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Mini Cooper R56 Auto Transmission Fluid Change

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  #26  
Old 10-03-2018, 10:04 AM
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I dont have a power steering pump. Mine has an electric steering rack. I think we are talking about two different cars. Mine is an R56 Cooper S with the N14 motor. The Bentley Manual shows the torx bolt exactly next to the oil filter housing and the thermostat.
 
  #27  
Old 10-03-2018, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Lex2008
I dont have a power steering pump. Mine has an electric steering rack. I think we are talking about two different cars. Mine is an R56 Cooper S with the N14 motor. The Bentley Manual shows the torx bolt exactly next to the oil filter housing and the thermostat.
working on minis for 4 years, it would be a shame not knowing what i'm talking about. I know it is an electric and that's why i wrote motor. at any rate, i'll share this and leave the topic to you guys.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...l-pump/HfYkp5P
 
  #28  
Old 10-03-2018, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by MiniToBe
working on minis for 4 years, it would be a shame not knowing what i'm talking about. I know it is an electric and that's why i wrote motor. at any rate, i'll share this and leave the topic to you guys.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...l-pump/HfYkp5P
Trust me I hope you are correct. Ill look for that bolt/fill port but ALLDATA shows that "NOTE: Only for vehicles with hydraulic steering gear.".

 
  #29  
Old 10-03-2018, 10:46 AM
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For the r56 N14 with electric steering, the fill plug is here:




 
  #30  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:00 AM
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incorrect my friend. I cracked open my transmission a while back and you might've been part of the discussion. But, that plug opens to a tube from inside to goes somewhere else. I tried filling through that plug (when i was still naive) and most of the ATF spilled out and it took forever.

The plug I showed earlier, opens right to the housing with no restriction what so ever...I dont want to beat the horse to death anymore...keep in mind when you check the fluid level, the plug your pointing at will shoot out the ATF...
 
  #31  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:10 AM
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okey dokes.I will look for the plug you mention. The last thing I wanna do is mess with that buried t55 bolt. Trust me!

The lower bolt can be used to add more fluid when the motor is running?
 
  #32  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:11 AM
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yes sir...I did my countryman and oddly enough a 1999 VW cabrio that way. also that's what the procedure calls for
 
  #33  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:16 AM
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Where were you 2 days ago before I did this!

ok so procedure is: pull t55 bolt ("1" in picture below),



pull drain plug, let tranny run until hits 95-113F using infrared thermometer to transmission pan, then if nothing spills out of stand pipe, add pre-warmed fluid to hole in picture above until it does overflow the stand pipe, then install drain plug again.
 
  #34  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:31 AM
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Here are the instructions MINITOBE references:
 
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  #35  
Old 10-03-2018, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Lex2008
Where were you 2 days ago before I did this!.
I was here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...i-version.html lol
 
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  #36  
Old 10-03-2018, 02:35 PM
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I guess I missed your original thread on where to fill it properly. I have also been using that top plug and pouring it in very slowly. Does the fluid "eventually" make it's way to the pan, i hope?
 
  #37  
Old 10-03-2018, 03:46 PM
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Minitobe, this method worked like a charm! Thank so so so so much!

DONT ANYONE WASTE THEIR TIME TRYING TO FILL USING THE HOLE NEAR THE THERMOSTAT!

Using the fill port at the rear of the transmission, passenger side is so easy. You just need to remove the bottom motor mount and push the motor forward with your knee to be able to get a ratchet and T55 bit to fit between the trans and the electric steering rack. Then you can add while the engine is running. No squirting trans oil.

Thanks for the tip Minitobe!
 
  #38  
Old 10-03-2018, 07:10 PM
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My pleasure, brother. Glad it helped
 
  #39  
Old 10-17-2018, 04:37 PM
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I was just wondering if anyone that has been using Valvoline Max Life Synthetic in their transmissions have had good results so far (going into a 2007 mini)? The "real" Mini stuff can be expensive.
 
  #40  
Old 10-17-2018, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Noahl
I was just wondering if anyone that has been using Valvoline Max Life Synthetic in their transmissions have had good results so far (going into a 2007 mini)? The "real" Mini stuff can be expensive.
This is the REAL stuff for $5 a quart.AISIN ATF0T4 at Rock Auto

 
  #41  
Old 11-09-2018, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bpatrol
I did this on a 07 r56 with a 6 speed automatic aisin transmission.
I replaced the oil with Valvoline max life synthetic. Its available at wal mart or any usual auto parts store. it is about 24 bucks a gallon. It is also Toyota T-IV compatible. It shifts so much smoother and I will probably change it after about 25k.because it was easy
Google you tube where a guy filled it on the side by removing the drivers tire and used a handpump that went directly in the hole he mentioned. way easier then from the top and less messy then from the bottom.
good luck
phillip
i filled up 3 times by waiting overnight till engine cool ...refill thru the 8 pin temp harness in front of tranny.. one 10mm bolt... just be easy with pulling out! push about 3/8 inch plasti hose in... easy no mess!!!
 
