Hi All,
I just changed the transmission fluid on my 2001 TL. When I unscrewed the plug, I noticed the teeth on the oil pan are all messed up. About half of the teeth from the oil pan came out with the plug. I probably over tightened it the last time I changed the oil.
Now the ATF oil is leaking at the plug, and I cannot tighten the plug too much because of the missing teeth.
Can someone please tell me how this can be fixed?

Thank you.

 

go to autozone or pep boys they have this thing where you can make new hole with new teeth but you have to use bigger screw. I forget what its called but i had same problem with the oil plug.

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...epair/_/N-26gb

 

Thank you.
I went to AutoZone but they don't have anything that is bigger than 18mm.
Any other suggestions?

 

try other stores, Home Depot, Lowe's, Pep Boys, some kind of hardware store should have it definitively.

 

Thanks. I will try those stores.

Since there are still some good threads (about 1/3) on the inside of the housing, I tried to remove the washer and tighten the plug. The plug went inside fine. I can apply a decent amount of force without slipping. I haven't try putting the ATF yet. My question: Is 1/3 of the threads enough to hold the plug?

 

It should be fine temporarily until you get this fixed. Just make sure you have a good seal with no leaks. It will leak without a washer. But you can use that automotive gasket maker silicone to get a good seal around the plug until you can find a shop that can fix it.

 

Before I read your suggestion, I used a few layers of kitchen tin foil, cut to the shape of the washer. So far, no leak. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Will try your suggestion if it still leak. Thank you.

 

thats crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and asking for all the atf to exit the vehicle