How do you change the transmission oil in a Navigator?

Answer 1

For a complete transmission flush change you will need about 16 quarts of oil for a 1998-02. I had mine done not to long ago and I was watching the tech. I am assuming you have bought your oil and filter already, also your washer for the oil pan.

I'll use steps:

1. First under your oil pan for your transmission there is usually a bolt to drain the pan. If you do not have a bolt you'll have to open the pans bolts and tilt it barely to get enough oil out or it will spill!

2. Once the oil is out of the pan remove it and take out the filter. This is a good time to clean the pan. I watched my tech do it, there should be a magnet inside the pan stuck on the bottom, make sure you clean it because it will remove future sludge.

3. On the bottom of the transmission you should see a black round plastic plug, pull the plug out, don't worry if you drained your transmission right it will not spill anything.

4. Turn the transmission with a socket until you see a bolt inside that plug hole, remove that bolt and tons and tons I mean more than the oil you had in your pan will come out.

5. Once that oil is out reinsert the screw inside the transmission. Plug the plug back on the transmission and put your pan on right. Don't over torque it because your seal will break, also a good thing DO NOT USE the cork seal it will leak over time. If you have the metal one reuse that one again. They are more durable.

6. After you got everything back together begin filling the transmission up with oil again from the engine bay. BE CAREFUL THOUGH, IF YOU OVER FILL YOU WILL HAVE TO REMOVE THE PAN TO DRAIN THE OIL AGAIN!! So put at least 8 bottles of oil first then start the engine and let it warm up, for at least 3-4 minutes. If the level of the oil has not met with the dipstick add more oil once you get to about 10-11 quarts take a small trip around the block to get the transmission oil moving, check and add as you go, remember it's always good to be a little under than over! because the oil will heat up and increase in size...

and then it's all done and if you use good oil you will not have to worry about it for another 4 to 5 years. It will be a major, I mean major ride difference, when your at a stop sign or a red light, your car wont jerk or shake because of the heavy oil, well mine at least didn't.

Mine used about 15 quarts of oil. Buy about 17, you can always return them. That's a complete flush, not 1/3 if you just removed the pan and changed that.