Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fluid change tranie

[johnharris]

My dealer is telling me I need a Transmission fluid change at 12,000 mi. I don't haul that much, do I need it?

 

[Fireman Dave]

I change mine every spring - which is about 12,000 miles give or take. I do tow quite a bit (about 10,000 of my 38,000 miles are towing), so I like to change it often for peace of mind. It comes out all nice and pink. It looks like it doesn't need to be changed - which is the point. I don't want to see it looking bad. I figure it's cheap insurance (althought the ATF+4 is NOT cheap). I do it myself, so I save money that way.



For you - 12,000 is probably more often than you need to, but it certainly won't hurt it. Maybe your dealer is looking for a little income.

 

[johnharris]

Tran fluid

Thanks for the reply I will get it changed.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

NO by no means should you change your oil at 12K. The xmission is a closed system that does not get the same contaminants as engine oil. If you don't have a problem then don't change it. IMHO there are to many guys out there just wasting good oil. I have a manual xmission, I changed it at 30k. I watched the oil come out as I was looking for telltale metalic flakes. I found none. If I had it to do all over again I would wait till 60K miles.

I live in California. There is plenty of dust and dirt out here. None of it got in my xmission oil. Secondly I have pulled my trailer up some daunting hills and that did not affect my oil either. A oil change at 12k is reiduculous. I changed all my fluids at 30K(radiator, xmisssion and Dana 80). I will not do it again till 100K. Unless of course I am given suspicion that something is wrong.

 

[inarush76]

fluid change

Servicing the trans is more than just changing the fluid. The filter is replaced which traps small sediment and debris created from normal wear, and replenishes the additive package in the fluid that breaks down during use from heat. These additives help with shift quality, parts lubrication, and keeping the trans clean inside. I recommend changes at 12-15,000 miles with regular ATF, or at 30,000 miles with synthetic ATF. Also as regular ATF ages it begins to form acids and sludge, regular servicing prevents this and allows for inspection for excess debris in the pan possibly allowing for repairing a problem before it becomes a disaster.

Comparing a standard to an automatic is apples to oranges. A standard doesn't have a torque converter making all that heat that begins to break down the fluid, as well as standards typically use a heavier lube or a synthetic and do not see the heat that a automatic does. My . 02.



James Northum

DTT installer/dealer/builder

ASE certified

building transmissions since '74

 

[Fireman Dave]

inarush76

Very well said, James.