I'm planning on changing the ATF on my 03. The manual says 10.2 qt but not all of it will drain out, right? How much ATF should I have on hand? And is it OK to use synthetic ATF knowing quite a bit of old dino oil is in the transmission?

 

Yes, you will not get all the ATF out of the transmission. The torque converter holds an amount of ATF that you won't get out without preforming a flush of the transmission. I would change your ATF, drive a little then come back and drain and refill. Keep doing that until you feel like you have all the old fluid out.

 

Buy more than you will need and then return what you dont use.

 

Thanks a lot for your replies AK and Spike.
With the change-drive-drain-refill method I am a little reluctant to go with full synthetic as it's going to get expensive fast. I'm also considering Valvoline Max Life. It's probably a little early for my mileage (56k) but I guess it won't hurt anything. Thoughts?

 

Do you know the proper refilling procedure for tranny.
Have a total of 6 bottles of ATF, or 5 and a bottle of Lucas treatment and you will be fine.

 

Thanks Mike I've done a lot of research on this site and I "think" I know the proper procedure. I'm not going to have someone else shifting through gears while I'm under the truck though =P.