Contrary to some views, automatic transmissions do require oil changes, as transmission oil undergoes a natural ageing process, with the oil wearing out and additive properties diminishing over time. However,  MEYLE says garages do not need to be fearful of the process due to its MEYLE Automatic Transmission Service Kits, which make it far more straight forward. 

Timely changing of transmission prevents damage to the transmission and maintains transmission function and driving comfort. However, many workshops shy away from this vital maintenance procedure. 

Spare parts manufacturer MEYLE offers over 95 oil change kits, which come with all the components required for an oil change including: filters, seals, screws, drain/intake plugs, magnets and the amount of transmission oil the application requires. This reduces stress and saves money, for workshops and drivers alike. The oil change kits range is proving very popular and will be significantly extended to cover more than 11,000 vehicle applications of all common transmission manufacturers, containing all components required for oil changes. 

MEYLE experts have also provided some sound advice to make changes even easier: 

1.    Before you change the oil, read the manufacturer’s instructions about the process and the transmission oil specifications. The wrong gearbox oil can cause gear change issues and gearbox damage.

2.    Scan and back-up the fault memory before changing the gearbox oil using the diagnostic interface and, ideally, print out saved faults. This will help you identify any existing damage and avoid unnecessary servicing.

3.    Lift the vehicle as horizontally as possible on the lift. This allows for accurate oil measurement.

4.    Check the external mechatronic plug-in connector for leaks. If necessary, replace the plug casing and seal, tighten it with the prescribed torque, or check that the plug catch is positioned correctly. Seals and plug casings required are included in the MEYLE kit.

5.    Always replace the sump screw as once-off stress bolts are often used. New oil sump screws are included in the MEYLE kit.

6.    Empty the torque converter. Turn the torque converter to the right position. With some gearboxes you have to remove the additional oil pump to get to the torque converter’s outlet screw.

7.    Fill the torque converter. Run the engine at raised revs of between around 1500 and 2000 rpm, under no load, in neutral, for 20 seconds to fill the torque converter. This applies to a gearbox that does not have an outlet screw on its torque converter.

8.    You can only measure the correct oil level once the transmission oil has reached the prescribed temperature. As per manufacturer instructions. 

9.    Reset adaption values. With some vehicles, the manufacturer stipulates transmission adaption after changing the oil, which is done on a suitable test bed or while driving, using the menus on the diagnostic device.

The above offers a simple overview intended for trained technicians. It does not describe the full process and the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions should be adhered to. 

To assist with identification of the right oil for an application and oil change intervals MEYLE offers a compact poster, which can be downloaded here and a kit finder here. You can also get further advice and video tutorials on the MEYLE’s YouTube channel. 

MEYLE-ORIGINAL oil change kits are part of the extensive MEYLE KITS portfolio. These smart repair solutions save time and money and make mechanic’s everyday work more efficient. They make fitting and repairing much easier and cheaper, optimise lifting platform capacities and result in more satisfied customers. When it comes to developing MEYLE KITS, MEYLE assumes the perspective of the workshop employee and is committed to making workshop operations as efficient and fast as possible.