how can i change the transmission fluid in a 97 dodge neon?

i am actually doing a 97 dodge neon tomorrow and it is pretty easy. all you have to do is.... look under front of car for your trans pan, looks like oil pan kind of, then unscrew all of the bolts, about 12-18, but do one side at a time because the fluid is going to pour out as you unscrew. then you scrape off any out the old gasket from the car and the pan if any is stuck on, with a putty knife or simular, then after the surface is clean you just put the new gasket between the pan and car and tighten back down. you are supposed to use a torque wrench but i never do, i just tighten lightly until snug, just enough so wont be loose enough to fall of. and as you tighten do one side then the other not all in a row. this way it is evenly tightened. after you do that you just fill it up with trans fluid. you can ask your local parts store for the amount of fluid and the type. mine is type atf+3 and it is 4 quarts. this is the way most people that do it theirselves do it. it changes a little or half of the fluid but works well. when you take it in for the $99 they do all 8 quarts and suck it all out of the whole system, that is why it cost so much and they use a special machine.

PH
August 2006

Get a Haynes manual for this car, either at your local library, or at a parts store for about $18/US.
I can take you through the process here, but it's a bit involved
& the Haynes books have pictures.
18 buckos is a long way from $100, and you'll save much money over the life of this car by buying the book.
Definitely a doable job for even a mildly capable DIY'er.
When you're done, PAY YOURSELF $99. I mean that!!!

Jim
August 2006