164 automatic lube change procedure

[JHertzman@domain.elided]

In AD7-609 Bruce Matthews writes: "I am getting ready yo change the automatic 
fluid on a recently purchased 164 L. Reading the owners manual, it states 
that car should be at idle and in park...is that correct...its engine is 
running while changing the trans fluid?"

In AD7-612 Alan Lambert replies "I don't THINK so--------I believe what you 
are reading is the instruction on how to check the level of the fluid."

Bruce read right, that is what the Owner's Manual (1991 model year) says: 
"Fluid change should be performed with the engine at idle, the fluid at 
ambient temperature, and the selector lever at position P."

Perplexity does not stop there, however: the automatic and manual gearboxes 
are not differentiated in the Maintenance Schedule, which says that the 
gearbox and differential oil level should be checked every 20,000 miles and 
changed every 30,000 miles; but in the checking and changing instructions for 
the automatic says the level should be checked periodically, "for example 
with every engine oil check" which one hopes is more often than 20,000 miles.

So Alan Lambert is right on the half that counts- Bruce read right, but "I 
don't THINK so------"

The Shop manual says:

19- GEARBOX AND DIFFERENTIAL OIL CHANGE

b) Automatic Transmission
1. Place vehicle on auto lift.
2. Remove magnetic drain plug.
3. Operate with warm gearbox group, and leave oil to drain for at least 15 
minutes.
4. Reinstall plug and service with prescribed oil.

No mention of leaving the engine at idle. One wonders if there was a problem 
in translation. 

The shop manual is more lavish in maintenance schedules- check at 30,000 
miles, change at 40,000. The Owner's Manual does say in severe driving 
conditions (trailer towing, hot environment, mainly in town, etc) to change 
every 12,500 miles.

Cheers,

John H. 
Raleigh, N.C.

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