Transmission fluid change (including torque converter)
 

Hi,

Its time for a complete transmission fluid change in my 1997 Sebring Covertible. Has anyone ever done this at home? I don't just want to drop the pan and change the filter. Thats easy. But rather change the fluid in the torque converter as well.

If I were to disconnect the transmission cooler supply line and allow the transmission to pump all the fluid out, is this an acceptable means of change? I sure don't want to fry the tranmission, but I have seen this method done with other manufacturers.

The cooler supply lines are not to difficult to access, so my thinking is that this is an easy way to empty the torque converter, then drop the pan, change the filter, and fill it all back up with fresh fluid.

Any thoughts?

Mark

Chrysler specifies two methods for changing transmission fluid. Dropping the pan and changing the filter is the recommended method. The alternative method is to suck fluid out of the dipstick tube. They do not mention anything about running the transmission dry.
I have had mine done at Valvoline, where they connect a machine up to the cooling lines and simultaneously pump clean fluid in and suck dirty fluid out (through clear tubing where you can see the difference) until it comes out clean. They do not change the filter with that method.
Given that trans fluid is about $5 a quart, there's a great reluctance to waste good fluid in chasing down the last drop of old fluid.