Where Is the Transmission Filter Located?

Q: Where is the Transmission Filter Typically Located?

A: In most vehicles, the transmission filter is located right above the transmission fluid pan and can be accessed by removing the pan.

The transmission fluid pan is located below the transmission, which can be found underneath the vehicle. The filter should be visible once the pan is removed.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: The pan is full of fluid, so you should either drain the pan if it has a plug or carefully remove the bolts so that one corner is lower than the rest of the pan. This enables the fluid to drain out into the pan you’ve placed underneath the transmission.

The transmission filter is responsible for removing contaminants in the transmission fluid so that the transmission fluid stays clean. Without a filter, the transmission fluid will get dirty, hindering its ability to lubricate and cool the transmission, which will cause damage and wear. Dirty transmission fluid can also cause blockages, affecting transmission performance.

If the transmission fluid filter is clogged and restricting fluid flow the torque converter and the control pressure circuits will be starved for fluid. The transmission may take off just fine and then begin to slip before driving very far. This can also cause the clutches to slip and burn out, which will necessitate major work.

To illustrate how to locate the filter, in a 2001 Mazda B3000, it can be accessed underneath the vehicle. The process involves removing the bolts holding the transmission pan, draining the transmission fluid, and removing the pan from the transmission. Once the transmission filter is exposed, simply remove the single bolt holding the transmission filter to the valve body and detach the filter. Some filters may have two or three bolts, and typically there is a gasket or seal between the filter and the place where it is mounted to the transmission or valve body.

Some GM transmission filters simply snap up into the fluid seal with an interference fit on one end and are supported on the other end and the bottom by a molded clip and the transmission pan itself.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good seal for the filter, because if air enters the transmission by way of a leaking filter seal, the air will destroy the torque converter because the air bubbles will go to the center of the torque converter while it is spinning; and with air instead of fluid, the moving parts won’t have lubrication at the center of the converter.

Some transmissions don’t have a transmission oil pan or an easily replaceable filter. On these, you’re just supposed to drain and replace the fluid. Check service information to see if this is the case.

Tips on How to Access the Transmission Filter

When accessing the transmission filter, you typically have to drain and change the transmission fluid. Hence, you need a bucket or some container so that you can catch the fluid that’s going to drain from the transmission pan. Additionally, you might also have to replace the transmission pan gasket. Some manufacturers might have a recommended transmission fluid, so you should check your vehicle owner’s manual and prepare the necessary replacements before accessing the transmission filter.