General Safety Precautions (for both manual and automatic):
* Work in a well-ventilated area. Transmission fluid can be harmful if inhaled.
* Wear safety glasses. Splashes can happen.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Have the correct tools. This includes a socket wrench set, a drain pan, a funnel, new transmission fluid (check your owner's manual for the correct type and quantity), and potentially a torque wrench.
If you have an AUTOMATIC transmission:
1. Warm up the transmission: Run the engine for 10-15 minutes to warm the fluid. This helps it flow better.
2. Locate the transmission pan. It's usually located underneath the transmission.
3. Position the drain pan. Place the drain pan under the transmission pan.
4. Remove the drain plug. Use the correct socket to carefully remove the drain plug. The fluid will drain out – be prepared for a mess! Let it drain completely.
5. Remove the transmission pan. This often involves removing several bolts around the perimeter. Have a drain pan ready, as there will still be fluid inside.
6. Replace the filter (if applicable): Many automatic transmissions have a filter inside the pan. Replace this with a new one.
7. Clean the pan: Clean any debris or old gasket material from the pan.
8. Replace the gasket: Use a new gasket to seal the pan.
9. Reinstall the pan. Tighten the bolts evenly to prevent leaks.
10. Reinstall the drain plug. Tighten it securely.
11. Add new transmission fluid. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct type and quantity of fluid. Use a funnel to avoid spills. Check the fluid level with the dipstick (if equipped). You may need to add fluid in stages, checking the level each time.
12. Run the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes, checking for leaks. Recheck the fluid level and add more if needed.
If you have a MANUAL transmission:
Changing the fluid in a manual transmission is typically more involved and requires a more complete drain and refill, often multiple times, because you cannot easily drain all the fluid from the transmission. This is best left to a mechanic unless you have significant experience working on vehicles.
The basic steps are:
1. Warm up the transmission.
2. Locate the drain plug(s). There's usually a drain plug on the bottom of the transmission. Some manual transmissions may have more than one drain plug.
3. Drain the fluid. Let it drain completely.
4. Locate the fill plug. This is usually on the side or top of the transmission.
5. Remove the fill plug.
6. Add new transmission fluid. You'll likely need to repeat the draining and filling process several times to fully flush the old fluid. This is done by draining some fluid, refilling, running the engine, and then draining again. The quantity of fluid required will vary greatly depending on the transmission model; your owner's manual or a repair manual for your specific transmission is crucial here.
7. Reinstall plugs. Tighten securely.
Crucial Note: You absolutely must use the correct type and amount of transmission fluid for your specific vehicle and transmission. Using the wrong fluid can severely damage your transmission. Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual for your specific 1982 Chevy S10 to identify the correct type and amount of fluid. If you're unsure, take it to a qualified mechanic. Incorrect fluid or improper procedure can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
