How to Flush a 700R4 After a Converter Failure

Torque converter failure is possible with any automatic transmission, and will most likely cause the transmission fluid to become overheated and burnt. Burnt transmission fluid will cause a transmission to not shift properly and even slip throughout all gears. It is impossible to remove all transmission fluid without a complete tear-down and rebuild; however, most of the damaged fluid can be flushed out and replaced.

Instructions

Cleaning the Transmission Cooler and Lines

1

Pour the entire contents of the Trans Tune can into the transmission fill tube. Start the vehicle engine and and drive a few miles to circulate the additive. If the vehicle cannot be driven, cycle through all gears for five to six minutes to help cycle the additive through the transmission system. This will help to remove varnish and build up through all off the transmission's valve body and clutch systems.

2

Drive the front of the vehicle onto the vehicle ramps, place the vehicle in park and set the emergency brake.

3

Put on the safety glasses. Place the drain pan under the transmission cooler. Remove both the transmission cooler lines from the transmission cooler with the line wrench set and lower them down into the drain pan to drain. Wait five to 10 minutes to allow the cooler and transmission cooler lines to drain completely.

4

Place the drain pan under the transmission where the cooler lines connect to the transmission. Remove the transmission cooler lines from the transmission with the line wrench set. Once the fluid has finished dripping from the fittings on the transmission, pull the cooler lines and drain pan away from the transmission. Hang the transmission cooler lines vertically over the drain pan and allow them to drip dry.

5

The cooling system should now be clean. Reinstall the cooler lines as they were removed and tighten the fittings using the line wrench.

Cleaning out the Transmission

6

Place the drain pan under the transmission pan. Slowly loosen the pan bolts all the way around with the socket-and-ratchet set, but do not completely remove them. Once the bolts are loose, gently pry down on the edges of the transmission pan by hand; as the seal is broken, fluid will begin to drain. When fluid no longer drains, place one hand firmly on the bottom of the pan and remove all the bolts with your other hand. Slowly lower the transmission pan and pour the remaining fluid into the drain pan. Allow the transmission to drip for at least an hour to ensure as much fluid is drained as possible.

7

Remove the transmission filter by pulling it straight down gently by hand. Let the fluid drain from the filter connecting hole. Visually compare the old filter with the new filter and discard the old filter.

8

Clean the mating surfaces of the transmission and transmission pan. Remove any remaining pieces of old gasket from both the transmission and transmission pan mating surfaces. Clean all transmission fluid from the bottom of the transmission and transmission pan mating surfaces with a rag, and make sure it is completely dry.

9

Install the new transmission filter by gently pushing it into the mounting hole by hand. The rubber grommet around the transmission filter tube will hold it securely in the filter hole. Place the new cork gasket over the transmission pan and ensure all holes in the gasket line up with all the bolt holes in the transmission pan. Raise the pan back into position and thread the pan bolts back into place until hand-tight.

10

Torque the bolts to the manufacturer recommended torque with the small torque wrench. Add eight quarts of transmission fluid through the transmission fill tube. Start the vehicle and slowly drive it back off the ramps, and place the transmission into the neutral position. Set the emergency brake and add two more quarts of transmission fluid. Check the fluid level on the dipstick and add with the remaining two quarts until full, checking the fluid level every half-quart added. Visually inspect the cooler line connections and under the transmission pan for leaks.