A+

After searching thru all the threads I found that you can flush it 3.4L auto out two ways.1-stick a tube down the dipstick and hand pump the old oil out.2-disconnect the tube coming from the radiator and stick it into a 5 gallon bucket and add the new oil in increments.All this is done after changing the 3 quarts from the pan.Is it really safe to keep the engine running (for the hand pump method) to get the oil out or do you do this after the engine is warm?Am I missing anything here or are these methods really that simple?

hypnotoad

if you simply pump the oil out throught he dipstick tube you have not removed the pan, which should be examined for debris and cleaned

you also must change the filter or don't bother changing the fluid

after the pan is replaced and refilled, then take the return line off the radiator and use the engine to pump what's in the pan through the system - keep filling through the dipstick tube so no air gets into the system

tomstin

Before you start take a look at these two articles. The first is an advisory against the suction method. The second is the DIY steps from Amsoil. http://www.amsoil.com/lit/filter_man_council01.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/faqs/faq8.htm

Now, I believe dropping the pan to see what's in there is always helpful. A little "dust" is to be expected, but when you see larger "chunks" you know there is more going on. It does take longer, but I sleep better knowing. Some of our transmission have filters, other screens, I'm not sure anyone has ever put a list together of which models / years. If you have a filter, change it, the screens can be cleaned with break cleaner.

Draining the pan will get about 3 +/- quarts out of a 15 - 16 quart system. The only way to change the fluid is to flush it! I have followed the Amsoil method on two cars without any problems. One suggestion, I made up a dip stick to place in a 5 gallon bucket to keep track of how much pumped out versus poured in. You will NEVER keep up with the pump, and pumping air is not good for the AT. So I ended up stopping several times to "catch up" with the pump. On my Tacoma, I used 20 quarts before I was convinced I got it all.