So I've been contemplating how to perform a drain and fill on the 2017 Elantra given the "sealed" system. It requires the car to be on level ground in order to get an accurate reading on fluid level which is a problem for me as I'm 6'4" 240lbs... I don't fit under this small car without it being elevated. The way I see it, I have four options which I'll list and I'd be happy to hear opinions on them.
First Option:
Put the front of the car on ramps and jack up each side on the rear and put it on jack stands. With the rear of the car pushed down due to the front being on ramps and being unable to get the jack to the middle of the rear suspension, I'd be placing the jacks under the springs and the stands under the pinch welds. This would give me an elevated, yet flat car which would give me an accurate reading.
Second Option:
Just jack up one side (driver front- strategically chosen), take out the drain plug, and let the car drop down again. Wait for it to drip out, jack it up, put the drain plug in and remove the fill plug. Replace fluid and wait for it to start dripping out. Jack it up once again (the level check plug is on drivers side, so jacking it up on this side would elevate it and keep the fluid from rushing out- STRATEGERY), replace the level check plug, and call it a day.
Third option:
Put the car on ramps and drain the ATF. Measure what came out and replace that much with new fluid and call it a day (easy, but requires trust that it had correct level to begin with).
Fourth option:
Call and schedule an appointment with Christian Brothers Auto, go get lunch while they do the dirty work, and live with the lingering doubt that they did things correctly. Nothing against them, I just don't know any reputable places near me (new to DFW).
What say you?
First Option:
Put the front of the car on ramps and jack up each side on the rear and put it on jack stands. With the rear of the car pushed down due to the front being on ramps and being unable to get the jack to the middle of the rear suspension, I'd be placing the jacks under the springs and the stands under the pinch welds. This would give me an elevated, yet flat car which would give me an accurate reading.
Second Option:
Just jack up one side (driver front- strategically chosen), take out the drain plug, and let the car drop down again. Wait for it to drip out, jack it up, put the drain plug in and remove the fill plug. Replace fluid and wait for it to start dripping out. Jack it up once again (the level check plug is on drivers side, so jacking it up on this side would elevate it and keep the fluid from rushing out- STRATEGERY), replace the level check plug, and call it a day.
Third option:
Put the car on ramps and drain the ATF. Measure what came out and replace that much with new fluid and call it a day (easy, but requires trust that it had correct level to begin with).
Fourth option:
Call and schedule an appointment with Christian Brothers Auto, go get lunch while they do the dirty work, and live with the lingering doubt that they did things correctly. Nothing against them, I just don't know any reputable places near me (new to DFW).
What say you?