To service your transmission is, basically, to change the transmission filter. This is something you can have done at your favorite Utah auto repair shop, or you might try doing it at home. With the right equipment and a little skill, most people can do this with a transmission service kit.

Start by first draining the transmission fluid. To prevent a lot of cleanup later, you should place an oil pan under the drain plug, before you drain it. With your oil pan in place, you can loosen the plug with a screwdriver and socket set, then pull it out.

The second step is to remove the transmission pan mounting bolts. As you do this, store them somewhere where you can keep track of them. You don’t want to have your job interrupted by a trip to the auto supply center just to buy a bolt that got lost.

Third, carefully look over the inside of the transmission pan and clean it out. While you’re here, you may also want to remove the old gasket to replace it with a new one. You will need gasket cement to do this, which probably came with your service kit.

The fourth step is to take out the transmission filter. You might have to undo some clips or bolts to take it out, though. Put in your new filter and reinstall the transmission fluid pan.

Fifth, you will need to pour new transmission fluid in, making sure to pour the right amount. This is best done with a funnel to prevent spills. Turn on the engine and let it run long enough to warm up the transmission fluid.

Finally, turn the engine off and check the transmission fluid. Make sure that the level is right. Also, check for leaks around where you were working, just in case. Now all that’s left to do is clean up.