There is no drain plug, to make it easy to drain the fluid.

Instead, it is difficult – and messy. Because there is no drain plug.

Like the oil pan, the transmission pan is held in place by about a dozen bolts that have to be removed before the pan can be lowered. But that's not easy, either – especially if you're laying on your back, underneath the car, trying to prevent it – and all the fluid it holds – from dumping out all over you  . . . and all over the garage. There are about 4-5 quarts of oily, lubricious fluid in the pan – and by now some will have spilled and your hands will probably be soaked, along with your hair and clothes, too.

It is likely the pan will slip out of your hands as you attempt to lower it – and all of that fluid will be all over you.