Auto transmission fluid Change

[Larv]

My Ram has 54k on it and I'm contemplating flushing out the transmission as I pull a 29' trlr a lot (form ID to the midwest as well as AZ in wintertime) and want to keep the transmission working as well as I can and as long as I can. I've contacted two dlrs and the price was approx $200. One dlr didn't think it was necessary to drop the pan to flush it out. It probably isn't but the filter can't be changed doing it that way and i want the filter changed also. A transmission shop's price was about the same and he did recommend Amsoil rather than the regular ATF. I've seen some posts here re Amsoil and want some opinions. BTW, I've had the ATF and filter changed before but never the flush-out. How often should I have the flush done? I try to change ATF and filter every 15 - 20k at the longest. Opinions? Thanks in advance! Larv

 

[Fireman Dave]

Larv,



The general consensus on here has been to not do the flush. Some guys say it could break things loose and lead to damage. I think that changing the fluid and filter regularly is the best thing. I agree with your thoughts on the filter. Why would anyone flush it and leave an old filter in there? Doesn't make sense to me. Good luck.



Dave

 

[Pit Bull]

DON'T FLUSH

I totally agree with Fireman Dave. The reason they want to flush, it is a lot less work (labor) and they charge more for it. Just continue to do the regular drop the pan and change the filter. I know a transmission consultant that also said that flushing can be a peoblem. You could get luck but why take a chance? My dealer charges $110 to do it the old fashioned way and wanted to do the flush instead for $139. I said no way!!!

 

[Cooker]

I agree, don't flush the transmission. 54k is a little overdue IMO. With my transmission mods I have now, I change the fluid and filter at 12k-15k miles. It is definitely overkill, but I want to make sure I keep it all nice and clean in there.



With a stock transmission I'd recommend 36k or no more than that. 24K would be better if you are towing.



If you are the least bit mechanically inclined, I say do it yourself and save youself some $$$, plus the added bonus is you know it was done correctly. For $25-$35 in parts and 1-1. 5 hours of your time you can get it all taken care of. The only bad thing is it's a little messy. To make it easier and cleaner the next time you can either install a drain plug in your OEM pan or purchase a pan, such as the Mag-Hytec with the drain plug already in it (not to mention all the other benefits of the Mag-Hytec).



Good Luck with whatever route you decide.

 

[rrl989]

Also, unless something has changed, there is a periodic band adjustment required. One band requires a pan drop, other is done from the outside of case. I do my maintenance each 25K miles (Band Adj. , Fluid, & Filter) So far so good.



RonL

 

[Dr.Kayak]

I just did my transmission fluid last night. I put the front wheels up on ramps so that the torque converter would drain. Let it drain over night. I got way over 6 quarts out of it. The service manual says a normal drain and filter changes only requires 1. 5 quarts to refill the transmission. I can't beleive that getting 1. 5 quarts out would even qualify as a fluid change. I recomend doing it yourself... totaly easy.



I also added a double-deep pan. Took 10 quarts to refill!



BTW. . the new 2001 service manual recomends changing the transmission fluid every year. This is twice as often as my friends 99 recomends. Many experts on TRD agree that once a year is worth the cost.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I agree - once a year is a good safe bet. If it's too often, it still doesn't hurt anything. I was able to get about 9 qts out of mine when I changed it.

 

[illflem]

Lets get our terminology straight here. Some places pump out the old ATF replace it with new and call it a flush. This a excellent way of doing it but the pan should be dropped, filter replaced and bands adjusted. It also costs more money. Other places do what they call a flush where the ATF is removed and a solvent is flushed though the system, this is very bad. The hype is that the filter is also cleaned in the process. Most anyone who has had it done has had problems and most good shops don't do it.