After you have let the fluid drain for a while, you can remove the transmission filter. Depending on what kind of transmission you are dealing with you may need a socket to do this or you may not. In my case, the filter basically "snaps" in and is not held in place by any bolts. Simply grab the filter and twist it slightly back and forth and then carefully remove the filter. I say carefully because you do not want to damage the seal at the neck of the filterif you can help it!