The attached was prepared by Fishbone and is a step by step how to change your automatic transmission fluid for the Aisin 6 speed used in both the 1st and 2nd gen cars.

Link to 1st gen thread discussing ATF fluid change: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...change-12.html


Here is a link to the 2nd gen thread discussing ATF fluid change:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3502021

 

Thank You for the detailed procedure to change my mini cooper s convertible transmission fluid. The pictures really help. My husband is going to do it tomorrow and I'll let you know how it goes. What's so weird is since the weather has been unseasonally hot here my transmission has been shifting smoothly.
Or maybe my Mini heard what coming. Ha! Ha!
Thank You,
Audrey

 

clutchless

nice writeup, i have a couple of hopefully helpful comments

1) if you drain the fluid cold after sitting all night (do not start the car before draining ... you must park the car where you will be working) you can get 4.5 to 5.5 quarts to drain out! i got this tip from a friend that owns a transmission shop

2) there is a fill tool available from http://asttool.com and other sources for filling the transmission from underneath via the drain plug, it fills much faster with less mess, there is no need to even remove the filler plug

3) my friend with the transmission shop recommends 30,000 mile changes even if using synthetic fluid

4) my friend also ALWAYS drops the pan to clean the strainer and the pan itself

scott

 

bmwr606: I agree, mostly

1. That is how I changed mine (I sold the MINI in May) but never managed to get more than a couple quarts out at one time, even when jacking the car so it leaned to one side and after removing the overflow thing.

2. I have the VW fill tool. It helps some. It has been discussed either earlier in this thread or the 2nd gen thread. You have to carefully measure what goes in and out and need a hand fluid pump. If the amount you pump in is over the top of the overflow thing, fluid will spill back out while you scramble to install the plug. Be carefull. If someone wants to buy it, I will sell it for $14 shipped. PM me.

3. I agree, I was doing 2 drain and fills every 20,000 miles. 30,000 would be fine.

4. I disagree on this. The internal filter is little more than a window screen, unless you have 100,000 miles and it is your first change, I would leave it alone. I have done this on other cars and never seen much debris. If you have 100,000 I would do a couple drain and fill changes then change the screen/strainer on the third time. I would not try to clean it, that is false economy as they are inexpensive compared to the cost of a transmission. Just replace it. Be sure you know how to replace a transmission pan gasket without stripping the bolts or causing leaks on the installation. There are some good instructions at Pelican Parts linked on prior posts.

 

PM sent for filler adapter

 

These are the magnets from inside the pan. The one on the right I cleaned, the other is what both looked like when I pulled the pan. That about normal?? No metal slivers ....just gunk

 

I'd like to add my 2 cents to this fantastic write-up.

If you have a fluid transfer pump and and a 1/4" air compressor fitting from like those sold at Harbor Freight, you'll really make refilling the tranny a piece of cake.

I'll need to double check the fitting diameter and report back in the morning. It might be 1/2".

fitting: http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-m...lug-68170.html






Transfer pump: http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-u...ump-66418.html

 

There is a much easier way to do this procedure. MUCH easier. See Easiest way