eastvantrading

I'm wondering if any one can comment on the feasibility of doing ATF or oil changes without raising the vehicle. I have a jack and stands, but I don't have anywhere flat to do the work safely. It's a bit inconvenient to get to a friend's house every time. I recently did my pressure switches and 1x3 at a friend's and it seemed like I could have done it without raising. Haven't even attempted oil change yet.
Likewise I have reached underneath (without raising) and it seems like I could access everything, but I wasn't actually doing any actual work. I imagine actually turning bolts etc., would be a completely different experience. Everything is stock.

Thanks & happy holidays!

thoiboi

Depends on how skinny and flexible you are really

eastvantrading

Guess I'm out of luck...wish my 5 y.o. had the strength to handle a wrench.

eastvantrading

Where is the engine oil drain / oil filter located relative to the ATF drain? Can't find a good image to show this but it looks like quite a bit further back.

peter6

Filter is right behind front right wheel (pass side). Oil drain is closer to passanger side as well (if I remember correctly).

GreenSpades

You cant even jack it up slightly from the frame under the front end? If it is not safe you could put it up until the tires are just touching and slide the jack stands under at their lowest setting. Never ever ever work under a car without jack stands.

The work in the engine bay is easier without jacking it up and even recommended to get the proper level of fluid in the transmission. But to answer your question, no I would not try to do a transmission fluid change without jack the car up. Is it possible? I guess maybe, but I would never try it.

GreenSpades

IIRC the trans drain plug is about 12"-15" back from the oil drain plug. I would imagine that you could not get enough leverage to get the filter off without raising the vehicle. Maybe with an amazing oil filter wrench.

SocomM4

iTrader: (2)

Ramps? Wheel chocks?

eastvantrading

Yeah, I'd jack it up if I could and use chocks+stands/ramps but I just don't have anywhere flat enough where I feel safe enough to use 'em...

4drturbo

Have you heard of the mityvac? Suck it out. Mityvac 7201 Fluid Dispense/ Evac - Lubrication / Hose Reels
I have another version, but was thinking about going that route on the tranny fluid. Just remove the big bolt up top and suck it out.

thoiboi

You can use the mityvac via the dipstick

Asianemia

If you go to Harbor Freight, I believe their jack stands are like $25. Use a fake picture from google for 20% off and you're good to go. Jack it up using the jack in the trunk.

I'm skinny but can barely fit or get leverage.

MikeTC

Drive your car on top of the curb on the passenger side, this should give you enough clearance to drain the oil and filter. I did this back in the days (30 yrs ago) when I'm too lazy to jack up the car. Not perfect but no floor jack or stand is needed.

ECRD

Jeez stop being cheap and just pay to have it done. Easy.

eastvantrading

This is genius! I'm sure someone will argue it's unsafe, or bad for the car, but I love the simplicity.

eastvantrading

Thanks, this is cool, and would really be handy though a bit pricey in Canada. I wonder if there is a smaller model.
Can the same unit be used for engine oil and ATF oil? I mean, how does one clean something like this to make sure there's no cross-contamination?

MikeTC

This pump for about $20 works well at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ALEKO-BST1017...ump+automotive

thoiboi

Cross contamination ... ?? It's used to just pump out old fluid

Not an issue because you dump the old fluid
I use mine for engine oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid , hickies,

eastvantrading

Right, but isn't there residual fluid in the pump/hoses? Between going from fluids, does it need to be really clean?
Prob not good for the hickies either...

I guess i was referring to the Mityvac - I seems it can be used for both emptying and filling.

thoiboi

Yes. So am I can't be used for filling. MityVAC = vacuum. Sucks. When I'm done using it, I usually dilute some degreaser with water and suck that up to clean the hoses and reservoir

Re: hickies, you'd be surprised

eastvantrading

hmm, the one 4drturbo linked sucks AND blows (but I guess they mean to empty the old fluid...description suggests getting a second unit for filling):

Mityvac 7201 - Fluid Evacuator Plus 2.3 GAL / 8.8 L
Fluid Evacuator Plus, 2.3 GAL / 8.8 L

At the push of a button, this versatile unit changes from vacuum to pressure for evacuating or dispensing fluids. This functionality makes it ideal for draining tanks or reservoirs then pumping the used fluid back out for easy disposal. Multiple units work great, simply evacuate used fluids with one unit, and then quickly refill with new fluid from a second. For superior mobility, the 07201 utilizes a manual pump, so compressed air or electricity is not required. Accessories are included for draining engine oil or transmission fluid directly through the dipstick tubes.

flyromeo3

I have an old set of rotors i use to drive the front wheels on when I dont feel like digging out the floor jack.
That gives me clearance from the passenger side wheel well to remove the oil drain bolt and filter.

just dont forget to chuck the back wheels

thoiboi

Ahh... Apologies for the confusion on my part: this is the one I have Mityvac 7400 7.3 Liter Fluid Evacuator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFJM14..._A5aBybA26P5B3

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

You can dig a hole or saddle a ditch.

Cabin and engine filters.

How much of a incline is your driveway? My driveway is on a slight grade also. I have jacked up the car without issues to do oil changes. Just make sure to engage parking brake and put wheel chocks for the rear wheels

UlsterBoy13

I had same issue at my condo community in Florida, simple solution, i took car to autozone parking lot and worked on it there. also good for fluid disposal and lender tools if something happens. never had an issue.

thoiboi

There's also these garages that rent out bays per hour and have all the tools and lifts you can use.. Something to consider.

eastvantrading

I appreciate all the helpful & creative solutions!

eastvantrading

Driveway is actually flat for 2/3 the car length and then a gentle slope up. If I back in, the front wheels sit on the slope. Even if I put stands behind the front wheels (as the jack points), they sit right where the incline begins.
At least the car can't roll back because it's right up against the wall! You're probably right, I can probably do it if I take precautions but I want to be extra safe.

eastvantrading

I ended up buying one of these. $22 USD plus free shipping, arrived in 2-3 days and am looking forward to trying it out.

So doing an ATF 1X3 is now as simple as pumping out x litres through the fill/dipstick hole and then refilling the same amount?

shownfu

If you have a raised curb, drive one side up the curb. That's enough clearance to get under unless you're a bit rounded.

MikeTC

I changed out my ATF and engine oil with this but it just did not take out enough fluid as more came out when I removed both drain plugs. It works great for my other car but pulling the oil from the top just don't take out enough fluid for the TL in my opinion.

eastvantrading

Yeah, I might use the pump every other time just to save time and keep on top of the changes, especially since my original problem is that I can't find a convenient level place to raise the car.
I realize using the pump also won't give me a chance to inspect & clean off the magnetic drain plug, but I suppose that doesn't have to be done every time either.

MikeTC

Totally agreed if you pump every other time is acceptable.