How do you change a transmission filter on a 2002 Chrysler town and country?

Answer 1

Disclaimer: I'm not a mechanic.

My transmission recently got stuck in 2nd gear and was not engaging in first gear and refused to shift to second gear until warmed up.

I changed the Transmission Fluid and filter and it runs like new. Very easy and inexpensive. It took me 2 hours and $ 30 exluding the ramp, socket and pan.

Needed: Filter and fluid, Ramps, Socket Set with a long(heavy duty) 10mm 6 point socket, fluid pan.

Your local Advanced Auto Part store can tell you what filter and fluid you need. My filter came with instructions and a gasket. If yours doesn't come with a gasket, you will need the high temperature ATV liquid gasket.

1. Loosen the nuts on the transmission fluid pan. When you are at the auto parts store peak at the instructions in the book for your car to see a picture. The pan is probably fused to the car. I gently tapped it with a hammer to break the seal and to allow the fluid to escape. Since the car will be on Ramps, the fluid will leak from the rear. Make sure the nuts towards the rear are loosened more than the front. That will allow the fluid to escape neatly in the rear. Tap lightly as needed. You don't want to wack it.
2. Once most of the fluid is out. Remove the transmission pan. You will now see the filter. Looks like the one you bought. Pry it loose by hand or with a flat-head screwdriver. Be gentle. When removed, more fluid will fall from the car.
3. Now the fun part. If the prior service installed the ATV liquid gasket, you will need to remove it. Use a clean rag, acetone and your finger. Lost of fun. Remove it from the pan and the edge where connected to the car. Make sure the pan is completely clean and you are ready to install the filter and fluid pan.
4. Attach the new filter. There will be two prongs that fit into two holes on the car. Press very firmly until BOTH snap into place. The filter should not be hanging. It will be firmly attached in both places to the car.
5. Oil the gasket, both sides, with transmission fluid install to pan. Re-attach the transmission fluid pan. If you don't have a gasket, follow the instructions to create a gasket with the ATV liquid gasket. Better to buy one with a gasket.
6. Tighten to the specified pressure with an alternating pattern.
7. Once secure, add 3 or 4 quarts of fluid and check for leaks. If no leaks, back the car down and check the fluid level. Add as needed. You will probably need 4 quarts total, but it is good to get 5 so you can add more later.

Your car may run like new. If not, you probably have bigger problems.