  #42  
Old 11-09-2018, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniToBe
incorrect my friend. I cracked open my transmission a while back and you might've been part of the discussion. But, that plug opens to a tube from inside to goes somewhere else. I tried filling through that plug (when i was still naive) and most of the ATF spilled out and it took forever.

The plug I showed earlier, opens right to the housing with no restriction what so ever...I dont want to beat the horse to death anymore...keep in mind when you check the fluid level, the plug your pointing at will shoot out the ATF...
the Aisin tranny has two wire harness going in on front... smaller 8 pin i believe is temp sensor... take out bolt... pull out easy.... use small plastic hose to refill ... no mess... easy no spill ...lean the harness gentle to side to allow the hose to sneak around it... did 3 times... 2007 r 56 cooper... no mess no leaks
 
  #43  
Old 12-14-2018, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 715tt
Hi!

I have just purchased a 2010 Mini Cooper (Non S) and would like to do a transmission fluid change however I had a few questions if someone could help please

1) since NOT all the fluid can be drained and JWS 3309 is not a synthetic fluid, can I still use a synthetic fluid for the partial drain/fill procedure? I mean there any issue with mixing the synthetic with non synthetic...
2) if yes for question 1, would you prefer Redline D4 or Mobil 1?
3) once I do this procedure, when is the next time I should drain and fill again?
4) how many litres/quarts should I be expecting in the pan? how many (1L) bottles should I be getting?

the reason I want to do this is because my car is now about 55k miles and I do notice some jerky shifting. I tried searching lots with mixed opinions on which fluid to use however I would love to hear about your experience and what made your transmission very smooth!

Thank you
Hello,

Did you complete your fluid change? I am experiencing the same issue with my 2010 S (R56) and want to hear how it worked out for you. Did the shifting smooth out? During my most recent service at Mini, I had them inspect it, and they said my transmission is beginning to fail and they do not repair them only replace.

Thanks, TW
 

Last edited by wagnertroya; 12-14-2018 at 07:09 PM.
  #44  
Old 12-14-2018, 04:00 PM
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TW, your transmission is NOT CVT.

In general, you put back same amount that came out. However, aometimes they get over or under filled from the factory.

Navigate through www.newtis.info to find the procedure amd recommendations.
 
  #45  
Old 12-16-2018, 11:41 AM
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Great Thanks,

Any recommendations on a repair shop in the Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond area who can do this service? Or repair my transmission?

Thanks, TW
 
  #46  
Old 01-18-2019, 07:58 PM
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How can I check the fluid level in a 2010 Min Cooper (Non S) Automatic? If it needs Fluid what is the easiest way to add it?
I just did an engine swap, and after reassembly, was able to move the car fwd and back 4 times (about 4 feet).. now it dont move.. and sounds like its low on fluid..
 
  #47  
Old 01-19-2019, 04:38 AM
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You have to take the center drain plug out, no joke. Car needs to be level & fluid at operating temp, that makes a big difference.
 
  #48  
Old 01-26-2019, 09:14 AM
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Slipping Gears after ATF change

Hi there, I need help diagnosing my Automatic Transmission on my 2008 R56 turbo S. I recently got the ATF completely changed after 65,000 miles. After the change I noticed it feels like gears slipping when going from stop to go. (From 0mph to x speed, only occurred in 0-2500 rpms). If the car is already running At consistent street or highway speeds I have no problem. When the vehicle isn’t slipping it feels extremely smooth and silky. It’s only from start to go. How do I know if I have too much atf or need more? Side note: I didn’t feel comfortable after my mechanics job, so I went ahead and drained what I could removing drain plug and overfill plastic tube. When doing so I realized plastic overflow tube is broken, so I have no reference point of when it overflows. Looking forward to your response. Thank you!
 
  #49  
Old 01-26-2019, 04:05 PM
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You should be able to get another overflow tube from ECS Tuning for about $20. The transmission fluid level should be set with the car level with a fluid temp between 95 - 113F. If the temp is too low, the transmission will end up overfilled, too high will result in not enough fluid. Luckily you have an R56 which displays transmission temps through the OBD II port with the right reader. 1st gen aisin auto owner's don't have this option.

There are also adjustments that can be made to the valve body solenoids which might solve the issues.
 
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  #50  
Old 07-30-2019, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Noahl
I guess I missed your original thread on where to fill it properly. I have also been using that top plug and pouring it in very slowly. Does the fluid "eventually" make it's way to the pan, i hope?
Did this question ever get answered? Will filling from the top EVENTUALLY fill it? Apparently, and correct me if I am wrong, there are at least 3 ways to fill a R56 automatic transmission. 1. thru the side with a hand pump 2. thru the t55 torx next to the oil filter/radiator hose and 3. Another T55 torx on top accessible from the passenger side (the preferred way).

I still don't know where the overflow tube is OR if there is more than one 5mm drain plug. I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE EFFORT, but nothing speaks louder or clearer than pictures. The two things I know is everything I know about R56 AT's I learned from this thread and my R56 is in my driveway with no ATF.

A personal tip of my hat to all who contributed to this thread. Thanks
 


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