The transmission fluid was starting to get dark and it was taking longer than usual to shift so we thought it would be a good idea to change the transmission fluid and filter. This vehicle has NO drain plug but everything I have read says it's a good idea to change the transmission fluid every 30k-60k miles and because I have done this on several vehicles over my 55+ years of working on cars, I did not think it would be too difficult. WRONG!!!

First, there is NO drain plug so that means the entire plan needs to come off! Well because I was going to do that anyways, I guess that is not a big problem but wasn't planning on taking off a pan FULL OF FLUID!!! Started taking out the pan bolts and as the fluid was running all over my hands, arms and tools while making it's way to the catch basin I find out there is one stupid bolt that is hidden behind the mounting strap for the tail-pipe. These engineers could not have placed it one (1) inch forward so it would be clear???

This bolt I had to turn fifty-six (56) partial turns with an open-ended wrench (yes, I did count) in order to get it out and later back in. The fluid was drained and the pan remounted with new fluid being added and now the transmission slips twice going from 1st to 2nd. I did add a quality transmission additive to the fluid because the vehicle has a bunch of miles but REALLY, ALL I DID WAS REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND NOW IT SLIPS !!! ... and NO stupid drain plug ... UGH...