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I always pick a corner of the pan and start loosening bolts there and then work my way out/around until I can pop the pan loose and let it drain from that corner...you're gonna ruin a T-shirt unless you have a good plastic sheet/drop cloth. Let it drain until empty, then remove the catch pan and the bolts. Pan off, change filter, check for shavings on the pan magnet, clean pan and tranny, seat new gasket and rehang the pan. Fluid in from the filler/dipstick tube, check it in Park at operating temp. Bobs your uncle.
From FAQ-How do I check my automatic transmission fluid level?- Start engine and bring it to operating temperature (usually done by driving a several miles). With engine at operating temperature, park on a level surface. Shift the transmission through all the gears, and shift into neutral. Set the parking brake and pop the hood. Check transmission fluid (remember, engine must be running, transmission must be warmed up, transmission must be in neutral, and parked on level ground). Adjust as needed using only ATF+3 or ATF+4, DO NOT OVERFILL! For clarification purposes, the use of "ATF+4" on transmission fluids labeled as such (not to be confused as "recommended where ATF+4 is called for") is strictly licensed from Chrysler. All ATF+4 fluid is synthetic.
Check fluid level in Neutral, not Park, the pump doesn't operate in Park, the reading on the dipstick will not be correct.
