. To find out how much to replace i always drain it into my drain pan then poor it into the 5 quart jug and use the measurements from that to figure out how much to poor in. Ive never had a problem and it really eliminates the guesswork.

 

For shits and giggles and the terminally OCD I've done a spreadsheet of the fill schedule and resulting percentage DW-1. This assumes some driving time between fills to mix the fluid (otherwise another drain/fill is probably just draining the good stuff).

 

Guy, the service manual says refill with 2.6 qts. Wonder 3 qts would over fill it and cause over pressured internally of the trany.

 

It's not sealed so pressure isn't an issue. At some point the level of the fluid will start contacting moving parts. Might cause air in the fluid that would degrade its function. I don't think half a quart would do it though.

Also, varying amounts of fluid actually drain, it's not always 2.6 quarts. So have 4 on hand.

 

Thank you. Yes, I found out that it takes about 3 qts to really make it to the top of the line.