Too Slow said:
ok i need to change the oil on my 2002 automatic GT but don't know to much about it. i don't think there is a drain plug, but i'm not sure. does anyone know how hard this is? should i just pay to have it done? and what all do i need when doing this?
You will need 12 qts of Mercon V automatic transmission fluid and a transmission filter. I recommend motorcraft for both of theese as their inexpensive compared to other brands and meet the requirements for your vehicle.
You can do this one of two ways. One, you can drain the fluid through the pan by taking the pan off. Best way to do this is by loosening most of the bolts that hold the pan to the transmission and let it hang somewhat on one side. That will allow the fluid to drain out of one side and make it easier to catch. Once the flow slows down, you then just finish taking the pan off and dumping the rest into the catching container. Then, clean the pan and replace the filter. The filter isnt held in by any screws or clamps so that shouldnt be a problem.
The other way is to loosen the transmission line from the radiator and dump the hose into the container. Next, start the car and let it idle and be sure not to give it any gas. When the car starts, the transmission pump will pump and since the line is open, all the fluid will flow out the line and into the pan. Once the fluid stops flowing, immediately shut the car off. If it runs too long with no fluid flowing through the transmission pump, the transmission pump can suck in air and end up prematurely failing. Once you got all the fluid out and the car shut off, just drop the pan, clean it, and replace the filter.
When replacing the pan, simply tighten each of the bolts down to 90in/lbs. of torque and then refill the transmission through the dipstick tube in the engine bay. You may need a small funnel to accomplish this.