Question on Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

I have a 2008 mini base hatchback with auto trans. Not paying attention to what I was doing I opened the tranny plug instead of the oil plug. I drained about a quart out before I got the plug back in. My question is about the overflow tube. I must not have one in my tranny because I didn't remove it and the fluid came out. Is there some other bolt or hole to know when I am full when I refill.

__________________
This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here:

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Follow the filling steps from the procedure, except only top up with what is needed from the accidental draining:

Use a T55 Torx bit to remove the fill plug on the transmission. Once removed, you'll want to place a fill hose into the hole. Here's where it can get messy. In our case, I used the hose from a fluid pump. The end of the fluid pump has a small black plastic nipple that needed to be trimmed down with a razor to fit inside the fill port. Additionally, I used a bit of electrical tape around the nipple to create a seal and prevent fluid from leaking out. At the top of the hose, I used a cap from an older bottle of transmission fluid with a fill tube built in. You can also use a funnel. Just remember that you need to gravity fill the transmission. Using a fluid pump will blow fluid out of the fill port, all over the transmission.

The first step to fill the transmission is to heat up the fluid to between 35*-45*C (95 to 113 degrees F). Again, this is critical to getting the level right. The fluid level must be at the correct temperature to register correctly at the overflow pipe. What I did was put the bottles of new fluid into a large sink and turn the hot water on full blast. Eventually, the fluid will be at the right temp.

MINI specifies the use of ESSO JWS-3309 ATF fluid or equivalent. Pelican Parts carries the Febi or Fuchs equivalent brand (part number 83-22-0-402-413). You'll need around 6 quarts to fill the transmission completely.

Now pour the fluid into the fill hole. It may take some time to get all of it inside the transmission. Just keep at it until fluid just starts to creep over the top of the overflow tube in the transmission pan. It's a good idea to get a new, clean drain pan underneath to catch the new fluid draining out so you can re-use it if needed. Once you see the fluid draining out, stop filling the transmission and put the T55 plug back inside the fill hole. This is important. If you forget to put the plug during the next step, fluid will shoot out of the transmission like a geyser.

With the plug in place, start the car, put your foot on the brake, and cycle the car through each gear, holding there for 5 seconds each. This will help to circulate the new fluid through out the transmission. Once you have cycled through all the gears, you'll need to re-fill the transmission. Shut the engine off and make sure the fluid being added is up to operating temperature. Re-fill the transmission until fluid again starts to drip past the overflow tube. Once it stops dripping out, the transmission level is correct. Now re-fit the inspection plug to the bottom of the overflow tube with a new crush washer and torque it 27Nm (20 ft/lbs.). Now all that's left is to lower the car down off the jackstands and you're done.

- Nick