Q: How do I properly install a transmission pan back on?

asked by on October 19, 2016

When putting a transmission pan back on am I supposed to put a gasket maker or something on the gasket or just put some transmission fluid on it and torque it down to it's specification
My car has an automatic transmission.

When installing the pan, the mating surfaces of the transmission and the pan should be clean, dry, and free of debris. To assure a good seal, I will usually use some brake cleaner, acetone, or any other type of solvent that doesn’t leave a residue, on a rag to clean the surfaces. Once dry, I reinstall the pan onto the transmission with a dry, clean gasket.

If you apply transmission fluid to the gasket before installation, you are almost assured to have a problem. This can cause the gasket to leak, or worse, allow it to slide off to the side of the mating surface when tightened.

If you run into any issues, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to inspect and service your vehicle.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Fuel mileage is worse than advertised
Fuel economy has many influences on it which can raise or lower the MPG. Are you calculating the fuel economy figure per tank or off the trip computer? The trip computer is a constant average that might be resettable (see...
How can I stop the paint chipping on my car from killing its value?
The clear coat is a final coat of clear paint which helps protect the color coat on your vehicle. This coat is exposed to many environmental conditions like sun, acid rain, bird droppings, and bug damage. The exposure can cause...
How do I adjust the position of the steering wheel?
The steering wheel in the vehicle is able to move up and down to accommodate drivers of different heights and driving preferences. This not only improves driver comfort, it also positions the airbag to be in front of the driver...
Shaking and revving upon startup.
It is normal for the engine to rev a bit higher than normal when a car first starts up. But, after a few seconds it should come back down to normal. In cold weather, it might stay high for a...
The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.
If you are having no issues turning the key in the ignition lock, the lock assembly should be okay and the actuator pin that links the lock cylinder to the switch may be the problem. Pushing the key in hard...
My car did not start after recently replacing the battery
Hi there. Although we don't currently have mobile mechanics in BC and can't recommend a service we can offer, there are a few things you might want to have a local mechanic inspect. First, on your Nissan Altima, there is...
Hesitates going into gear from start then ok
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by...
I need to replace the harmonic balancer on my 94 buick. Is it ok to drive to go pick up the parts?
If the harmonic balancer is known to be defective, the only prudent course is to not operate the engine until the balancer is replaced. There are at least two risks: 1) the balancer could completely separate causing further damage; and...
How do I find the ignition switch
I would need to know the model of your 2002 BMW to know where the ignition switch is on your vehicle. If the vehicle has a key start on steering column then the switch is on other side of column...

Related articles

What Can Cause a Car to Leak Transmission Fluid?
A A vehicle’s transmission fluid system is closed, which means that the fluid or oil inside can’t escape when things are working properly. Therefore, when vehicles leak transmission fluid, it indicates another problem than just a need to add more...
How a Clutch Engages and Disengages
In In your car transmission, the clutch is a device that works to engage and disengage the moving parts of your drive shaft. For purposes of this discussion, we’ll focus on manual transmissions. The moving parts are the transmission input...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Undercover Cop
If If you're an undercover cop, when you choose a used vehicle, your main purpose is to look like anything but a cop. That means, of course, that an unmarked Crown Victoria is probably not the wisest choice. We’ve evaluated...